Introduction
In the world of holiday baking, sugar cookies hold a special place in both tradition and taste. There’s something undeniably delightful about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air, prompting memories of festive gatherings, family celebrations, and joyous occasions. These Ultimate Holiday Sugar Cookies are not only easy to make but also perfect for any festive occasion. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, a winter gathering, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies are a wonderful choice.
With their buttery sweetness and delightful texture, they can be beautifully decorated and enjoyed by everyone. Versatile and appealing, sugar cookies can be customized with various toppings and decorations, making them an excellent canvas for creativity. From colorful sprinkles to glimmers of colored sugar, they become edible works of art that showcase your festive spirit. The charm of these cookies lies in their simplicity and the joy they bring to various gatherings and celebrations.
Recipe Overview
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 10 minutes
– Total Time: 25 minutes
– Course: Dessert
– Cuisine: American
– Servings: 24 cookies
– Calories: Approximately 120 per cookie
These Ultimate Holiday Sugar Cookies offer a straightforward approach to creating delicious desserts that are perfect for gatherings. Their tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality combined with customizable decoration options makes them a beloved choice during the festive season. Ideal for sharing with family and friends, these cookies can evoke smiles and create a joyful atmosphere wherever they are served.
Ingredients
– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– 1 large egg, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional for a nutty flavor)
– Colored sugar or festive sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.
3. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color—this should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the cookie texture.
6. Using your hands or a cookie scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
7. Gently flatten each dough ball using the bottom of a glass. If you’d like, sprinkle colored sugar or festive sprinkles on top for a delightful touch.
8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
9. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
10. Gather your loved ones and enjoy these perfect holiday sugar cookies together!
Preheating the Oven
The first step to a successful baking session is preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies start baking as soon as they are placed in the oven. Preheating is vital in achieving the desired texture, as an adequately heated oven promotes even baking, preventing your cookies from becoming too dense or undercooked.
Preparing Baking Sheets
Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper is crucial for preventing the cookies from sticking. This simple yet effective step makes transferring the cookies easier after they are baked while also ensuring they maintain their shape. Parchment paper acts as a barrier, allowing for effortless cleanup and preventing any burnt edges.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the raising agent and salt throughout the flour. Whisking them together enhances consistency throughout the cookie dough. It’s essential to incorporate air into the dry ingredients, which can contribute to a lighter cookie texture.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Importance of Softened Butter
Using softened butter is essential for achieving the right texture in your cookies. It should feel creamy and easily spreadable for optimal mixing with sugar. When butter is at room temperature, it emulates a perfect structure when creamed with sugar, resulting in cookies that are tender and maintain their form during baking.
Mixing Technique
Using an electric mixer at medium speed, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Proper creaming of these two ingredients is foundational in cookie baking, as it helps introduce air into the batter, contributing to its overall rise and resulting in a softer texture when baked.
Incorporating Wet Ingredients
Adding the Egg
Once your butter and sugar mixture is ready, it’s time to add the egg. Make sure it’s at room temperature for better incorporation. The addition of the egg enhances the moisture of the cookies, while also helping to bind the ingredients together. This step is crucial to achieve that perfect dough consistency that holds shape while baking.
Flavor Enhancements
Alongside the egg, you’ll be adding the pure vanilla extract and, if desired, almond extract. These flavor enhancers contribute depth and a hint of nutty sweetness that complements the overall taste of the cookies. The vanilla extract brings warmth, while almond extract provides a unique twist that can elevate the simple joy of traditional sugar cookies to new heights.
As you mix the wet ingredients, ensure everything is fully incorporated, creating a smooth and rich batter that will serve as the foundation for your delightful holiday cookies.
Adding the Pure Vanilla Extract
When it comes to baking, the importance of vanilla extract cannot be overstated. Pure vanilla extract adds a rich, aromatic essence that enhances the overall flavor profile of your Ultimate Holiday Sugar Cookies. Its addition deepens the sweetness and creates a well-rounded taste that’s sure to please your palate. For those who enjoy a hint of nuttiness in their treats, the optional almond extract is a perfect choice. It blends seamlessly with the vanilla and provides a different layer of flavor, making your cookies stand out even more.
Incorporating the Extracts
As you incorporate both the pure vanilla extract and the optional almond extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, beat the mixture until everything is fully combined. Take care to not overmix at this stage; you want your ingredients to come together harmoniously without losing airiness.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
The next step in the cookie-making process is to combine the wet and dry ingredients. This is a pivotal moment in cookie preparation as it sets the stage for texture and flavor.
Gradual Mixing
To achieve the best results, carefully add the previously prepared dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Using a low mixing speed, incorporate the flour a little at a time, allowing it to blend with the wet ingredients without being overworked. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than the tender ones you’re aiming for. It’s best to mix until just combined; a few small flour streaks are okay.
Shaping the Cookies
Shaping the cookies is where the fun begins! This stage allows for your creativity to shine while ensuring consistent cookie size.
Rolling the Dough
Using either your hands or a cookie scoop, roll the dough into uniform 1-inch balls. This isn’t just a visual appeal; uniform size means even baking. If some are larger than others, they will bake at different rates, resulting in some cookies being undercooked while others may end up being too crispy.
Spacing and Flattening
Once you’ve rolled the dough balls, carefully place them on your lined baking sheets, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each ball. This space is crucial as the cookies will spread naturally while baking. To create an even thickness—which ultimately contributes to uniform baking—gently flatten each dough ball using the bottom of a glass. This technique will also help the cookies to rise properly as they bake in the oven.
Decorating the Cookies
Decorating your freshly shaped cookies not only makes them visually appealing but also adds an element of festive flair that is perfect for the holiday season.
Using Colored Sugar
Before popping the cookies into the oven, consider enhancing their appearance with colored sugar or festive sprinkles. Sprinkling these on top gives each cookie a cheerful and whimsical touch. Not only do the colors pop, but they also add a delightful crunch and a bit of extra sweetness when you take a bite.
Alternative Decoration Ideas
If you’re leaning towards an elegant finish, consider dusting the cooled cookies with powdered sugar after baking. Just wait until they have fully cooled; this way, the sugar will stick and look beautiful atop the smooth surface. Additionally, you can get creative by icing them or using food-safe markers to draw festive designs, turning each cookie into a work of art.
Baking Process
Getting the baking process just right is essential for achieving the perfect cookie.
Timing is Key
Once your baking sheets are filled with deliciously shaped dough, it’s time to place them in the preheated oven. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes; this timeframe is crucial as you’ll want to watch them closely. The moment the edges turn a light golden brown is your cue to take them out. Underbaking by a minute can lead to soft cookies, while overbaking might yield a hardened texture.
Cooling Techniques
After pulling the cookies from the oven, allow them to rest on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This resting period is significant as it helps the cookies firm up. If you try to move them too soon, they may lose their shape or crumble. Once the time is up, carefully transfer the cookies to wire racks where they can cool completely. Cooling not only enhances the texture but also allows the flavors to settle and mature.
Serving Suggestions
Preparing to serve these delightful cookies can be as enjoyable as baking them.
Presentation Ideas
For a festive display, arrange your cooled cookies on a decorative platter. Surround them with seasonal decorations, like small ornaments or greenery, to create a warm and inviting dessert table that will catch the eye of your guests. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top just before serving can elevate the presentation and give it that extra holiday touch.
Pairing with Beverages
These sugar cookies are incredibly versatile when it comes to beverage pairings. They complement hot cocoa beautifully, balancing the rich flavor of chocolate with their sweetness. They also work perfectly with coffee, providing a delightful contrast to the boldness of the brew. For younger audiences or holiday gatherings, serving them with chilled milk creates a nostalgic treat that everyone will enjoy.
Storage Tips
To make the most of your Ultimate Holiday Sugar Cookies after baking, proper storage is essential.
Keeping Them Fresh
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container, which will help maintain their freshness for several days. This method keeps the cookies soft and delectable, so you can enjoy them throughout the festive season.
Freezing Options
For those who want to prepare ahead or simply save some for later, freezing options are available. Unbaked cookies can be frozen by placing the dough balls on a baking tray in the freezer and transferring them to an airtight container once frozen. Alternatively, baked cookies can also be frozen. Just make sure they’re in a single layer to avoid sticking together. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and bake the dough or let the cookies come to room temperature.
Conclusion
The Ultimate Holiday Sugar Cookies are a festive delight that combines a tender texture with vibrant flavors, creating an experience that is sure to spread joy. With a quick prep and cooking time of just 25 minutes, this recipe is appropriate for any holiday gathering or festive occasion. The combined aromas and tastes encapsulate the spirit of the season, making these cookies a timeless treat.
Ultimate Holiday Sugar Cookies Recipe for Festive Baking
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- colored sugar or festive sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball slightly and sprinkle with colored sugar if desired.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are light golden brown.
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Enjoy your holiday sugar cookies with loved ones!