Delight in the festive spirit with these Mini Christmas Sugar Cookies! Perfect for holiday celebrations, these bite-sized sugar cookies are easy to make and fun to decorate with colorful icing and sprinkles. With a buttery flavor and soft texture, they’re ideal for cookie exchanges, gifts, or simply enjoying with family and friends.
Ingredients:
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 large egg
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For Decorating:
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring (red, green, etc.)
Holiday sprinkles
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and mix until combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your fingers.
Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth icing. Divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to each, mixing until you achieve your desired colors.
Decorate: Use a spoon or piping bag to decorate the cooled cookies with the colored icing, then finish with festive holiday sprinkles.
Set the Icing: Allow the icing to set before serving or packaging the cookies as gifts.
Serving Tips:
Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a festive platter or in a decorative tin for a lovely presentation. You can also use cupcake liners for an extra touch.
Pairings: Serve these cookies alongside a warm beverage, like hot cocoa, coffee, or eggnog, to enhance the holiday experience.
Cookie Decorating Stations: If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, set up a cookie decorating station with extra icing and sprinkles. This can be a fun activity for guests, especially children!
Gifting: Pack the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons for a sweet, homemade gift that friends and family will love.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 5-7 days. To prevent them from sticking together, you can layer them with parchment paper.
Refrigeration: If you live in a warm climate or if the icing is particularly soft, consider refrigerating the cookies. However, keep in mind that refrigeration may cause the cookies to become slightly firmer.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. To do this:
Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To thaw, simply remove the cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Unfrosted Cookies: If you plan to freeze cookies, consider leaving them unfrosted. You can frost them once thawed for fresher-tasting icing.
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FAQs:
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough in advance! Prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before rolling it into balls and baking.
How can I customize the flavors of the cookies?
You can easily customize the flavors of your Mini Christmas Sugar Cookies by adding different extracts or spices. For example, try using peppermint extract for a minty twist or adding a teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor. Just remember to keep the total amount of liquid ingredients consistent to maintain the dough’s texture.
What if I don’t have almond extract? Can I omit it?
Absolutely! Almond extract is optional, so you can simply omit it if you don’t have any on hand. You can also substitute it with an equal amount of vanilla extract for a different flavor profile, or use another extract like hazelnut if you prefer.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
To prevent your cookies from spreading too much, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Additionally, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Lastly, ensure you’re measuring your flour correctly—too little flour can cause spreading as well.
Conclusion:
These Mini Christmas Sugar Cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite in your household! With their soft texture, sweet flavor, and fun decorating possibilities, they’re perfect for any festive occasion. Bake a batch (or two!) this season and share the joy of holiday baking with your loved ones. Happy baking!
📖 Recipe:
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Mini Christmas Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 40 mini cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats, and what better way to celebrate than with Mini Christmas Sugar Cookies? These delightful bite-sized cookies are not only easy to make but also a joy to decorate, making them a fantastic addition to your holiday festivities. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, cookie exchange, or just for fun, these cookies will surely bring smiles to everyone!
Ingredients
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For Decorating:
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring (red, green, etc.)
Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Divide the icing and add food coloring as desired. Decorate the cooled cookies and finish with sprinkles. Let the icing set before serving.
Notes
If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping.
Feel free to customize the colors and designs of the icing to suit your holiday theme.
Unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 40 mini cookies
- Calories: 90 kcal
