Oh, I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love baking during the holidays! There’s something magical about the smell of cookies wafting through the house, especially when I’m making my favorite *round Christmas cookies decorated*. These little gems are not just treats; they’re the centerpiece of any festive gathering! I remember my grandma and I would spend hours in the kitchen, rolling out the dough and decorating each cookie with vibrant icing. It was messy, and let me tell you, icing ended up everywhere (including our faces!), but those moments were filled with laughter and joy. Trust me, these cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends, making memories, and spreading holiday cheer. You’ll want to make a double batch because they disappear faster than you can say “Merry Christmas!”
Ingredients for Round Christmas Cookies Decorated
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delightful cookies! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (sifted for a lighter texture)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature for easy creaming)
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar (for that perfect icing)
- 2 tablespoons milk (to achieve the right consistency for icing)
- Food coloring (to bring your decorated cookies to life!)
Make sure to have everything measured out and ready to go; it makes the process so much smoother and more fun!
How to Prepare Round Christmas Cookies Decorated
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delightful cookies! Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be a pro in no time.
Prepping the Dough
First, you’ll want to mix your dry ingredients. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder until well combined. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this step is crucial because it helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture! Then, beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until everything’s nicely blended. Gradually add in your dry mixture, stirring just until combined.
Shaping the Cookies
Next up, it’s time to shape your cookies! Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into small balls and place them on ungreased cookie sheets. Make sure to space them about two inches apart; they’ll spread a bit while baking. You want to keep them nice and round, so don’t flatten them out—leave that for the decorating stage!
Baking and Cooling
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and pop those cookie sheets in for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are just starting to turn golden, but the centers still look a tad soft—that’s perfect! Once baked, let them cool on wire racks for a few minutes before transferring them; this helps them set up nicely without breaking.
Decorating the Cookies
Ah, the icing! In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens—add in your food coloring and get creative! Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can start decorating them however you like. Drizzle, dip, or spread that icing on and let your imagination run wild. The more colorful, the better!
Tips for Success with Round Christmas Cookies Decorated
Now that you’re on your way to baking these festive delights, here are some tips to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time! First, if you’re out of almond extract, you can use additional vanilla extract or even a splash of peppermint extract for a minty twist. Just remember, a little goes a long way!
When it comes to storage, let your icing dry completely before stacking the cookies to avoid any sticky situations. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or pop them in the fridge if you want them to last a bit longer. If you want to get ahead of the game, you can even freeze the baked cookies without icing for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge and decorate when you’re ready to share the joy!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Keep in mind that the nutritional information can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider these values as estimates. Each cookie comes in at around 150 calories, which is a delightful treat during the holidays! If you’re watching your intake, feel free to adjust the ingredients or portion sizes accordingly. Enjoying these cookies in moderation is key to savoring the festive season!
FAQ About Round Christmas Cookies Decorated
Can I store these cookies and how long do they last?
Absolutely! Once the icing is completely dry, you can stack the cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about a week. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, but they’re usually gone before you know it!
What should the icing consistency be like?
The icing should be smooth and spreadable, not too runny. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk; if it’s too thin, just add a bit more powdered sugar. You want it to hold its shape when you decorate!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
You bet! You can bake the cookies in advance and freeze them without icing for up to three months. Just thaw them out in the fridge and decorate them when you’re ready to impress your guests!
What variations can I try?
If you want to switch things up, consider adding sprinkles to your icing or using different flavors like lemon or peppermint in the dough. You can even try using colored sugar instead of icing for a fun twist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy preparation means you can whip these up quickly, even with little ones helping!
- Festive appeal that brings a splash of color and joy to your holiday gatherings.
- Delicious flavor that perfectly balances sweetness with buttery goodness.
- Customizable decorations let you express your creativity and make each cookie unique!
- A wonderful way to create lasting memories with family and friends in the kitchen.
Call to Action
I’d love to hear how your round Christmas cookies turn out! Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts or any fun decorating ideas you come up with. And if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to rate it! Happy baking!
Imprimer
Round Christmas Cookies Decorated: 5 Ways to Spread Joy
- Temps Total: 40 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious round Christmas cookies decorated with icing.
Ingrédients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls.
- Place on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden.
- Cool on wire racks.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk to make icing, then decorate cookies.
Notes
- Use different food coloring for various designs.
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Let icing dry completely before stacking cookies.
- Temps De Préparation: 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 7g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 1g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: round christmas cookies decorated, festive cookies, holiday baking
