Holiday Cookies
Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful holiday cookies, perfect for gifting or enjoying with loved ones. These vibrant, beautifully decorated cookies capture the essence of the season and are ideal for any holiday celebration. Whether you’re baking for a party or simply to enjoy at home, this recipe will guide you through creating a colorful assortment that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– Royal icing (for decorating)
– Food coloring (for icing)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields about 24 cookies. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, with a cooking time of 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each cookie (approximately 30 grams) contains around 150 calories, 7g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, and 2g of protein. This nutritional information is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
7. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
8. Use cookie cutters to shape the dough into festive designs.
9. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
11. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
12. Decorate with royal icing and food coloring as desired.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. Additionally, use egg replacements like applesauce or flaxseed meal for an egg-free alternative.
Serving and Pairings
These holiday cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of cocoa, coffee, or tea. They also make an excellent addition to holiday cookie platters or gift baskets.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not chilling the dough can lead to spreading during baking.
- Overbaking can make cookies hard; watch them closely.
- Using too much flour can create dry cookies; measure accurately.
- Skipping the cooling step before decorating can cause icing to melt.
- Not preheating the oven can result in uneven baking.
Helpful Tips
- Use colorful sprinkles for added decoration.
- Experiment with different flavors in the icing.
- Consider using a pastry bag for more detailed icing designs.
- Always taste the dough before baking; adjust sweetness if needed.
FAQs
What type of flour is best for holiday cookies?
All-purpose flour is ideal for making holiday cookies, as it provides the right balance of structure and tenderness. However, you can also use cake flour for a softer texture.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cookies.
How can I make my cookies more festive?
Add colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or use cookie cutters in holiday shapes. Also, consider using flavored extracts for a unique twist.
Can these cookies be frozen?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze well. Just ensure they are wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container.
What is royal icing, and how do I make it?
Royal icing is a hard icing made from egg whites and powdered sugar. To make it, beat egg whites until frothy, then gradually add powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Conclusion
These holiday cookies are not just a treat; they are a canvas for creativity and a way to spread joy during the festive season. With their delightful flavors and vibrant decorations, they are sure to become a cherished tradition in your holiday celebrations.
Holiday Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Royal icing for decorating
- Food coloring for icing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to shape the dough into festive designs.
- Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack and decorate with royal icing.
