Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when kitchens fill with the delicious aroma of baked goods and the laughter of family. I absolutely love making *simple Christmas cookies decorated* with my kids. It’s become one of our cherished traditions. We gather around the kitchen table, rolling out dough, cutting out festive shapes, and, of course, getting a little icing on our noses—oops! The joy of decorating each cookie with colorful sprinkles and creative designs is something I look forward to every year.
Trust me, these cookies are not just about the baking; they’re about making memories together. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just looking for a fun activity to do with your loved ones, this cookie decorating session is always a hit. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get started on making these delightful treats that are sure to bring smiles and warmth to your home!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements right here for easy reference.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Royal icing for decoration
- Sprinkles and edible decorations
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because starting with a hot oven helps the cookies bake evenly and rise perfectly. While that’s heating up, let’s get our workspace ready! Grab your favorite baking sheet, some parchment paper (to make cleanup a breeze), and a rolling pin. I also like to have my cookie cutters within reach—you’ll see why in just a bit!
Mixing the Dough
Now, let’s mix things up! In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. This is your dry mix, and it’s important to whisk it well so everything is evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—trust me, this step makes a big difference in texture! Then, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until everything is nicely combined. Finally, gently add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this gradually to avoid any flour explosions—oops! Just mix until it all comes together into a smooth dough.
Rolling and Cutting Cookies
Now comes the fun part! Flour your surface lightly and roll out your dough to about 1/4 inch thick. I always use a little extra flour on my rolling pin too—no one wants sticky dough! Once it’s rolled out, grab your cookie cutters and start cutting shapes. Don’t worry about it being perfect; the beauty is in the variety! If you want uniform thickness, just keep an eye on how thick the dough is as you roll. And remember, you can gather up any scraps, re-roll them, and cut more cookies!
Baking the Cookies
Carefully place your cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between them. Bake those beauties in your preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden, but the centers still look a little soft—that’s how you get that perfect chewy texture! Once baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack before you dive into decorating. This cooling time is essential because you don’t want the icing to melt into a puddle!
Decorating the Cookies
Now for the grand finale—decorating! Grab your royal icing and get creative. You can use piping bags or simply a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off for easy application. Let your imagination run wild! Whether you’re going for simple designs or intricate patterns, this is your chance to make each cookie unique. Don’t forget to sprinkle on those festive decorations! I love to let my kids choose their favorite sprinkles—it adds a personal touch and tons of fun to our cookie decorating sessions!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make these delightful cookies, here are some of my favorite tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels a bit too soft to roll out, don’t hesitate to pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps it firm up, making rolling and cutting a breeze.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also makes for easier cleanup. Win-win!
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. Even a minute too long can turn them from perfectly chewy to too crispy. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool!
- Experiment with Flavors: Want to switch things up? Try adding different extracts like lemon or peppermint to the dough for a fun twist. You could even fold in some mini chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor.
- Get Creative with Icing: When it comes to royal icing, the world is your oyster! You can tint it with food coloring for vibrant designs. Plus, try using different piping tips to create various effects—it’s all about having fun!
- Watch for Spills: While decorating, I sometimes get a little icing happy! Lay down some newspaper or a clean kitchen towel to catch any sprinkles or icing spills. This way, cleanup is quick and easy.
- Have Fun! Most importantly, enjoy the process! Whether you’re baking solo or with family, let creativity flow and don’t stress about perfection. The memories you make will be the sweetest part of all!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re sure to whip up a batch of cookies that not only look good but taste incredible too. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for these delightful *simple Christmas cookies decorated*. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and the size of your cookies, but this should give you a good idea:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
This is just an estimate, but it gives you a little insight into what you’re indulging in. Enjoy these cookies in moderation and savor every bite—they’re made with love!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of flour?
Absolutely! While I stick with all-purpose flour for these *simple Christmas cookies decorated*, you can experiment with alternatives like whole wheat or gluten-free flour. Just keep in mind that the texture might change a bit, so you may need to adjust the liquid ingredients.
How long do the cookies last?
If stored in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to a week. But let’s be honest—once you start decorating, they probably won’t last that long! The flavors often get even better after a day or two.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can! Just wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It’ll last for about three months. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling it out.
What if my royal icing is too runny?
If your royal icing is a little too runny, simply add more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but still smooth enough to pipe easily. If it’s too thick, just add a tiny splash of water to loosen it up!
Can I make these cookies without royal icing?
Of course! If royal icing isn’t your thing, you can use store-bought frosting or even a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Just remember, it might not dry as hard as royal icing, but it’ll still be delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in just about 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute holiday treats!
- Family Fun: Decorating these *simple Christmas cookies decorated* is a wonderful activity to bond with your loved ones. Everyone can get creative!
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the flavors and decorations to match your holiday style. The possibilities are endless!
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in pretty boxes or tins, and you’ve got a delightful homemade gift that everyone will appreciate.
- Deliciously Chewy: These cookies have the perfect chewy texture that pairs wonderfully with the sweet royal icing and festive sprinkles.
- Tradition-Making: Start a new holiday tradition with your family by baking and decorating these cookies together each year.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked and decorated your *simple Christmas cookies decorated*, you’ll want to keep them fresh for as long as possible. Here’s how to store them like a pro!
First, make sure your cookies are completely cool before you store them. If you try to stack warm cookies, they can stick together or get a bit soggy—yikes! Place them in a single layer in an airtight container. If you’re stacking them, I recommend putting a piece of parchment paper between the layers to keep them from sticking. They’ll stay fresh for about a week this way, but trust me, they’ll probably disappear before then!
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll be good for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. No need to reheat unless you want that fresh-baked taste again—just pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to warm them up a bit.
So, whether you’re saving some for later or gifting them away, these tips will help keep your cookies delicious and delightful for everyone to enjoy!
Drucken
Simple Christmas Cookies Decorated: 5 Tips for Family Fun
- Gesamtzeit: 30 minutes
- Ertrag: 24 cookies 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
These simple Christmas cookies are fun to decorate and perfect for the holiday season.
Zutaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Royal icing for decoration
- Sprinkles and edible decorations
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extracts; mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients; mix until combined.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut shapes using cookie cutters and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool completely before decorating with royal icing and sprinkles.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different shapes for variety.
- Feel free to customize icing colors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 10 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cookie
- Kalorien: 120
- Zucker: 6g
- Natrium: 50mg
- Fett: 7g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 14g
- Faser: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterin: 20mg
Keywords: simple christmas cookies decorated
