Ah, New Year’s Eve! It’s that magical time when we gather with family and friends, reflecting on the past year while looking forward to the new adventures ahead. One of my favorite traditions is baking a batch of cookies to celebrate, and not just any cookies—New Year 2019 themed cookies! The kitchen fills with the sweet aroma of baking, and before you know it, there’s a colorful array of cookies ready to be decorated. Each cookie becomes a little canvas for creativity, and I love watching my family come together, laughing and sharing stories as we pipe icing and sprinkle fun toppings. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing these delightful treats as we countdown to midnight. So, let’s dive in and create some unforgettable memories (and cookies) this New Year’s!

Ingredients for New Year 2019 Themed Cookies

Before we get our hands doughy, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to whip up these festive cookies! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup icing sugar for decoration
• Food coloring for decoration

Make sure your butter is nice and soft—it’ll help create that perfect, tender cookie texture we all love. And don’t skimp on the vanilla extract; it adds a lovely warmth that enhances the flavor. I like to have fun with the food coloring, too! You can really let your creativity shine when decorating. Let’s make these cookies a true celebration of the New Year!

How to Prepare New Year 2019 Themed Cookies

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get to the fun part—making these delightful cookies! The process is simple, and I promise you’ll love every minute of it. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!

Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect bake! While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder, ensuring your cookies rise beautifully. Just a quick tip: don’t skip the salt—it enhances the sweetness and flavor of the cookies!

Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, we’ll cream the softened butter and sugar together. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer, and beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The texture should be smooth and pale; it’s the key to achieving that soft, tender cookie we all adore. Trust me, this step is worth it!

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is combined. Now, it’s time to gradually add the dry ingredients from your first bowl. I like to do this in thirds, mixing well after each addition. This ensures everything gets thoroughly combined, so no floury bits are left hiding at the bottom! Remember, don’t overmix; just blend until you see no dry flour.

Shape and Bake the Cookies

Now for the fun part—shaping! Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space in between each cookie for spreading. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to turn golden while the centers remain soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a tad underbaked!

Cool and Decorate the Cookies

Once they’re done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period is crucial! You don’t want to rush into decorating while they’re still warm, or the icing will melt away. Once they’re completely cool, grab your icing sugar and food coloring to create colorful designs. Let your creativity flow—these cookies are your blank canvas!

Tips for Success

To make sure your New Year 2019 themed cookies turn out perfectly, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the baking time based on your oven. If you prefer softer cookies, check them at the 10-minute mark and take them out when the edges are just golden. For a crunchier texture, let them bake a minute or two longer.

Also, feel free to get creative with your decorations! Sprinkles can really add a festive touch, so don’t skimp on those. I love mixing different colors and shapes to make them extra special. And remember, if you’re using food coloring for the icing, start with just a drop—you can always add more to achieve your desired hue. Happy baking, and enjoy making these delightful treats!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a little breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for each New Year 2019 themed cookie. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 2g

These cookies are a delightful treat, so enjoy them in moderation as you celebrate the New Year! Happy baking!

FAQ About New Year 2019 Themed Cookies

Got questions about my New Year 2019 themed cookies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I’ve encountered, along with my answers to help you bake these festive treats with confidence.

Can I use a different type of flour?

Absolutely! If you want to try a gluten-free version, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it’s one that works well for baking. You’ll still get delicious cookies!

How do I store leftover cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them—just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before rolling it out to make shaping easier.

What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?

I love using royal icing for a smooth finish, but you can also use simple icing sugar mixed with a little water for a glaze effect. Get creative with sprinkles, edible glitter, or even chocolate drizzle for a festive look!

Can I add flavors to the cookies?

For sure! You can add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest to the dough for extra flavor. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combinations!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oh my goodness, let me tell you why these New Year 2019 themed cookies are a must-make! First off, they’re super quick to prepare—seriously, you can whip up a batch in no time! Whether you’re in a baking frenzy or just want a sweet treat, these cookies fit the bill perfectly.

And can we talk about the decoration? It’s such a blast! You can let your creativity run wild with icing and food coloring. I love seeing how different each cookie turns out, making them uniquely yours. It’s an activity everyone can join in on—kids and adults alike will have a great time decorating. It’s that perfect family-friendly project that brings everyone together!

Not to mention, they taste absolutely delightful! With that perfect balance of sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, you’ll want to keep coming back for more. Plus, they’re just the right treat to ring in the New Year. Imagine serving these colorful cookies at your celebration—guests will be raving about them! So, let’s make this New Year a memorable one with these delicious cookies!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve baked and decorated your New Year 2019 themed cookies, you’ll want to keep them fresh and tasty! The best way to do this is to store them in an airtight container. I recommend layering parchment paper between the cookies to prevent them from sticking together. This way, you can enjoy them for up to a week without losing any of that delightful flavor.

If you find yourself with leftover cookies (which can be a challenge because they’re so good!), you can also freeze them for longer storage. Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for about two months this way. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a bit before serving.

Now, as for reheating, these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you like them warm, you can pop them in the microwave for about 5-10 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it—nobody wants a cookie that’s gone all chewy! Enjoy your festive treats, and may they bring you all the joy of the New Year!