Snowflake Cookies

Indulge in the magic of winter with these delightful Snowflake Cookies that will surely capture your heart and taste buds. With each crisp bite, you’ll experience a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture that evokes sweet childhood memories of baking with loved ones during the festive season. These cookies aren’t just about flavor; they bring a nostalgic warmth, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Fast, fun, and incredibly kid-friendly, these scrumptious snowflakes are topped with a glossy icing that twinkles like fresh snow under the winter sun. Trust me, this recipe is worth making—your sweet tooth will thank you!

What’s your favorite holiday memory tied to sweets?

As you gather in the kitchen during the holiday season, has there ever been a moment when the smell of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air, instantly igniting feelings of joy and nostalgia? You know that moment when you take your first bite of a sugary treat, and it floods back memories of simpler times? Imagine crafting these Snowflake Cookies and sharing them with family members, each crisp bite a reminder of love, warmth, and the magic of the holidays. What sweet memories do you cherish that are tied to the delightful taste of cookies?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Prep: With straightforward steps, these cookies are quick to whip together, even for novice bakers.
Crowd-Pleaser: Impress your guests or delight your children with these irresistible seasonal treats.
Minimal Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry—no last-minute store runs!
Decorative Fun: Involve the kids in decorating with icing and sprinkles, making baking a fun family activity.
Perfectly Themed: The snowflake design makes these cookies ideal for winter gatherings, holiday parties, and even as gifts.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 Tbsp. milk
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup milk, plus more for thinning
1/4 tsp. almond (or pure vanilla) extract
Blue food coloring
Pearl sprinkles, for decorating

Prepare to indulge as you gather these simple yet decadent ingredients! The rich, creamy butter forms the base of each snowflake, while the sweet aroma of vanilla and the touch of almond extract harmonize to create a symphony of flavors that dance in your mouth. With sparkling blue icing and shimmering pearl sprinkles, your cookies will not only taste divine but also look stunning, ready to become the centerpiece of your holiday festivities.

Timing

Make your baking experience delightful with these Snowflake Cookies! You can whip them up in under 30 minutes, making them a fast and indulgent treat. However, if you’re feeling fancy, take your time and bask in the luxurious process of creating and decorating, turning baking into a cherished memory that lasts long after the cookies have been devoured.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Make Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp. baking powder, and 1/2 tsp. kosher salt. These ingredients provide the perfect foundation for your cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In another large bowl, using a hand mixer or the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until fluffy and pale in color. This step is crucial for aerating the dough, giving your cookies the light texture they need!

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Add 1 Tbsp. milk, 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract, and any desired egg to the fluffy butter and sugar mixture. Beat until everything is thoroughly combined, creating a creamy, dreamy concoction.

Step 4: Incorporate the Flour Mixture

Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until totally combined. The dough should come together beautifully, ready to be formed into a disk!

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for about 1 hour. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, preventing them from spreading too much.

Step 6: Preheat and Roll Out

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the chilled dough to 1/8 inch thick.

Step 7: Cut and Freeze

Cut out snowflake shapes with cookie cutters and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets. Place the cookies in the freezer for 10 minutes, which enhances their shape during baking.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the cookies until the edges are lightly golden, about 8 to 10 minutes. Let them cool completely before moving on to the icing stage.

Step 9: Make the Icing

In a medium bowl, stir together 3 cups of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup light corn syrup, 1/4 cup milk, and 1/4 tsp. almond extract until smooth. If your icing is too thick, add more milk a teaspoon at a time.

Step 10: Decorate Your Cookies

Divide the icing into two bowls, tinting one half with blue food coloring. Transfer both icings to piping bags and have a joyful time icing your snowflake cookies. Finish with sparkling pearl sprinkles for that fabulous holiday touch!

Nutritional Information

Each Snowflake Cookie roughly contains about 150 calories. While they are undeniably indulgent, they also offer a moment of joy and sweetness during the holiday season when you need it the most. As with all treats, moderation is key; enjoy these delectable cookies as a delightful nibble to celebrate life’s special moments!

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to cut back on sugar or cater to dietary restrictions, consider these alternatives:

Low-Sugar Option: Swap out granulated sugar with a stevia blend or erythritol to reduce the sugar content without sacrificing sweetness.
Dairy-Free Swaps: Use plant-based butter and almond milk to create a vegan-friendly version of these cookies, keeping all of the yumminess intact.
Gluten-Free Swap: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free friendly treat that still delivers on taste and texture!

Serving Suggestions

These Snowflake Cookies shine during the holiday season, perfect for:

Family Gatherings: Make a batch and watch your relatives marvel at your baking skills!
Cozy Nights: Serve them alongside a warm cup of cocoa or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate winter treat.
Gift Giving: Package them in a beautiful box and gift them to neighbors and friends, spreading sweetness and cheer!

Common Mistakes

Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your Snowflake Cookies come out perfect every time:

Overbaking: Keep a close eye on them as they bake! If overbaked, they can become dry and crumbly.
Texture Issues: If your dough feels too sticky, ensure proper chilling time and avoid adding excessive flour.
Messy Decorating: Prep your surface and tools ahead of time for an organized icing session, preventing last-minute chaos!

Storing Tips

These cookies can be easily stored and enjoyed over days:

Freezing Portions: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can last in the freezer for up to three months!
Reheating Instructions: When ready to enjoy, thaw your cookies at room temperature for a few hours or warm them briefly in the oven for a few minutes to bring back that freshly baked flavor.

Tempting Readers to Bake It ASAP

These Snowflake Cookies are an absolute winter delight, ready to bring warmth to your home and smiles to everyone who gets to taste them. With a few simple steps and a sprinkle of love, you can create a holiday masterpiece that is not just a dessert but a beautiful memory to cherish! Grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and dive into the sweet world of cookie baking—your heart and taste buds will thank you!

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used, but it may alter the flavor slightly.

2. How long do these cookies last?

Stored properly in an airtight container, they should last up to one week at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.

4. What’s the best way to store decorated cookies?

Keep decorated cookies in a single layer to avoid smudging the icing and store in an airtight container at room temperature.

5. How can I make the icing thicker?

If your icing is too runny, simply add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.