The holiday season is a time of warmth, joy, and unforgettable gatherings. Every family has its own traditions, many of which are anchored by beloved recipes. As I reminisce about my childhood, I can almost smell my grandmother’s sugar cookies baking in the oven—a recipe she perfected over decades, cherished by all. This holiday season, I invite you to create your own memories with Festive Favorites: Simple Recipes for a Memorable Holiday. These recipes are not just dishes; they are stories waiting to be shared around the dinner table.
When you try these simple recipes, you won’t just be preparing food; you’ll be participating in a vibrant tapestry of holiday memories. With flavors that linger on the palate and the spirit of togetherness they inspire, these dishes promise to elevate your celebrations. Plus, I promise they’re convenient to whip up and cost-effective to boot!
In this post, I’ll share simple yet delightful recipes perfect for the festive season, each crafted with love and simplicity in mind. So, let’s get cooking!
Festive Favorite Sugar Cookies
Recipe Metadata
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 3 tablespoons colored sugar (for garnish)
For the Icing (Optional)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
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Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
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Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
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Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
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Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets.
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With the bottom of a glass, flatten the balls slightly, and sprinkle with colored sugar.
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Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are barely golden.
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Cool on wire racks.
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(Optional) For the icing, mix powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and food coloring. Drizzle over cooled cookies and enjoy!
Pro Tips
When making these sugar cookies, always opt for fresh baking soda and baking powder for the best rise. And remember, the chilling time is important; it helps the cookies keep their shape while baking! My grandmother always emphasized that using high-quality butter can really elevate the flavors, so don’t skimp!
Variations
Feel free to customize these cookies! You can replace half the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty twist. Looking for chocolate? Add in some chocolate chips or cocoa powder. You can make themed cookies for different occasions; think red and green for Christmas or pastel shades for spring festivities!
Occasions When This Recipe Shines
These sugar cookies are perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges, birthday parties, or just a cozy evening with loved ones. Whatever the occasion, these treats are sure to bring smiles!
Conclusion
Trying out these Festive Favorites: Simple Recipes for a Memorable Holiday is not just about the final product; it’s about the memories you’ll create along the way. Make these sugar cookies for your next gathering, and share the joy they bring with your family and friends.
Gather your loved ones, and let’s bake together! Your kitchen will fill with delightful aromas, and your heart with love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to store sugar cookies?
For optimal freshness, store your sugar cookies in an airtight container. They can last for about a week at room temperature or up to three weeks in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the cookies for up to three months!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to two days before rolling and baking. This is a great time-saver during the busy holiday season!
What are some dietary modifications I can make?
For gluten-free cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free alternative!
How can I make these cookies healthier?
You could reduce the sugar in this recipe and swap out all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. Adding oats or flaxseed meal is another great option for extra fiber!
Can I substitute different extracts?
Certainly! Feel free to use lemon or orange extract instead of almond; this will give your cookies a different but delightful flavor profile.
How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much in the oven?
Chilling the dough before baking will help. Additionally, make sure your butter is softened—not melted—when mixing, as melted butter will cause the cookies to spread more.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the cookie recipe?
Yes! Adding nuts or chocolate chips can enhance both texture and flavor. Just fold them in gently after mixing the wet and dry ingredients.
What should I do if my cookies are overcooked?
If your cookies turn out too crisp, you can rehydrate them by placing a slice of bread in the container with them. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread.
Embrace the joy of holiday cooking with these Festive Favorites: Simple Recipes for a Memorable Holiday. Remember, it’s not just about the food but the cherished moments that come with it. Happy cooking!