Holiday Sugar Cookies: A Complete Guide
Introduction
Sugar cookies are a beloved classic, especially during the holiday season. They are not only delicious but also allow for creativity in decoration, making them a fun activity for families and friends. These snowflake sugar cookies are topped with royal icing, festive colors, and a dusting of sugar, making them perfect for winter celebrations.
History
Sugar cookies trace back to 7th century Persia, where sugar was first widely cultivated. They gained popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages and eventually made their way to America through settlers. The Pennsylvania Dutch are credited with developing the modern sugar cookie, which became a staple for holidays, especially Christmas.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
• 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional for flavor)
For Royal Icing:
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tablespoons meringue powder or 2 egg whites
• 5-6 tablespoons water
• Gel food coloring (red and green)
For Decoration:
• Red candy balls
• Edible glitter or powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Cookie Preparation
1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
4. Combine and Chill:
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. Roll and Cut:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use a snowflake cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
6. Bake:
Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are just slightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Royal Icing Preparation
1. In a large bowl, combine powdered sugar and meringue powder. Gradually add water while mixing with a hand mixer on low speed.
2. Increase to medium speed and beat for 5-7 minutes until the icing holds soft peaks.
3. Divide the icing into bowls, add gel food coloring (red and green), and mix until you achieve the desired color.
Decoration Method
1. Base Layer:
Using white icing, outline and flood the cookies with a thin layer of royal icing. Allow this layer to dry for 1-2 hours.
2. Detailing:
Pipe red and green lines across the snowflake for a festive design. Add small decorative dots as needed.
3. Garnish:
Place red candy balls at the center and dust with edible glitter or powdered sugar to mimic snow.
4. Let the cookies dry completely for at least 4 hours before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
• Calories: 120
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 5g
• Protein: 1g
• Sugar: 12g
Benefits of Sugar Cookies
1. Creativity and Fun: Decorating cookies is an enjoyable activity for kids and adults alike, fostering creativity.
2. Perfect for Gifting: Sugar cookies make delightful homemade gifts for friends and family during holidays.
3. Versatile Flavors: The base recipe can be modified with various flavors like almond, lemon, or spices.
4. Celebration of Traditions: Sugar cookies have long been part of holiday traditions, promoting togetherness.
For the Lovers of Baking
If you love baking, sugar cookies are your canvas. They are forgiving for beginners yet sophisticated enough for seasoned bakers to experiment with intricate designs. Whether it’s a cozy evening with family or preparing treats for a party, this recipe will bring joy to everyone involved.
Conclusion
These snowflake sugar cookies are a beautiful blend of taste, tradition, and creativity. The process—from rolling the dough to piping the designs—makes them a labor of love and an excellent addition to any festive occasion. Share them, gift them, or enjoy them with a cup of cocoa. They’re sure to make the holiday season even sweeter.