Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies

Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are not only delicious but also an excellent canvas for creative decorating. Whether you’re hosting a festive party, looking for a fun family activity, or preparing homemade gifts, these cookies will add a touch of winter magic to your celebrations.

What Are Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies?

These cookies are classic sugar cookies with a festive twist. Soft, slightly crisp on the edges, and beautifully decorated with royal icing or buttercream frosting, they evoke the joy and sparkle of a snowy winter day. With their versatile dough and endless decorating possibilities, they’re a must-have for any holiday baking lineup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
• Customizable: Perfect for any shape, color, or design you can imagine.
• Holiday-Perfect: Ideal for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or as thoughtful homemade gifts.
• Kid-Friendly: A great activity to enjoy with little helpers who will love cutting out shapes and decorating.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

For Decorating

• Royal icing or buttercream frosting
• Assorted sprinkles, edible glitter, or food coloring

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Mixing and Shaping

4. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes like snowflakes, stars, or trees.

Baking

6. Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

Decorating

9. Use royal icing or buttercream frosting to decorate your cookies. Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or food coloring to create a winter wonderland theme.
10. Allow the decorations to set before serving or storing.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a warm mug of hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy experience.
• Use as edible place cards at holiday dinners—write guests’ names with icing!
• Package in decorative tins for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent smudging.

Freezing Instructions

• Unbaked Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
• Baked Cookies: Freeze undecorated cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Decorate after thawing.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
• Vegan: Use plant-based butter, a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water), and vegan frosting.
• Flavored Variations: Add 1 tsp almond extract or peppermint extract for a festive flavor twist.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance. Keep it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator until ready to use.

What’s the best way to roll out the dough evenly?
Use rolling pin rings or place two dowels of equal thickness on either side of the dough for consistent results.

How do I make the cookies softer?
Reduce the baking time slightly and ensure the dough isn’t overworked to maintain a tender texture.

Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies bring joy to any occasion with their delicious flavor and endless decorating possibilities. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with loved ones, they’ll quickly become a holiday favorite. Ready to create your winter wonderland? Try this recipe and share your festive creations with friends and family!

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