Snowflake Sugar Cookies

by

🛒 Ingredients

For the Cookies:
  • 🌾 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 🥄 1 tsp baking powder
  • 🧂 1/2 tsp salt
  • 🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 🍬 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 🥚 1 large egg
  • 🌿 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 🍋 Optional: 1/2 tsp almond extract or lemon zest for flavor
For the Royal Icing:
  • 🍬 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 🥛 2–3 tbsp milk or water (adjust for consistency)
  • 🥚 1 large egg white or 2 tsp meringue powder
  • 🌿 Optional: Blue food coloring or edible glitter for decoration

🍳 Instructions

Prepare the Dough
  1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
    • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients:
    • Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract or lemon zest, if using.
  4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
  5. Chill the Dough:
    • Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Shape and Bake the Cookies
  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Roll and Cut:
    • Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use snowflake-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies.
  3. Bake:
    • Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely on wire racks.
Decorate the Cookies
  1. Make the Royal Icing:
    • In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, egg white, and milk until smooth. Add food coloring if desired. Adjust the consistency for piping or flooding.
  2. Decorate:
    • Use a piping bag with a small tip to create intricate snowflake designs on the cooled cookies. Add edible glitter or sprinkles for extra sparkle.
  3. Set the Icing:
    • Allow the icing to dry completely before serving or storing.

💡 Tips and Variations

  • ❄️ Chill the Dough: Always chill the dough to prevent the cookies from spreading during baking.
  • 🧊 Storage: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
  • 🌿 Flavor Variations: Swap almond extract with peppermint or orange extract for a festive twist.
  • 🥥 Icing Option: Add coconut flakes on top of the icing for a snowy texture.

🍹 Serving Suggestions

Pair these Snowflake Sugar Cookies with hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or eggnog for a cozy holiday treat. These cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges, gifts, or as a centerpiece for your holiday dessert table.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Snowflake Sugar Cookies are not just delicious; they’re also a fun, creative way to celebrate the holiday season. Their delicate designs and sweet flavor make them a hit for all ages and occasions.

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