Are you looking to make your holiday season even more delightful and festive? Then it’s time to roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake some beautiful Christmas Cookies To Decorate! There’s something magical about getting creative with cookie decorations, from festive sprinkles to intricate icing designs. Whether you plan to hang them on the tree, give them as thoughtful gifts, or simply enjoy them with a cup of cocoa, these cookies are guaranteed to spread joy and cheer.
Christmas Cookies To Decorate
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Assorted colored sprinkles
– Royal icing (store-bought or homemade), in piping bags with small tips
– Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Divide the dough into manageable portions and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
9. Now comes the fun part – decorating! You can get as creative as you like here. Use the royal icing to pipe intricate designs, create patterns, or write messages on the cookies.
10. Add a sprinkle of colored sprinkles while the icing is still wet to give your cookies an extra festive touch.
11. If desired, you can also mix food coloring into the royal icing to create a variety of colors for your decorations.
12. Allow the icing to set completely before storing the cookies in an airtight container. They can be enjoyed for up to a week – if they last that long!
These Christmas Cookies To Decorate are not just a delicious treat but also a wonderful activity to share with loved ones. Gather around the kitchen table, put on some festive music, and let your creative juices flow as you decorate these delightful cookies. Whether it’s a snowy day outside or you just want to add some extra sparkle to your holiday gatherings, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone who enjoys them. Happy baking and decorating!
