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What kind of recipe is it?
Snowflake Sugar Christmas Cookies are a delightful, festive treat perfect for celebrating the holiday season.
These cookies are known for their beautiful snowflake shapes and soft, buttery texture that melts in your mouth. Decorated with vibrant icing and sparkling sugar, they not only taste delicious but also serve as stunning decorations for holiday gatherings.
Ideal for families, baking enthusiasts, and anyone looking to spread holiday cheer, this recipe is a wonderful way to create lasting memories in the kitchen while enjoying a sweet treat.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ¾ cups |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 ¾ cups |
| Eggs | 1 large |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Almond extract (optional) | ½ teaspoon |
| Powdered sugar (for icing) | 3 cups |
| Milk (for icing) | 2-3 tablespoons |
| Food coloring (optional) | As needed (for icing) |
| Decorative sugar or sprinkles | As desired |
Cooking Steps
- Preheat the oven to 175 °C (350 °F), adjusting the oven rack to the center position. Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 345 g (2 ¾ cups) of all-purpose flour, 4 g (1 teaspoon) of baking powder, 2 g (½ teaspoon) of baking soda, and 1.5 g (¼ teaspoon) of salt until evenly combined.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together 226 g (1 cup) of softened unsalted butter and 350 g (1 ¾ cups) of granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Beat in 1 large egg, 10 ml (2 teaspoons) of vanilla extract, and 2.5 ml (½ teaspoon) of almond extract (if using) to the butter-sugar mixture until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed.
- Don’t overmix; the dough should appear slightly crumbly but still hold together.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to handle.
- Once chilled, scoop out dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, rolling into balls approximately 3.5 cm (1.5 inches) in diameter. Place them 5 cm (2 inches) apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft. The cookies should begin to puff slightly but remain pale in color.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the icing by combining 360 g (3 cups) of powdered sugar and 30-45 ml (2-3 tablespoons) of milk in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth and add food coloring if desired.
- Once the cookies have cooled, dip or drizzle the icing onto each cookie, then sprinkle with decorative sugar or sprinkles as desired.
- Allow the icing to set for at least 30 minutes at room temperature before serving or storing the cookies.
- Store cooled, iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Variations
- Lemon Snowflake Cookies: Replace almond extract with 10 ml (2 teaspoons) of lemon extract and add the zest of 1 lemon for a invigorating citrus twist.
- Gluten-Free Snowflake Cookies: Substitute all-purpose flour with 345 g (2 ¾ cups) of a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
- Vegan Snowflake Cookies: Swap the egg for a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use dairy-free butter to create a vegan-friendly version.
- Chocolate Chip Snowflake Cookies: Fold in 170 g (1 cup) of chocolate chips into the dough for a delightful chocolatey addition to the classic cookie.
Tips on plating and presentation
After experimenting with the various delicious variations of snowflake cookies, it’s time to think about how to present them beautifully.
First, I like to choose a festive platter, ideally something in a seasonal color or design that complements the cookies’ icy elegance.
Arrange your cookies in a cascading pattern, stacking some on cake stands for height. Enhance the display with some edible glitter or sparkling sugar for that extra holiday sparkle.
You might also consider adding a few sprigs of fresh mint or rosemary around the edges for a pop of greenery.
Finally, don’t forget to include a small card with the cookie flavors, adding a personal touch that invites your guests to indulge.
Happy plating!
What other dishes can I pair it with?
What pairs perfectly with my snowflake sugar cookies to create a delightful holiday spread? I love serving them alongside festive gingerbread men or cranberry-orange muffins for a colorful and tasty assortment.
You can’t go wrong with a creamy eggnog cheesecake either; its rich flavor complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
For a savory balance, I recommend adding a cheese platter with sharp cheddar and honey-stung goat cheese.
Consider mini quiches or stuffed mushrooms to round out the selection, offering some heartier options.
Finally, a festive fruit tart filled with seasonal berries adds a revitalizing touch.
Together, these dishes create a warm and inviting atmosphere that enhances my snowflake sugar cookies and leaves guests craving more!
What drinks can I pair it with?
When it comes to beverages, I like to pair my snowflake sugar cookies with a range of festive drinks that elevate their sweetness. A classic choice is a warm glass of spiced apple cider; the cozy spices complement the cookies perfectly.
If you’re in the mood for something creamy, you can’t go wrong with a peppermint hot chocolate; the minty flavor adds a delightful twist. For a lighter option, I enjoy a sparkling cranberry spritzer; its tartness balances the cookies’ sweetness beautifully.
And of course, a simple cup of eggnog always brings a festive touch to the table. Whichever drink you choose, I promise it’ll enhance your experience and make those cookies even more enjoyable. Cheers to tasty pairings!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do These Cookies Stay Fresh?
These cookies stay fresh for about a week when stored in an airtight container. I love making extras to enjoy throughout the week, and it’s great sharing them with friends and family, too!
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Yes, I can freeze the cookie dough! I usually wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. When I’m ready, I just thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.
What Is the Best Way to Store Baked Cookies?
I store my baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If I want them to last longer, I’ll add a piece of bread to keep them soft. Trust me, it works wonders!
Do I Need to Chill the Dough Before Baking?
Yes, you should chill the dough before baking. I’ve found that chilling helps the flavors develop and prevents spreading, resulting in perfect cookies. Just wrap the dough and pop it in the fridge for about an hour!
Can I Use a Gluten-Free Flour Substitute?
I’ve used gluten-free flour substitutes successfully in my baking. Just make sure you check the blend’s characteristics, as some might need adjustments in liquid or additional binding agents. Happy baking with your gluten-free twist!