Ugly Sweater Cookies

There’s something utterly delightful about the charm of Ugly Sweater Cookies. These whimsical treats not only evoke nostalgia, but they also serve as a cheeky reminder that the holiday season is a canvas for creativity. Imagine biting into a buttery, soft cookie adorned with vibrant colors and playful designs that resemble your favorite cozy knitwear. Each cookie instantly transports you back to family gatherings and joyful moments spent in front of a crackling fire. This recipe is a celebration of fun—perfect for kids and adults alike. What makes it truly worth making is its effortless technique that guarantees a crowd-pleasing sweet that will be the centerpiece of your holiday festivities. If you’re looking for an indulgent and inviting treat, don’t miss out on these Ugly Sweater Cookies that will surely become a cherished tradition!

What’s Your Favorite Holiday Treat?

Are you captivated by the sweetness of cookies that not only taste heavenly but also bring a smile to your face? What’s your most treasured memory of baking and sharing festive sweets? As you immerse yourself in the magical experience that these Ugly Sweater Cookies provide, think about the laughter shared and the joy that fills the air when friends and family gather around, admiring your baking prowess. Each bite melts in your mouth while the vibrant colors dazzle your eyes, making these cookies an irresistible treat for the holiday season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ugly Sweater Cookies recipe stands out for several reasons:

Easy Prep: The simplicity of the ingredients and steps allows you to whip these up without any hassle.
Kid-Friendly Fun: This project is perfect for involving children, sparking creativity in their edible art.
Beautifully Customizable: With colors and decorations galore, you can personalize these cookies to match any theme or occasion.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a whimsical cookie, making these a guaranteed hit at any gathering!
Keeps Well: You can make these cookies in advance, ensuring you’re ready for the festivities ahead.

Ingredients

3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 Tbsp whole milk
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup meringue powder
5 Tbsp (or more) water
4 cups (460 g) powdered sugar
Food coloring and sprinkles, for decorating (optional)

The foundation of these cookies consists of simple yet rich ingredients. Softened butter combines effortlessly with granulated sugar, creating a dreamy, creamy base. The addition of pure vanilla extract brings warmth and nostalgia, whereas the vibrant food coloring elevates these cookies to a new artistic level. Add sprinkles, and you have pure holiday magic that beckons to be savored!

Timing

Creating these Ugly Sweater Cookies can be as quick or leisurely as you wish. The prep time is fast and indulgent; with a little organization, you can have these delicious cookies in the oven within just 30 minutes! Then, with a bit of chill time for the dough and some decorating fun, you can turn baking into a slow, luxurious experience filled with joyful laughter and delight.

Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and koshar salt. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, resembling a cloud of sweetness. Incorporate the egg, milk, and vanilla extract, ensuring all the flavors meld together spectacularly. Gradually add the dry ingredients to this luscious mixture, blending until you have a smooth, pliable dough.

2. Chill the Dough
Once your dough is well-mixed, divide it in half. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Wrap the rolled dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator until it firms up—approximately 30 minutes.

3. Cut and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough is firm, take it out and slice it into your preferred festive sweater shapes, using cookie cutters. Next, arrange them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, but don’t forget to freeze them briefly for about ten minutes to avoid spreading while baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes until they’re golden, then allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

4. Prepare the Icing
For the icing, whisk together the meringue powder and water until the mixture is frothy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, adjusting with more water for the desired consistency.

5. Decorating Time
Once your cookies are cool, allow your creativity to flow! Use the icing to outline and fill in your cookie designs. Feel free to go wild with the colors and sprinkles—allowing the icing to harden creates a delightful texture and shows your artistic flair!

Nutritional Information

Each Ugly Sweater Cookie typically contains approximately 150 calories. While indulging in this delightful treat, remember that enjoying the flavors and experiences of cookie creation can be an occasional indulgence to cherish.

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit without compromising fun, consider these substitutions:

Low-Sugar: Use granulated stevia or erythritol as a sugar substitute.
Dairy-Free Swaps: Substitute coconut or almond butter for the unsalted butter and replace the whole milk with a plant-based alternative.

These options allow you to enjoy a delicious treat that aligns better with your dietary preferences while keeping the spirit of fun alive.

Serving Suggestions

These Ugly Sweater Cookies are perfect all on their own, but you can enhance the experience by pairing them with a scoop of your favorite ice cream for an unforgettable dessert. They also make for unique gifts or additions to holiday cookie platters, bringing festive flair to every gathering!

Common Mistakes

Avoid these common pitfalls while creating your Ugly Sweater Cookies:

Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be just lightly golden. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture rather than a soft, chewy treat!
Inconsistent Dough Thickness: Roll the dough to an even width to ensure uniform baking.
Icing Messes: For clean lines, use a piping bag to control the flow of icing—no one loves a sticky situation!

Storing Tips

To ensure that your cookies remain fresh and delicious:

Freezing Portions: You can freeze the undecorated cookies between layers of parchment. Thaw before decorating!
Reheating: When you want to enjoy a cookie warm, microwave for a few seconds—just long enough to achieve that fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness.

Tempt to Bake It ASAP

Making Ugly Sweater Cookies is a wonderful, delightful holiday tradition that brings people together through laughter, flavor, and creativity. Don’t wait! Bake up a batch today to share with loved ones, ushering in the warmth of the festive season and creating memories that you’ll cherish long after the cookies are gone.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and keep it refrigerated for up to three days before using it.

2. How long do these cookies last?
Store your cookies in an airtight container—they’ll last about a week on the countertop. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months!

3. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes! A gluten-free baking blend should work perfectly for these cookies.

4. What if I don’t have meringue powder?
If you don’t have meringue powder, you can substitute it with egg whites, but be sure to pasteurize them first, especially for young children or pregnant women.

5. How can I make the decorations pop more?
Using gel-based food coloring can help achieve vibrant, bold colors that truly stand out on your sugary creations!

Go ahead, indulge in creating these Ugly Sweater Cookies that promise a delightful sensory experience—your holiday season deserves it!