Letters To Santa Cookies

Letters To Santa Cookies

Imagine a moment where you rustle up a plate of enchanting Letters to Santa Cookies, perfect for the holidays. The sweet aroma wafts through your kitchen as you prepare these whimsical treats, each bite bursting with dreamy flavors of Nutella and white chocolate. Ideal for children and adults alike, these cookies evoke nostalgia, reminiscent of eager childhood letters to Santa Claus. Not only are they a delightful way to get into the holiday spirit, but they also serve as a fun kitchen project, bringing families together. These cookies are as quick to make as they are delicious—making them a must-have addition to your festive baking roster.

What’s the sweetest treat you’re dreaming of this holiday season?

Do you ever find yourself daydreaming about a warm cookie fresh from the oven, inviting and gooey with a rich filling? Picture cozy evenings spent with family, laughter ringing out as you gather around to await Santa’s arrival. What if you could make that dream come true with a cookie that brings joy, sweetness, and a hint of magic?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Letters to Santa Cookies recipe has earned its place among festive favorites for several compelling reasons:

1. Easy Prep: You don’t need to be a baking expert; the simplicity of this recipe makes it accessible to everyone.

2. Delightful Flavors: Nutella and white chocolate create a rich, harmonious flavor profile that’s guaranteed to please.

3. Kid-Friendly: Children can easily help, making these cookies a fun family project.

4. Nostalgic Appeal: These cookies evoke memories of childhood and the excitement of the holiday season.

5. Minimal Ingredients: You can whip these up without a long shopping list, ensuring they’re made with ease.

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar, to add a subtle sweetness.
• 3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon, offering a warm, aromatic spice.
• All-purpose flour, for dusting – yielding a perfect, non-stick surface.
• 1 (14-oz.) refrigerated pie dough (for 2 crusts), the perfect base for our scrumptious cookies.
• 1/2 cup (85 g.) white chocolate chips, melted into creamy goodness.
• 1/2 cup Nutella, your gooey, chocolaty center.
• 12 silver sugar pearls, adding a touch of sparkle and charm.
• 1 large egg, to give that irresistible golden finish.
• Confectioners’ sugar, for an indulgent dusting that looks as delightful as it tastes.

Each ingredient works in harmony, creating not just a cookie, but a holiday experience packed with sweetness and joy.

Timing

Whether you’re looking for a quick, last-minute treat or a leisurely afternoon of baking, these Letters to Santa Cookies fit the bill perfectly.

With a preparation time of about 30 minutes and baking time of another 15 to 20 minutes, your journey to cookie bliss is both fast and indulgent. If you’re relishing the moment, slow down to savor the scents and flavors that fill your kitchen.

Step-by-Step

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. The sweet and savory scent is enough to make anyone swoon!

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one pie dough to an 11-inch round.

3. Cut it into an 8-inch square, then divide it into four equal squares and repeat with the remaining dough.

4. Reroll any scraps to form another set of squares, totaling 12 delicious pieces.

5. In a heatproof bowl, microwave the white chocolate chips in 20-second increments, stirring in between until they are melted and silky smooth.

6. Rotate the squares to position a corner toward you, brush them lightly with cinnamon sugar, and place a heaping teaspoon of Nutella in the center.

7. Fold the right and left corners toward the center, then fold the bottom corner up, forming an envelope shape.

8. Lightly press to seal each cookie, and dab some melted white chocolate in the center of the bottom fold to adhere a silver sugar pearl atop for a touch of festive flair.

9. Transfer the cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to keep those shapes intact while baking.

10. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare the egg wash by whisking together the egg with a tablespoon of water.

11. Brush the cookies with the egg wash to achieve that golden-brown color.

12. Bake until they are golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes.

13. Allow them to cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

14. Finally, dust with confectioners’ sugar just before serving.

The transformation of simple ingredients into these magical treats is a rewarding experience, filled with vivid colors and enticing aromas at every step.

Nutritional Information

Each Letter to Santa Cookie contains approximately 150 calories. Crafted to indulge, each one delivers a blissful burst of flavors – a perfect moment of sweetness during the holiday hustle and bustle. Remember, a little indulgence during festive seasons is not just accepted; it’s celebrated!

Healthier Alternatives

For those looking to reduce sugar or cater to specific dietary needs, there are plenty of alternatives! Consider using a low-sugar chocolate spread instead of Nutella. Additionally, you can explore dairy-free options by utilizing coconut oil or dairy-free chocolate chips. Simply substitute these options while maintaining the same delicious essence of your Letters to Santa Cookies.

Serving Suggestions

Letters to Santa Cookies are delectable on their own, but why not elevate the experience? Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, perfect for warming up your holiday gatherings. Serve them neat on a plate adorned with festive decorations, or tuck them into lunch boxes as surprise treats for your little ones! They also make delightful gifts or party favors during the holiday season.

Common Mistakes

Baking can be tricky! Common pitfalls include:

• Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies to prevent them from becoming dry instead of delightfully chewy.
• Texture Issues: Ensure that dough is rolled out evenly to avoid uneven baking.
• Messy Assembly: Take your time when sealing the cookies, or you may find them leaking filling while baking.

By following these tips and guidelines, you can avoid the typical missteps that can turn a delightful treat into a kitchen disaster!

Storing Tips

To keep your Letters to Santa Cookies fresh, consider freezing portions of them. Place cooled cookies into an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper for easy retrieval, and store for up to three months. 

If you wish to enjoy them warm again, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5-7 minutes to bring the gooey filling back to life.

Tempting Conclusion

Nothing beats the festive charm of biting into a warm Letter to Santa Cookie, as your tastebuds delight in delicious gooey Nutella enveloped in a flaky crust. With this easy, nostalgic recipe, the magic of the holidays can be savored in your very own kitchen. Don’t wait too long—bake a batch for your family, and watch the joy unfold. Upgrade your holiday traditions with these irresistible cookies and make your letters to Santa sweeter than ever!

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade pie crust instead of refrigerated pie dough?
   Yes, homemade pie crust works perfectly if you have the time!

2. How can I make these cookies more festive?
   You could add colorful sprinkles or edible glitter for a holiday sparkle!

3. Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
   Yes! Substitute Nutella with a dairy-free chocolate spread and use dairy-free chocolate chips.

4. How do I know when they’re done baking?
   Look for a golden brown color on top for the perfect bake!

5. Can I store these cookies at room temperature?
   Yes, they can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week if not consumed sooner!

Each of these segments adds depth, inviting readers into a world where baking becomes a cherished holiday activity. Bake your Letters to Santa Cookies today and let the sweet memories unfold!

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