Description
Classic Holiday Sugar Cookies
Add a sprinkle of magic to your holidays with these sparkly sugar cookies. Fun to bake and even better to eat!
Ingredients:
3 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp lemon zest
Preparation:
Mix flour and salt.
Cream butter, sugar, and lemon zest. Add egg.
Combine mixtures and chill dough.
Roll, cut, and bake for 10 minutes at 180°C.
#SparklingTreats
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 3 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened 1 cup of butter with 1 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the 1 egg until fully incorporated.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
5. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or until firm.
6. Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll one dough disc to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes, re-rolling scraps as needed.
7. Bake: Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden.
8. Cool and Decorate: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate with royal icing and sprinkles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies on a festive platter for holiday gatherings. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot cocoa, or a mug of spiced tea. For a beautiful presentation, stack them in a clear cookie jar or package them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon as heartfelt homemade gifts.
How-to Summary
In summary, create these classic sugar cookies by: 1) Whisking dry ingredients, 2) Creaming butter, sugar, and zest, 3) Adding the egg, 4) Combining with flour, 5) Chilling the dough, 6) Rolling, cutting, and baking at 180°C for 10 minutes, and finally, 7) Cooling and decorating for a #SparklingTreats finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely. The wrapped dough discs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling.
Why is my dough too sticky to roll? This usually means it needs more chilling time. Pop it back in the fridge for 30 minutes. Also, ensure you’re using just enough flour on your surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading? Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, chill the dough thoroughly, and don’t skip the parchment paper on your baking sheet.
Can I omit the lemon zest? Yes, you can. The zest adds a bright note, but the cookies will still be delicious without it. You could substitute 1 teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract.
How should I store decorated cookies? Store fully decorated cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Place parchment between layers if stacking is necessary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Melted Butter: This will cause excessive spreading. Butter should be softened to room temperature.
- Skipping the Chill Time: Chilling firms the butter, preventing misshapen cookies and making the dough easier to handle.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mix just until the flour is incorporated to avoid tough cookies.
- Overbaking: Cookies continue to set on the hot tray. Remove them when the edges are lightly golden for a soft, tender texture.
Conclusion
These Classic Holiday Sugar Cookies are a timeless tradition, offering the perfect canvas for your festive creativity. By following this detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a batch of perfectly tender, sweet, and sparkly treats that capture the joy of the season. Happy baking and enjoy your #SparklingTreats!
