Christmas Sugar Cookies Decorated Classic Iced Christmas Trees are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. The aroma of freshly baked cookies can fill your home with a sense of warmth and joy, making this recipe an essential part of your Christmas traditions. They are not just a dessert, but a canvas for creativity, providing an opportunity for families to come together and have fun decorating together. Vibrant colors and delicious sweetness make these cookies a standout at any holiday gathering.
Christmas Sugar Cookies Decorated Classic Iced Christmas Trees
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is at room temperature.
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract Can substitute with additional vanilla extract.
- a pinch salt
Icing Ingredients
- powdered sugar for icing
- water for icing
- corn syrup for icing
- food coloring for icing and decorating
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy and pale.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, then divide into two halves.
- Roll out one half of the dough to about ¼ inch thick and cut out tree shapes with a cookie cutter.
- Transfer the cookies to ungreased baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool before transferring to a wire rack.
Icing and Decorating
- Prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar, water, and corn syrup, adding food coloring as desired for decoration.
- Once cool, decorate cookies with icing and sprinkles.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are countless reasons to try your hand at making Christmas Sugar Cookies Decorated Classic Iced Christmas Trees. First, they are incredibly festive, bringing a touch of joy to your holiday celebrations. The cookies are easy to prepare, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, the decorative aspect allows for endless creativity, appealing to both kids and adults.
“These cookies made our Christmas gathering so special! The kids loved decorating them, and they tasted just as amazing as they looked!”
With their soft, buttery texture and sweet flavor, these cookies can easily become a holiday favorite. They also make for excellent gifts, beautifully packaged and shared with friends, family, or neighbors.
The Cooking Process Explained
These delightful Christmas Sugar Cookies are easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings. With a short baking time and simple decoration process, you can whip up a batch in no time. This recipe walks you through each step, from preparing the dough to icing those beautiful tree shapes.
Key Ingredients
Gather these items to get started on your Christmas Sugar Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- A pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar, for icing
- Water, for icing
- Corn syrup, for icing
- Food coloring, for icing and decorating
These ingredients work together to create a fantastic cookie base, while the icing allows for customization and creativity. You can also substitute almond extract with additional vanilla extract if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Step-by-step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy and pale.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, then divide into two halves.
- Roll out one half of the dough to about ¼ inch thick and cut out tree shapes with a cookie cutter.
- Transfer the cookies to ungreased baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar, water, and corn syrup, adding food coloring as desired for decoration.
- Once cool, decorate cookies with icing and sprinkles.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven or after they’ve been decorated. They can also serve as a delightful treat at holiday parties or family gatherings. Pair them with a warm glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa to enhance the festive experience.
Consider arranging the decorated cookies on a beautiful platter or even placing them in festive tins as gifts. Their vibrant colors are sure to attract attention and spread cheer wherever they are served.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To maintain the freshness of your cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s best to separate any decorated cookies with parchment paper to prevent the icing from smudging. If you wish to enjoy them longer, consider freezing unbaked cookie dough; it can last up to three months in the freezer. Simply thaw and bake whenever the mood strikes!
Practical Cooking Tips
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Don’t overmix your dough to preserve the cookies’ soft texture.
- Sprinkle flour on your rolling surface to prevent sticking.
- Customize the colors of your icing to match your holiday decor or personal preferences.
Creative Twists
Feel free to experiment with variations of this recipe. Try adding lemon zest for a citrusy twist or substitute some flour with ground almonds for a nutty flavor. You could also use different icing techniques, such as piping or marbling, to make your cookies even more eye-catching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to prepare and bake these cookies?
A: The total preparation and baking time is around 30-40 minutes, depending on the time spent decorating.
Q: Can I make these cookies in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage.
Q: What can I use instead of almond extract?
A: You can substitute almond extract with an equal amount of vanilla extract for a different flavor.
Q: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
A: Ensure that your butter is softened but not melted, and chill your dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it out.
Q: Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
A: Yes, a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend can be a suitable alternative, though the texture may vary slightly.
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