Snowflake Christmas cookies are a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the holiday season. These delicate, buttery cookies are shaped like snowflakes and often decorated with a dusting of powdered sugar. They are perfect for festive gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace.
To make snowflake Christmas cookies, start by preparing a simple dough using all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, and flavorings such as vanilla and almond extract. Chill the dough, then roll it out and cut out snowflake shapes using cookie cutters. Bake the cookies until they turn golden around the edges. Once cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. These cookies make a beautiful and delicious addition to any holiday spread and are sure to impress everyone with their intricate designs.
Here's the detailed recipe:
Ingredients:
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Icing sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition, until a smooth dough forms.
6. Divide the dough into two portions. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use snowflake-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies.
8. Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Repeat with the remaining dough.
9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once the cookies are completely cooled, dust them with icing sugar using a fine-mesh sieve.
12. Store the snowflake Christmas cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Enjoy the festive charm and delicious taste of these snowflake Christmas cookies!
