How to Make Holiday Sugar Cookies
The holiday season is a magical time filled with festive decorations, warm family gatherings, and, of course, delicious treats. One of the most beloved holiday treats is the classic sugar cookie. These buttery, sweet cookies are perfect for decorating and sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, learning how to make holiday sugar cookies is a must. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of creating these delightful treats, from gathering the ingredients to the final step of baking and decorating.
Ingredients
Before you start, gather the following ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Food coloring (optional)
– Icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
– Royal icing (optional)
– Decorations (such as sprinkles, nonpareils, or colored sugar)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done using a hand mixer or a stand mixer.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, and beat until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
6. Divide the dough into two equal parts and, if desired, add a few drops of food coloring to one part to create a fun contrast.
7. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
8. Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them for spreading.
9. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cookies are cool, you can decorate them with icing sugar or royal icing. For a simple decoration, dust the cookies with icing sugar using a sieve. For more intricate designs, use royal icing to pipe on the desired patterns and decorations.
11. Allow the decorated cookies to dry completely before storing them in an airtight container.
Now that you know how to make holiday sugar cookies, you can enjoy these delightful treats throughout the festive season. Share them with friends and family, or use them as a gift to spread holiday cheer. Happy baking!
