Festive Traditional Holiday Sugar Cookies with Icing

Festive Traditional Holiday Sugar Cookies with Icing

Recipe Overview:
These charming Festive Traditional Holiday Sugar Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the winter season or any festive occasion. Originating in Europe, these cookies have become a beloved holiday tradition in many households around the world. Their sweet, buttery flavor paired with vibrant icing makes them not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight. The texture is a perfect balance of tender and slightly crunchy, making them ideal for decorating and sharing.

Prep and Cook Times:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (plus chilling)
• Skill Level: Beginner

Serving Information:
This recipe yields about 24 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutter. Serve these cookies at festive gatherings, as gifts, or as a fun activity with family and friends. Pair them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.

Ingredients List:

• For the sugar cookies:

  • 2 ¾ cups (350g) all-purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

• For the icing:

  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons meringue powder (for royal icing) or 2 large egg whites (if using raw eggs)
  • 4-5 tablespoons water
  • Food coloring (optional)

Substitutions:

• Gluten-free: Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose Flour blend.
• Vegan: Replace butter with vegan butter and egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).

Equipment List:

• Mixing bowls (2 medium and 1 large)
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Baking sheets (2-3, ungreased or lined with parchment paper)
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters (star shapes, holiday shapes, etc.)
• Cooling racks
• Wire whisk
• Piping bags or zip-top bags (for icing)

Note: A stand mixer is recommended for easier creaming of the butter and sugar, but a hand mixer will work as well.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the Flour, Baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
   • Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.

2. Combine Ingredients:

   • Gradually add the Flour mixture into the creamed butter mixture. Mix on low speed until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

3. Chill the Dough:

   • Divide the dough into two equal portions and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm. This helps prevent spreading while Baking.

4. Roll and Cut Cookies:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line Baking sheets with parchment paper.
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared Baking sheets.
   • Gather and reroll scraps as needed.

5. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the Baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Prepare the Icing:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder (or egg whites), and 4 tablespoons of water. Whisk until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more water if needed—it should be thick yet spreadable.
   • If using food coloring, divide the icing into smaller bowls and color as desired.

7. Decorate Cookies:

   • Use piping bags or zip-top bags with a small corner snipped off to decorate cookies as desired. Allow the icing to dry completely (about 1-2 hours) before stacking or packaging.

Technique Tips and Troubleshooting:

• Chilling the Dough: Always chill your dough to retain shape during Baking. If you live in a warm climate, consider chilling your rolling surface as well.
• Icing Consistency: For outlines, the icing should be thick. For filling, it should be thinner; add water gradually for desired consistency.
• Common Issues: If cookies spread too much, ensure your butter was at room temperature rather than melted and do not skip chilling the dough.

Plating and Presentation:

To serve, arrange the decorated cookies on a festive platter or in a decorative tin. You can additionally sprinkle some edible glitter or sprinkle for added festivity.

Storage and Reheating Instructions:

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough by wrapping tightly and storing in a freezer bag. When ready to use, let the dough thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling and cutting.

Variations and Customizations:

• Flavor Variations: Experiment by adding different extracts such as peppermint or lemon for a unique twist.
• Add-In Options: Add colorful sprinkles, chocolate chips, or crushed nuts to the dough before chilling for added texture.

Notes on Ingredients and Equipment:

Fresher ingredients lead to better results—opt for fresh Baking powder and pure extracts. If you can find meringue powder, it makes for a stable royal icing ideal for decorating.

Final Touches and Personal Notes:

This sugar cookie recipe is special to me because it has been passed down through my family for generations. The joy of Baking and decorating these cookies together has always been a holiday tradition, filled with laughter and creativity. I encourage you to make this recipe your own and involve loved ones in the process—as every cookie tells a story!

If you try these sugar cookies, I would love to hear about your experience and any twists you made along the way! Share your results or favorite decorating tips!