Welcome the autumn season with these delightful Easy Fall Leaf Cookies! Perfect for seasonal gatherings or just a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. Follow this simple recipe to create a batch of colorful, leaf-shaped cookies that capture the essence of fall.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
Food coloring (yellow, orange, red)
Leaf-shaped cookie cutter
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough comes together.
Color the Dough:
Divide the dough into three equal portions.
Use food coloring to tint one portion yellow, one portion orange, and one portion red.
Wrap each colored dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
Shape the Cookies:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Use the leaf-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies from each color of dough.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake:
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate (Optional):
Once cooled, decorate the cookies with icing or edible glitter for an extra festive touch.
Serving Tips:
Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter or in a festive cookie jar to showcase their vibrant colors and leaf shapes.
Pairing: Serve alongside hot apple cider, pumpkin spice latte, or a cup of tea for a cozy fall treat.
Decorate: For a special touch, dust the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple icing glaze before serving.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigeration: If your kitchen is warm or if you’ve decorated the cookies with icing, refrigerate them to maintain freshness. Ensure they are in an airtight container.
Freezing: These cookies freeze well! Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment paper between layers. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reviving Crispiness: If the cookies lose their crispness, place them on a baking sheet in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through and crisp again.
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FAQs:
Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Yes, you can! Wrap the colored dough portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out and baking.
Can I use different cookie cutter shapes instead of leaf-shaped cutters?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any cookie cutter shapes you prefer. Just adjust the baking time as needed based on the size and thickness of the cookies.
How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Chilling the dough thoroughly before rolling and cutting out the shapes helps prevent spreading. Also, make sure your baking sheet is cool before placing the cookies on it for baking.
Can I decorate these cookies with royal icing?
Yes, you can decorate Easy Fall Leaf Cookies with royal icing for intricate designs or with a simple glaze for a quick and colorful finish. Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before decorating to prevent the icing from melting.
Conclusion:
These Easy Fall Leaf Cookies are a delightful addition to any autumn gathering or a sweet treat to enjoy with loved ones. With their vibrant colors and buttery texture, they embody the flavors and spirit of fall. Enjoy making and sharing these cookies as a celebration of the season!
📖 Recipe:
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Easy Fall Leaf Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the flavors of fall with these colorful and buttery Easy Fall Leaf Cookies. Perfect for seasonal gatherings or a cozy treat at home.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
Food coloring (yellow, orange, red)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough into three equal portions. Use food coloring to tint one portion yellow, one portion orange, and one portion red. Wrap each colored dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a leaf-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies from each color of dough.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
These cookies can be decorated with icing or edible glitter for a festive touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert,Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 24 cookies
