Snowy Spiced Star Cookies with Royal Icing
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Snowy Spiced Star Cookies are Coming!
Fancy a bit of holiday baking? Ever wondered how to make winter cookies that look and taste like they belong in a Christmas movie? Honestly, me too! My version of these spiced beauties is gonna knock your socks off.
They're totally festive and perfect for sharing... or not, I won't judge!
A Star is Born: The Story Behind These Cookies
These spiced shortbread cookies aren't just any old biscuits. They remind me of my grandma's kitchen, filled with the scent of cinnamon cookies and nutmeg during the holidays.
These stars are inspired by old family christmas cookies recipes. This version is medium difficulty. Chilling the dough takes about an hour, but the active prep is only about 30 minutes.
You'll bake them for 10- 12 minutes per batch. This recipe makes about 24-30 cookies, perfect for sharing or hiding from the family.
Why You'll Love These Festive Cookies
One of the best things? They’re not just delicious; the spices offer a bit of warmth and comfort during the chilly months.
I'd say, go ahead and whip up a batch to impress at your next festive gathering! Or just treat yourself - you deserve it! These iced sugar cookies are great with your favourite winter desserts .
Let's Talk About Icing
I love a good royal icing recipe , don’t you? It is the only way to decorate the festive cookies just as in your dreams.
It’s simple to get right and it's fun to play with different colours and designs, even if you're not a pro cookie decorating .
Getting Ready to Bake: Ingredients & Equipment for Winter Cookies
Alright, let's talk about what you need to whip up these stunning winter cookies . Think of it as your Christmas baking starter pack! Honestly, most of it's stuff you probably already have.
But I'll run through the essentials to create these perfect iced sugar cookies .
Main Ingredients for Spiced Goodness
Here's what you'll need, measured just right for deliciousness.
- For the Spiced Cookie Dough:
- 225g (1 cup) Unsalted Butter, softened. Make sure it's actually soft, not melted! The better the butter, the better the cookies will taste.
- 150g (¾ cup) Granulated Sugar.
- 1 Large Egg.
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract.
- 300g (2 ½ cups) All-Purpose Flour.
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon. Adds warmth.
- ½ tsp Ground Ginger. For a bit of a kick.
- ¼ tsp Ground Nutmeg. My fave holiday spice!
- ¼ tsp Salt. Balances the sweetness.
- For the Royal Icing:
- 3 Large Egg Whites.
- 450g (3 ¾ cups) Powdered Sugar, sifted. Trust me, sift it! No one wants lumpy icing.
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice. Adds a nice tang and helps the icing set.
- Food Coloring (optional). Gel is best!
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life (and Cookies!)
We're making spiced shortbread cookies , so spice is key. Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg are our core trio, but don't be afraid to experiment.
A pinch of cloves or cardamom can add a unique twist. If you're feeling lazy, 1 teaspoon of gingerbread spice mix will do the trick.
No judgement here!
Vanilla extract is a must. It enhances all the other flavors. You can substitute it with almond extract for a slightly different vibe.
If you are after some cinnamon cookies , why not adding half a teaspoon of cinnamon?
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple, Sweetheart!
You don't need a fancy kitchen to make amazing Christmas cookies . Here's what's essential:
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer. To cream the butter and sugar.
- Rolling Pin.
- Star shaped Cookie Cutters. For our Snowy Spiced Star Cookies!
- Baking Sheets.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats. Prevents sticking.
- Piping Bags or Ziploc Bags. For decorating!
- Small Bowls. For icing.
- Sifter. To avoid lumpy icing.
If you don't have piping bags, Ziploc bags with a tiny corner snipped off work just fine. Honestly, I've used them plenty of times.
You can use the back of a spoon for decorating, just get creative. Remember, holiday baking is all about having fun!
Snowy Spiced Star Cookies with Royal Icing
These beautiful spiced shortbread cookies are perfect for winter. They are infused with cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. Think of all the comforting flavors of the season.
A simple royal icing recipe adds sweetness and decorating possibilities. Whether baking for a party or a cozy night, these Christmas cookies bring smiles.
It's like Bake Off in your kitchen!
Prep Steps: The Secret to Cookie Success
Essential mise en place makes baking easier. Honestly, who wants to scramble mid-recipe? Soften 225g of unsalted butter . Measure out your spices! It will save you time later, you know? Remember to wash your hands! We're making festive cookies , not germ carriers.
step-by-step: From Dough to Delight
- Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Use your mixer to combine softened butter and 150g sugar . Beat in one large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract .
- Whisk together dry ingredients. Combine 300g all-purpose flour with 1 tsp cinnamon , ½ tsp ginger , ¼ tsp nutmeg , and ¼ tsp salt .
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix! You'll get tough cookies.
- Chill the dough. Flatten into discs, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour . This is crucial! Trust me.
- Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Preheat oven to 175° C ( 350° F) . Cut out star shapes.
- Bake for 10- 12 minutes . Edges should be lightly golden brown. Don't overbake your gingerbread cookies !
- Make the royal icing recipe . Beat egg whites until frothy. Gradually add 450g powdered sugar . Stir in 1 tsp lemon juice .
- Decorate! Tint icing, transfer to piping bags, and decorate cooled cookies. Let it harden completely. The best part is decorating your iced sugar cookies !
Pro Tips: Cookie Guru Status
Want next level winter desserts ? Chill your dough thoroughly! This prevents spreading, honestly. If you don't have piping bags, use ziplock bags.
Snip off a tiny corner for a makeshift piping tip. Don't be afraid to experiment with your cookie decorating ! It can be therapeutic.
Recipe Notes to Nailing Your Winter Cookies
Alright, so you're about to dive into making these snowy spiced star cookies . Fab! These ain't your bog-standard biscuits. They're special. Here's the lowdown for total success.
Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions
Honestly, presentation is half the battle. After all that effort, you'll want these little stars to shine. For a festive vibe, sprinkle some edible glitter on the iced sugar cookies before the icing sets.
A few strategically placed sugar pearls? Chef's kiss! I love piling them high on a cake stand with a doily underneath.
Super cute for afternoon tea. To drink, I'd go for a creamy eggnog, or a simple hot chocolate, it's classic! You know? A shot of Bailey's in your hot chocolate will work a treat too.
Storing Your Spiced Shortbread Cookies
Right, let's talk storage. Once your winter cookies are decorated and the icing has completely hardened and I mean completely! store them in an airtight container.
They’ll happily keep for up to five days at room temperature. I usually pop a piece of baking paper between layers.
If you want to freeze them, do so before icing. Wrap the un-iced cookies well in cling film then foil.
They'll last for up to 3 months. Defrost fully before decorating, and get decorating, get that royal icing recipe ready.
Variations: Making it Your Own Holiday Baking
Fancy a twist on these festive cookies? No worries, mate!
- Dietary Adaptations: Need a gluten-free version for your coeliac cousin? Easy peasy! Just swap the regular flour for a gluten-free blend. I had to do this once. My auntie's like, "Oh, but will they taste the same?" They were GONE in seconds.
- Seasonal Swaps: If you are short on spices but still want to conjure some festive flavour, add in a tablespoon of orange zest to the cookie dough for a really fragrant christmas cookies .
Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of What You Fancy...
Okay, so let's be real. These are winter desserts , so we're not exactly talking health food here. Roughly, each cookie is around 150 calories, with a few grams of fat and sugar.
However, don't feel bad, it's the holidays. Sometimes, you just need a little something sweet! And, honestly, baking these spiced cookies is good for the soul!
Right, go get those gingerbread cookies and cinnamon cookies baked. I hope these notes help you create amazing, memorable festive cookies .
Honestly, don't be too hard on yourself, if the icing isn't perfect, or the star shapes are wonky. Just have fun! Happy baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
My winter cookies spread too much when baking. What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the dreaded cookie spread! This usually happens when the dough isn't cold enough. Make sure you chill the dough for at least an hour, or even longer. Also, avoid over creaming the butter and sugar. You want it light and fluffy, but not so aerated that it causes excess spreading.
Think of it as the Goldilocks of cookie dough not too warm, not too cold, but just right!
Can I make the spiced shortbread cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough up to 3 days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dough for up to a month. When you're ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight.
This makes these winter cookies a great option for batch baking in preparation for Christmas.
How do I store my decorated winter cookies to keep them fresh?
Once the royal icing is completely hardened, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay fresh for up to a week though they're usually gobbled up long before then! Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the humidity can soften the icing and make the cookies stale.
My royal icing is either too thick or too thin. How do I fix it?
Royal icing can be a bit temperamental, much like a British summer! If it's too thick, add a tiny bit of water (a teaspoon at a time) until you reach the desired consistency. If it's too thin, add a little more sifted powdered sugar, again a teaspoon at a time, until it thickens up.
The consistency should be similar to toothpaste for outlining and a bit thinner for flooding.
Can I substitute the spices in these winter cookies?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with your favorite warming spices. Gingerbread spice mix is a great substitute, or you could try adding a pinch of cardamom or cloves. A little orange zest would also add a lovely citrusy note, making these cookies even more bespoke to your tastes.
Are there any vegan or gluten-free alternatives for these winter cookies?
Yes, you can definitely adapt this recipe! For a vegan version, substitute the butter with vegan butter and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken). Use an aquafaba based royal icing or vegan icing.
For gluten-free cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to add a binding agent like xanthan gum to prevent the cookies from crumbling.
Snowy Spiced Star Cookies With Royal Icing
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 150 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 1g |