Celebrate the Season: Festive Frosted Sugar Cookies
‘Tis the season for merriment and joy, and what better way to spread holiday cheer than with the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the air? Today, we’re diving into the art of baking the quintessential Christmas treat—frosted sugar cookies adorned with festive decorations.
Embracing Holiday Traditions:
There’s something magical about holiday baking, especially when it involves sugar cookies. These delightful treats, both simple and versatile, allow for endless creativity in both baking and decorating. They’re not just cookies; they’re edible canvases ready to capture the spirit of the season.
The Recipe: Festive Frosted Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
– 3 cups powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– Food coloring (assorted colors)
– Assorted sprinkles or decorations
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
– In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
– In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
– Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Bake the Cookies:
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
– On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
– Place the cutouts onto prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
– Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
3. Prepare the Frosting:
– In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity for desired frosting consistency.
– Divide the frosting into separate bowls and add food coloring to create different colors for decorating.
4. Decorate the Cookies:
– Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe the frosting onto each cookie.
– Decorate with assorted sprinkles, edible glitter, or any festive decorations while the frosting is still wet.
– Allow the frosting to set before serving or packaging these delightful treats.
Picture these Frosted Sugar Cookies —each one a canvas of holiday cheer, adorned with colorful frosting and cheerful decorations. It’s not just about indulging in a sweet treat; it’s about creating memories and spreading joy during this magical time of the year.
Get creative with your frosting designs, involve the family in the decorating process, and let these Festive Frosted Sugar Cookies be the star of your holiday gatherings. Share the joy by gifting these homemade delights or creating a cookie decorating station for loved ones to enjoy together.
Ingredients
- For the Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- For the Frosting:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Food coloring (assorted colors)
- Assorted sprinkles or decorations
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
- Place the cutouts onto prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity for desired frosting consistency.
- Divide the frosting into separate bowls and add food coloring to create different colors for decorating.
- Decorate the Cookies:
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe the frosting onto each cookie.
- Decorate with assorted sprinkles, edible glitter, or any festive decorations while the frosting is still wet.
- Allow the frosting to set before serving or packaging these delightful treats.