Jolly Good Christmas Sugar Cookies
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered how to make christmas sugar cookies that actually taste as good as they look? these aren't just pretty faces; they're packed with buttery, vanilla goodness! these best sugar cookies would make any christmas table smile.
Brief Overview
Our christmas sugar cookies recipe is inspired by generations of family baking. it is a medium difficulty, perfect for a weekend project.
It requires about 2 hours including chilling, it yields around 24-36 cookies. think love actually levels of cosy!
Main Benefits
Honestly, the best thing is sharing these Perfect Sugar Cookies with loved ones. Baking is a therapeutic activity, this recipe is perfect for bringing a festive spirit and creating lasting memories with a batch of Best Sugar Cookie Recipe !
Best Sugar Cookie Recipe? Buttery bliss awaits. Ready for the ingredients? Let's dive in!
Alright, let's dive into what you need to whip up these cracking christmas sugar cookies ! trust me, having good stuff makes all the difference.
You know, like using proper butter, not that weird spread stuff.
Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty Gritty
Here's the lowdown on what you'll need for the best sugar cookie recipe . i've tried loads of variations, and this combo just works .
It's like the holy grail of xmas baking , innit?
Main Ingredients: Measure for Measure
Okay, listen up! Getting the measurements right is key for perfect sugar cookies . We don't want any soggy bottoms, do we?
- Softened unsalted butter: 1 cup ( 227g , that's 2 sticks for you Yanks) - Quality is key here! Get proper butter, not the cheap stuff. Trust me, you'll taste the difference.
- Granulated sugar: ¾ cup ( 150g )
- Large egg: 1 - Free range if you can, adds a bit more flavour, honestly.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon - Real vanilla, please! Not that artificial rubbish.
- All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups ( 300g ), plus extra for dusting
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon
Now for the royal icing (totally optional, but makes them proper Christmas Christmas sugar cookies !):
- Powdered sugar: 4 cups ( 480g ), sifted. Seriously, sift it!
- Meringue powder: 3 tablespoons
- Warm water: 6-8 tablespoons
- Gel food colouring - Get all the colours so it feels like köstliche desserts .
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life (Gently!)
Honestly, these cutout sugar cookies are fab on their own. But...
- Essential spice combinations: A tiny pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon in the dough adds warmth. Don't go overboard!
- Flavor enhancers and aromatics: A drop of almond extract (instead of vanilla) is lush .
- Quick substitution options: If you're out of vanilla, a teaspoon of rum extract works in a pinch!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need fancy gear for this. Just the basics:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (Christmas shapes, obviously!) - Stars, trees, gingerbread men. The works!
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats - Stops them sticking, like magic.
- Wire rack
- Piping bags or squeeze bottles (for icing) - Sandwich bags with the corner snipped work fine, too!
See? Not too scary, eh? Now you're prepped to make the best sugar cookies ever! Seriously, this Best Sugar Cookie Recipe will become your go to for Christmas Cookie Recipes !
Alright, gather 'round, you lovely lot! 'tis the season for xmas baking , and what's more christmassy than a batch of perfectly decorated christmas sugar cookies ? honestly, there's nothing quite like the smell of these baking in the oven, is there? i have fond memories making this with my family growing up!.
Forget those shop bought things; we're making proper, best sugar cookies from scratch. let's dive in!
Getting Ready: Prep Like a Pro!
Essential mise en place is key, my friends. this isn't masterchef, but being organized saves a right load of time.
Measure out all your ingredients before you start. honestly, it's a game changer. soften that 1 cup (2 sticks, 227g) of unsalted butter .
No one wants rock hard butter battles. time saving tip: use cookie cutters to batch cut shapes on a rolled out dough sheet! safety first: just a quick one, ovens get hot.
Oven gloves are your friends. don't be a hero!
Let's Bake! step-by-step to Perfect Sugar Cookies
Here's how to get these Köstliche Desserts baking:
- Cream together the softened butter and ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar until light and fluffy. I'm talking like, cloud like.
- Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract . Oh my gosh, the smell is already amazing!
- Whisk together 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour , 1 teaspoon baking powder , and ¼ teaspoon salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add those dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix it will make these tough.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour . This is IMPORTANT. No cheating!
- Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness and cut out shapes with your cookie cutters. Now it's looking like christmas cookie recipes !
- Bake for 8- 12 minutes . Watch them like a hawk! Edges should be lightly golden.
Best Sugar Cookie Recipe Pro Tips and Tricks
Want to up your Cutout Sugar Cookies game? Listen up!
- Expert Tip: Chilling the dough prevents spreading. Seriously, don't skip it! For real, it is the only way to get that shape.
- Common Mistake: Overbaking makes them dry. Keep a close eye for the visual cues for doneness.
- make-ahead Magic: You can make the dough days in advance. Just keep it chilled.
So there you have it - the Best Sugar Cookies recipe that'll bring a festive sparkle to your kitchen! Honestly, these are a winner.
Alright, let’s talk about the finer points of these jolly good christmas sugar cookies . these christmas sugar cookies are destined to become a beloved family tradition.
It's like, the unsung hero of xmas baking , you know?
Recipe Notes for the Best Sugar Cookie Recipe Ever!
Time to dive into the nitty gritty. We're not just baking, we are crafting memories.
Serving Suggestions: Pretty Plates & Perfect Pairings
Honestly, presentation is half the battle! think about how you're going to plate these perfect sugar cookies . a simple white plate shows off the colourful icing beautifully.
Maybe sprinkle some icing sugar around for that snowy effect? for drinks, a glass of cold milk is a classic, but a warm mug of mulled wine for the grown ups is always a winner.
If you want to be fancy, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream and some fresh berries. talk about köstliche desserts !
Storage Tips: Keeping That Festive Freshness
These cutout sugar cookies are best enjoyed fresh. store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them from drying out.
They'll stay good for about 3-4 days, tops. if you want to make them ahead, you can freeze the un-iced cookies for up to a month.
Just thaw them completely before decorating. when reheating, you actually should not reheat it, but, if that's your only way out, reheat them at a very low temperature, like 200° f ( 93° c) for just a few minutes to warm them through.
Variations: Let's Get Creative!
Want to mix things up? i got you. for a dietary twist, try using a gluten-free flour blend. it works surprisingly well! you could also add some lemon zest to the dough for a tangy twist.
Or, during autumn, swap out the vanilla extract with pumpkin spice to create pumpkin sugar cookies. this is truly the best sugar cookie !
Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of Indulgence
Okay, let's be real, these are cookies. they're not exactly a health food. but they are a delicious treat! each cookie clocks in around 120 calories, with a bit of protein and some fat and carbs.
The main thing is to enjoy them in moderation, right? remember, it's all about balance, babes.
I hope these tips help you on your journey to bake the best sugar cookies ! remember, baking should be fun, so don't stress too much if things don't go perfectly.
Even slightly wonky christmas sugar cookies taste great and add to the charm of christmas cookie recipes . so get baking and enjoy those jolly good christmas sugar cookies !
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my Christmas sugar cookies spreading when I bake them?
Ah, the dreaded cookie spread! There are a few culprits here. First, ensure your butter is softened but not melted. Secondly, chilling the dough is absolutely crucial it allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, preventing excessive spreading.
Finally, make sure your oven temperature is accurate; an oven that's too hot can also cause cookies to spread.
How do I get my Christmas sugar cookies to be perfectly soft?
Soft sugar cookies are the best! The key is not to overbake them. Take them out of the oven when the edges are just barely golden brown. They'll continue to set up as they cool. Also, using a bit of cornstarch in your dough can contribute to a softer texture.
Think of it like adding a secret ingredient for that perfect melt-in-your mouth experience.
Can I freeze Christmas sugar cookie dough or baked cookies?
Absolutely! Freezing is a baker's best friend. You can freeze the dough by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer bag. It'll keep for up to 2-3 months.
You can also freeze the baked and decorated cookies; just make sure the icing is completely set first, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 2 months.
What are some variations I can make to my Christmas sugar cookies?
Let your creativity run wild! You can add different extracts like almond or lemon for a flavour twist. Spice things up with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the dough. Or, for a festive pop, add some finely chopped candied ginger or citrus zest.
And don't forget the power of sprinkles they're not just for kids, you know!
My royal icing is too thick or too thin how do I fix it when decorating my Christmas sugar cookies?
Royal icing can be a bit temperamental, but it's easily fixed. If it's too thick, add water a tiny drop at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If it's too thin, add more sifted powdered sugar, again, a little at a time, until it thickens up.
Remember, the consistency you need depends on what you're doing outlining needs to be thicker, while flooding needs to be thinner. Aim for a consistency similar to school glue for outlining. If flooding aim for shampoo.
How long do these Christmas sugar cookies stay fresh?
Properly stored, undecorated Christmas sugar cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for about 5-7 days in an airtight container. Once decorated with royal icing, they might last slightly longer, as the icing helps to seal them. For optimal freshness, keep them away from direct sunlight and humidity.
They can also be stored in the freezer for 1-2 months.
Jolly Good Christmas Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 120 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 0g |
