Sugar Cookie Snowflakes – Sweet, Buttery, and Perfectly Festive

Sugar cookie snowflakes are the epitome of holiday cheer. With their soft, buttery texture and sweet flavor, these cookies are not only perfect for snacking but also ideal for decorating with royal icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or gifting homemade treats, these sugar cookie snowflakes will delight everyone with their festive charm and delicious taste.

Key Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Baking Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Number of Servings: 24 cookies
• Serving Size: 1 snowflake cookie per person

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 7g
• Sodium: 40mg
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients List

• 2 3/4 cups (345g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon milk
• Decorating options: Royal icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter

Detailed Method of Preparation

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and continue to mix until fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
2. Chill the Dough:
   Divide the dough into two equal portions and flatten them into discs. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
3. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
4. Roll and Cut the Dough:
   After chilling, remove one portion of dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a snowflake-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your desired shapes, and place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
5. Bake the Cookies:
   Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. The centers should still be soft but firm enough to hold their shape. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
6. Decorate the Snowflakes:
   Once the cookies are completely cool, it’s time to decorate! Use royal icing to pipe intricate designs on the cookies, or simply sprinkle them with colored sugar or edible glitter for a sparkling touch. For added fun, you can even try using silver or gold pearls for a more elegant look.

Tips for Culinary Success

• Chill the Dough Well: Chilling the dough is essential for sugar cookies. If the dough is too soft, it will spread too much during baking. If you’re short on time, you can chill the dough for as little as 30 minutes.
• Rolling Tip: To make rolling out the dough easier, roll it between two sheets of parchment paper, which helps prevent sticking and reduces the need for extra flour.
• Use a Light Touch When Decorating: When decorating with royal icing, don’t overdo it. A light hand will give your snowflakes a delicate, elegant look.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different extracts, such as lemon or orange, for a twist on the classic flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make sugar cookie snowflakes ahead of time?
A: Yes, these cookies can be made ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to add the decorations right before serving.

Q: How do I store decorated sugar cookies?
A: Once decorated with royal icing or frosting, store the cookies in a single layer, or if stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.

Q: Can I use a different cookie cutter shape?
A: Absolutely! While snowflakes are traditional, you can use any cookie cutter shape that fits the season, such as stars, trees, or hearts.

Q: Can I use store-bought frosting instead of royal icing?
A: Yes, store-bought frosting can be used, but it won’t harden as firmly as royal icing, so it’s best for more casual decorating.

Sugar cookie snowflakes are a delightful treat that add a festive touch to any holiday gathering. With their soft, buttery texture and endless decorating possibilities, these cookies are perfect for creating holiday memories with family and friends. So, grab your favorite cookie cutters, bake up a batch, and let the holiday spirit shine through in every sweet bite!