Welcome to the holiday season! There’s nothing quite like the sparkle of freshly baked cookies to add a little extra magic to your celebrations. Today, we’re diving into a classic holiday recipe: Christmas Sparkle Sugar Cookies. These Festive Red and Green Sparkle Cookies are easy to make, fun to decorate, and perfect for gifting or sharing at your holiday gatherings. Let’s spread some holiday cheer with these colorful and delicious cookies!
Introduction
The holiday season brings a variety of traditions, and baking is often at the heart of them. Our Christmas Sparkle Sugar Cookies capture the essence of the season with their vibrant red and green colors and delightful sugary sparkle. These cookies are not only visually appealing but also incredibly tasty with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture. With their simplicity and festive look, they’re a wonderful addition to your holiday table and are sure to become a favorite tradition.
Ingredients for Christmas Sparkle Sugar Cookies
For this Christmas Sparkle Sugar Cookies recipe, you’ll need a few staple ingredients. Each one plays a part in creating the perfect texture and flavor.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – This provides the base structure for our cookies.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a light, fluffy texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds a rich, buttery flavor.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies and gives them a lovely crispness.
- 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth to the flavor.
- Red and green sanding sugar – For that festive sparkle and crunch.
Optional substitutions: For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. If you’d prefer a dairy-free version, swap butter with plant-based butter.
How to Make Christmas Sparkle Sugar Cookies – Step by Step
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Festive Red and Green Sparkle Cookies.
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for later.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, blending until everything is well incorporated.
Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 6: Color the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add red food coloring to one half and green food coloring to the other, mixing until the colors are vibrant and evenly distributed.
Step 7: Form and Decorate the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in red or green sanding sugar until fully coated, then place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just set. Avoid overbaking to keep the centers soft and chewy. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Helpful Tips for Christmas Sparkle Sugar Cookies
- For an extra burst of flavor: Add a pinch of almond extract to the dough. It adds a subtle depth that pairs well with the vanilla.
- Achieve vibrant colors: Gel-based food coloring works best and doesn’t alter the dough’s consistency.
- Uniform cookie size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure even-sized cookies that bake uniformly.
- Prevent sticking: If the dough becomes too sticky, chill it for 10-15 minutes before rolling.
Cooking Tips for the Best Christmas Sparkle Sugar Cookies
- Use room-temperature butter: This ensures smooth blending with the sugar, which leads to a better texture.
- Sanding sugar technique: Roll each ball thoroughly in sanding sugar to create an even, sparkling layer that holds up after baking.
- Even baking: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through to promote even browning.
- Baking time is key: Remove the cookies from the oven once the edges are set but the centers look slightly undercooked – they will firm up as they cool, giving you soft, chewy cookies.
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Sparkle Sugar Cookies
These Christmas Sparkle Sugar Cookies make a beautiful addition to a holiday cookie platter. Pair them with a warm mug of cocoa, spiced cider, or a festive peppermint latte for a cozy holiday treat. Alternatively, wrap them in cellophane with a festive ribbon for a homemade holiday gift!
Nutritional Information
Each Christmas Sparkle Sugar Cookie offers a delightful balance of fats, carbs, and sugars, making it a delicious treat to enjoy in moderation during the holiday season.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
Storage and Leftovers for Christmas Sparkle Sugar Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to make them ahead of time, they freeze well for up to three months. Simply layer the cookies with parchment paper in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Christmas Sparkle Sugar Cookies
- Can I use different colors of sanding sugar?
- Yes! You can personalize these cookies with any colors you like for different occasions.
- Can I make the dough in advance?
- Absolutely. You can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling and baking.
- How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for equally delicious results.
- What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
- You can use salted butter, but omit the added salt in the recipe.
Related Recipes for Christmas Sparkle Sugar Cookie Lovers
Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies – Festive Treat
Turtle Caramel Pecan Brownie Cookies
Conclusion
Celebrate the holiday season with these vibrant Christmas Sparkle Sugar Cookies! They’re simple to make, full of festive cheer, and an ideal treat to share with friends and family. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a family gathering, or simply to enjoy a cozy afternoon at home, these cookies are a must-try. Share your baking creations in the comments and let us know if you added your own twist to these festive cookies!
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Christmas Sparkle Sugar Cookies – Festive Holiday Treats
Description
Welcome to the holiday season! There’s nothing quite like the sparkle of freshly baked cookies to add a little extra magic to your celebrations. Today, we’re diving into a classic holiday recipe: Christmas Sparkle Sugar Cookies. These Festive Red and Green Sparkle Cookies are easy to make, fun to decorate, and perfect for gifting or sharing at your holiday gatherings. Let’s spread some holiday cheer with these colorful and delicious cookies!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – This provides the base structure for our cookies.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a light, fluffy texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds a rich, buttery flavor.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies and gives them a lovely crispness.
- 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth to the flavor.
- Red and green sanding sugar – For that festive sparkle and crunch.
Optional substitutions: For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. If you’d prefer a dairy-free version, swap butter with plant-based butter.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for later.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, blending until everything is well incorporated.
Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 6: Color the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add red food coloring to one half and green food coloring to the other, mixing until the colors are vibrant and evenly distributed.
Step 7: Form and Decorate the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in red or green sanding sugar until fully coated, then place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just set. Avoid overbaking to keep the centers soft and chewy. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- For an extra burst of flavor: Add a pinch of almond extract to the dough. It adds a subtle depth that pairs well with the vanilla.
- Achieve vibrant colors: Gel-based food coloring works best and doesn’t alter the dough’s consistency.
- Uniform cookie size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure even-sized cookies that bake uniformly.
- Prevent sticking: If the dough becomes too sticky, chill it for 10-15 minutes before rolling.
