The Jolly Holiday Sugar Cookie with Royal Icing Flair
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Craving Something Sweet And Easy To Make?
Ever get that sudden urge for something utterly delicious? Honestly, I do...like all the time! If you're nodding your head, then buckle up, buttercup! These classic sugar cookies are gonna be your new best mate.
Seriously, they're the perfect something sweet and easy to make .
About These Bad Boys
Sugar cookies , bless their little hearts, have been around for ages. They're originally from Pennsylvania and became popular when German settlers brought their recipes over.
This version? It's straightforward, and you can easily make it into your own masterpiece . We're talking medium difficulty here, but don't let that scare you.
It takes about 2 hours from start to finish, and you'll end up with about 24 gorgeous cookies. Think tea parties and after dinner treat.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
These aren't just your average sugar cookies . They're packed with vanilla flavour, and the royal icing recipe is what makes them truly special.
Plus, they're great for any celebration, from Christmas to birthdays! Need holiday baking ideas ? Sorted. Want to impress your mates with the best cookies for a party ? This is it.
Let's Talk Ingredients...
Now, I know what you're thinking: "Is it really worth it?". Trust me, yes . We're talking butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and a dash of vanilla.
The magic comes alive with the royal icing recipe which is the fun part. Don't worry if you run out of vanilla, you can always use vanilla extract substitute baking like a little bit of almond extract for the dough.
It adds a nice twist. Are you ready to make the Best Homemade Sugar Cookies ? Let's get baking!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Baking!
So, you want to make the Best Homemade Sugar Cookies ? Awesome! These soft fluffy cookies are perfect for any occasion.
Honestly, sugar cookies are always a winner. It’s the ideal something sweet and easy to make , let's dive into what you'll need.
I always say, good ingredients make great cookies!
Main Ingredients: Measuring Up!
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (226g) . Your butter needs to be soft. Think room temperature, but not melted. I once used melted butter and the cookies were a disaster!
- Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup (150g) . Plain old granulated sugar does the trick.
- Large Egg: 1 . Just one, straight from the fridge.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Real vanilla extract is best. Quality vanilla extract is key. Don't skimp, you know?
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups (300g) . Make sure it's fresh.
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon (5g) . This is what gives your cookies that soft fluffy cookies texture!
- Salt: ½ teaspoon (3g) . A pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
Royal Icing Time!
- Powdered Sugar: 4 cups (480g) . Sift it! Trust me, you don't want lumpy icing.
- Meringue Powder: 3 tablespoons (45ml) . This makes your icing strong and shiny.
- Warm Water: ½ cup (120ml) . Warm, not hot!
- Gel Food Coloring: As needed. Have fun with it!
Seasoning Notes: Spicing Things Up
For amazing chewy vanilla cookies , stick to vanilla extract . If you're out, try almond extract as a vanilla extract substitute baking . A little lemon zest adds brightness. Experiment!
For the royal icing recipe , remember consistency is key. Think toothpaste for outlining, and a bit thinner for filling.
Equipment Needed: Tools of the Trade
You don’t need fancy gear to make Best Sugar Cookies For A Party . These are the basics:
- Electric Mixer: Stand or hand mixer, either works.
- Rolling Pin: For rolling out your dough.
- Cookie Cutters: The more shapes, the merrier! Perfect for Christmas cookies recipe .
- Baking Sheets: Essential for baking.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking. You could use silicone baking mats instead.
- Mixing Bowls: For mixing wet and dry ingredients.
- Piping Bags: For the cookie decorating tips .
- Spatula: For scraping bowls.
No stand mixer? Use a whisk and some elbow grease! No piping bags? Use a ziplock bag with the corner snipped. We're all about holiday baking ideas here, so get creative!
Cooking Method: Ace Those Sugar Cookies
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good sugar cookie ? They're totally the Best Cookies For A Party , or just a cheeky treat with a cuppa.
They're also fantastic for Holiday baking ideas . Let's dive in!
Prep Steps: The Mise en Place Magic
First things first: Get organized. This is the essential mise en place. It keeps you sane, promise! Soften 1 cup (226g) of butter - not melted! Measure out ¾ cup (150g) of sugar , 2 ½ cups (300g) of flour , and the rest of your ingredients.
Line those baking sheets with parchment paper - that way, cookies don't stick. This way you can prepare also the Best Homemade Sugar Cookies
step-by-step: From Dough to Delight
- Cream together your softened butter and sugar until fluffy . I mean really fluffy!
- Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon (5ml) of vanilla extract .
- Whisk 2 ½ cups (300g) of flour , 1 teaspoon (5g) of baking powder , and ½ teaspoon (3g) of salt in another bowl.
- Gradually add the dry to the wet, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix or you'll get tough cookies.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour . Trust me on this.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Cookie Game
Want those bakery worthy cookies? Try these cookie decorating tips . Chill your dough before rolling it. I know, it's tempting to skip, but don't! It prevents spreading.
Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 8- 12 minutes . Watch for lightly golden edges. Nobody likes burnt cookies.
If you're out of vanilla you can try a Vanilla extract substitute baking with a pinch of nutmeg. It gives that warmth.
Royal Icing Magic
Ready to decorate? This is where the magic happens, I once tried with Royal icing recipe and honestly blew my family minds away!.
Whisk 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons (45ml) meringue powder . Slowly add ½ cup (120ml) of warm water .
Now, divide and color the icing with gel food coloring. Remember aim for "toothpaste" consistency for outlining
Get Baking and Decorating
Baking sugar cookies is all about the fun, so don't stress it!. And you can be sure to have Something Sweet And Easy To Make .
Make a batch of these and enjoy some delicious, festive, Soft Fluffy Cookies or Chewy Vanilla Cookies . If you're feeling ambitious, even gift them as Christmas cookies recipe - they always go down a treat!
Recipe Notes for Your Best Homemade Sugar Cookies
Alright, so you're about to embark on your sugar cookies journey. Awesome! But before you dive in, let’s chat about a few extra bits and bobs that'll really make these cookies shine.
These are best cookies for a party so let's make them great!
Serving 'Em Up Right
Okay, presentation is key, right? I reckon a simple plate with a doily underneath can do the trick. Or, get a cute Christmas plate for a Christmas cookies recipe .
If you're feeling fancy, layer them on a tiered stand proper Bake Off style! For drinks, think milk, obviously.
But something sweet and easy to make like a hot chocolate or even a cheeky glass of Baileys for the grown ups goes down a treat.
Storing Your Soft Fluffy Cookies
Right, so you've baked a mountain of cookies, and now what? These chewy vanilla cookies can happily live in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days .
But for longer storage, pop them in the fridge they'll last for up to a week . Freezing is also an option! Just wrap them individually in cling film, then store in a freezer bag.
They'll keep for up to 2 months . To reheat, let them thaw at room temperature. I avoid microwaving; it can make the icing go a bit weird.
Let's Mix it Up a Bit
Want to get creative? For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. Honestly, some of them are so good you won't even notice the difference.
For a vegan option, you'd need to find an egg substitute and a non-dairy butter alternative. I've tried it, and it's doable, but it takes a bit of tweaking to get the texture right.
Also, think about flavour swaps. Lemon zest during summer months gives you a citrus kick that goes really well with vanilla.
Quick Nutrition Basics
Okay, so sugar cookies aren't exactly health food. Each cookie will clock in at roughly 150-180 calories, with about 8-10g of fat and 18-22g of carbs.
But hey, it's all about balance, isn't it? And a bit of what you fancy does you good! I'd say that the real magic comes from the smile on people's faces when they eat them.
So there you have it! Get baking these Best Homemade Sugar Cookies and don't worry about making them perfect, it's all about having fun and getting into the Holiday baking ideas .
And hey, if you have any other Cookie decorating tips , let me know! It is also possible to substitute vanilla for Vanilla extract substitute baking but I'm not so sure about how tasty it would be.
You are now a PRO!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my sugar cookies spreading too much when I bake them?
Cookie spreading can be a real bummer, right? Usually, it's down to a few things. Firstly, make sure your butter isn't too soft it should be softened, but not melted. Secondly, chilling the dough is crucial; it helps the fat solidify, preventing excessive spread.
Finally, ensure your oven temperature is accurate; an oven that's too low can cause cookies to spread before they set.
Can I freeze sugar cookie dough?
Absolutely! Freezing sugar cookie dough is a great way to get ahead, just like having a batch of scones ready for unexpected guests. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out and baking, and you’ll be ready to go whenever the baking mood strikes!
My royal icing is either too runny or too thick. How do I get the right consistency for decorating my sugar cookies?
Ah, the eternal royal icing struggle! Think of it like Goldilocks and the Three Bears you want it just right. For outlining, aim for a "toothpaste" consistency thick enough to hold its shape, but pliable enough to pipe. For flooding, it should be slightly thinner, about the consistency of school glue.
Add water a tiny bit at a time to thin it, or powdered sugar to thicken it, testing the consistency until you reach your decorating happy place.
How long do decorated sugar cookies last, and what's the best way to store them?
Properly stored, decorated sugar cookies will last for about 1-2 weeks. The royal icing acts as a bit of a preservative! Once the icing is completely set, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the humidity can soften the icing and affect the cookie's texture. Consider layering them between sheets of parchment paper in the container to prevent sticking.
Can I make these sugar cookies gluten-free, and will they taste the same?
Yes, you can! Use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Keep in mind that gluten-free flours can sometimes have a slightly different texture, so you might need to experiment a little. Look for blends that contain xanthan gum, as this helps mimic the binding effect of gluten.
The taste might be slightly different, but with a good blend, you can still create delicious, festive sugar cookies.
Are there any healthier alternatives to traditional royal icing for my sugar cookies?
While royal icing is classic, it's definitely on the sweeter side! For a slightly healthier option, you could try a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk (or lemon juice) it won't be as sturdy as royal icing, but it's less sugary.
You could also experiment with natural food colorings made from fruits and vegetables to keep things a little less artificial. It's all about finding a balance between taste and healthy choices, innit!
The Jolly Holiday Sugar Cookie With Royal Icing
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 170 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 0g |