Oh, there’s just something magical about baking during the holidays, isn’t there? The smell of warm cookies filling the air, the laughter around the kitchen, and the excitement of decorating with loved ones make it all so special. I can’t help but feel a rush of joy when I whip up a batch of these simple Christmas cookies decorated with colorful icing and fun sprinkles. Trust me, this recipe is as easy as it gets! Perfect for kids and adults alike, it’s a delightful way to spread some holiday cheer and create lasting memories with every delicious bite.
Ingredients for Simple Christmas Cookies Decorated
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Make sure to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using, so it creams perfectly.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – This is what gives our cookies that delightful sweetness!
- 1 large egg – Bring it to room temperature for better mixing; it helps everything blend nicely.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Pure vanilla extract adds a warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – This little helper gives our cookies that nice rise.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance all those sweet flavors!
- Royal icing for decoration – You can whip this up easily or buy it pre-made; it’s what makes the cookies so festive.
- Sprinkles or edible glitter – The fun part! Choose your favorite colors to make these cookies pop!
How to Prepare Simple Christmas Cookies Decorated
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, preheating is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out just right. No one wants a cookie that’s crispy on the outside and gooey in the middle!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Now, grab a mixing bowl and let’s cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This step is key because it incorporates air into the dough, which helps our cookies rise beautifully and gives them that wonderful texture.
Step 3: Mix in Egg and Vanilla
Next up, add in your large egg and the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. You want to see a nice, smooth mixture—this is where all those lovely flavors start to meld together, making your cookies extra delicious!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial because it helps distribute the baking powder and salt evenly throughout the flour, ensuring that every bite of cookie is perfectly balanced. Once well mixed, gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until a dough forms.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Once your dough starts to come together, you’ll know it’s ready when it’s not sticky and holds its shape. If it feels too soft, you might want to chill it in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out later!
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Keep it even, so all your cookies bake uniformly. If your dough sticks to the rolling pin, sprinkle a bit more flour—it’s all about finding that perfect consistency! Oops, don’t forget to flour your surface too!
Step 7: Cut Out Shapes
Here comes the fun part! Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Don’t be afraid to get creative—Christmas trees, stars, or even snowmen! Just place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space to spread.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Time to bake! Slide those delightful shapes into the oven and let them bake for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven!
Step 9: Cool and Decorate
Once baked, let your cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. It’s essential to let them cool completely before decorating with royal icing and sprinkles. This way, your icing won’t melt into a gooey mess—yikes! Get creative and have fun decorating; the more colorful, the better!
Tips for Success with Simple Christmas Cookies Decorated
To make sure your simple Christmas cookies decorated turn out just right, I’ve got some handy tips that will elevate your baking game! Trust me, these little details can make a big difference.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels soft and sticky, don’t hesitate to pop it in the fridge for a bit. Chilling helps firm it up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also helps the cookies bake more evenly. It’s a simple step that saves a lot of hassle!
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Every oven is different, so start checking around the 10-minute mark. They’re ready when they’re just golden around the edges—don’t let them get too dark!
- Let Them Cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating. This prevents your royal icing from melting and losing its shape. Plus, it makes for a much more pleasant decorating experience!
- Have Fun with Decoration: Get creative with your royal icing! Use different colors, piping techniques, or even edible glitter to make your cookies pop. Remember, the only limit is your imagination!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a hint of almond extract or citrus zest to your dough for a twist on the classic flavor. It’s a great way to personalize your cookies!
- Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t worry if your first batch isn’t perfect. Baking is all about practice, and every batch is a chance to learn and improve. Enjoy the process!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful and delicious cookies that are sure to impress friends and family alike. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information for Simple Christmas Cookies Decorated
Now, I know you’re probably curious about the nutritional values of these delightful simple Christmas cookies decorated. Here’s a quick breakdown per cookie, so you can indulge without any surprises! Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use.
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
So, as you whip up these tasty treats, keep in mind that a little indulgence during the holidays is perfectly fine! Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share the joy of cookie decorating with family and friends!
FAQ About Simple Christmas Cookies Decorated
Got questions about making these simple Christmas cookies decorated? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries I get, along with my best answers to help you on your cookie-baking adventure.
Can I substitute the butter for something else?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. Just make sure it’s softened to the same consistency for proper creaming.
What can I use if I don’t have royal icing?
No worries! You can use a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk (or water) as an alternative. Just mix until smooth and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a sweet finish!
How should I store the decorated cookies?
Store your decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’re stacking them, place parchment paper between layers to keep the icing intact. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll last for a little while!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the dough before rolling it out. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling it out.
What’s the best way to decorate the cookies?
Get creative! Use piping bags for detailed designs, or you can just dip the tops in icing and sprinkle away. Edible glitter adds a festive touch, and don’t forget about fun toppings like mini candies or chocolate chips!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bake and decorate the cookies a few days in advance. Just store them properly, and they’ll be ready to impress your guests when the time comes!
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to warm dough. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for about 15 minutes before rolling it out. This will help maintain those lovely shapes!
I hope these answers help you tackle your Christmas cookie baking with confidence. Happy baking and decorating! Enjoy every delicious moment!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, perfect for when you need a festive treat in a hurry!
- Fun for Everyone: Decorating these cookies is a blast for both kids and adults, making it a great family activity!
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the shapes and colors to fit any holiday theme or personal preference.
- Deliciously Festive: The taste is just as delightful as the appearance, with a buttery texture that melts in your mouth.
- Perfect for Gift Giving: These cookies make wonderful homemade gifts that friends and family will love!
- Great for Gatherings: Whether it’s a holiday party or a cozy get-together, these cookies are sure to impress your guests!
- Memorable Moments: Baking and decorating together creates lasting memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked and decorated your simple Christmas cookies decorated, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and delicious! Here’s how to store them properly and enjoy them later without losing that lovely texture.
- Storing Cookies: Keep your decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to a week. If you need to stack them, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to protect the icing.
- Freezing Cookies: If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the undecorated cookies! Just let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight before decorating.
- Reheating Cookies: Generally, these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you want to warm them up a bit, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and place the cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This will bring back that fresh-baked taste without making them too soft!
With these storage tips, you can savor your festive creations longer and enjoy every delightful bite! Happy cookie munching!
Z nadrukami
Simple Christmas Cookies Decorated: 7 Ways to Spread Joy
- Całkowity Czas: 32 minutes
- Ustępować: 24 cookies 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A simple recipe for Christmas cookies that are easy to decorate.
Składniki
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Royal icing for decoration
- Sprinkles or edible glitter
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut out shapes using cookie cutters and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool before decorating with royal icing and sprinkles.
Uwagi
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different cookie cutters for various shapes.
- Feel free to customize icing colors.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 12 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cookie
- Kalorie: 150
- Cukier: 10g
- Sód: 60mg
- Kwasy: 8g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 3g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 18g
- Włókno: 0g
- Białko: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Słowa kluczowe: simple christmas cookies decorated
