1. Introduction
Welcome to the world of homemade goodness! As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing more heartwarming than the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. These Frosted Christmas Cookies are not just treats; they’re a festive celebration on a plate. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through each step, ensuring your baking experience is as joyful as the season itself. Perfect for family gatherings, gift-giving, or simply indulging in a cozy evening, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and holiday cheer.
2. Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- For Frosting:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles for decoration (optional)
3. Directions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
4. How to Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are slightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
- Frost the cooled cookies and add sprinkles.
5. Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Bake Time: 10 minutes per batch
- Decorating Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
6. Servings
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters.
7. FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time? A: Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for a month.
Q: How long will the cookies stay fresh? A: Stored in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
Q: Can I use different extracts for flavor variation? A: Yes, feel free to experiment with almond, lemon, or orange extracts.
Q: Are these cookies suitable for allergy sufferers? A: This recipe contains gluten, dairy, and eggs. For allergies, substitute with appropriate alternatives.
Q: Can kids help with this recipe? A: Definitely! Kids can enjoy rolling out dough, cutting shapes, and decorating.
8. Conclusion
There you have it, a simple yet delightful recipe for Frosted Christmas Cookies. These cookies aren’t just a treat; they’re a canvas for your creativity and a way to make memories. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at baking for the first time, this recipe is foolproof and fun. Gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and start a new tradition this holiday season. Happy baking and happy holidays!