Jolly Jingle Sugar Cookies
Table of Contents
Let's Get Baking: Jolly Jingle Sugar Cookies Intro!
Ever wondered what makes a xmas cookie truly special? I have. I'm talking about those festive treats that just scream "Christmas!" These Jolly Jingle Sugar Cookies are exactly that.
Buttery, with a hint of almond and dazzling royal icing? Yes, please!
A Classic with a Twist
These aren't just any old xmas sugar cookies . They're my take on a beloved classic. Sugar cookies have been around for ages, a staple in many cultures during the holiday season.
This recipe is a touch fancy but still easy enough for a fun afternoon of holiday baking recipes . It makes about 24-36 cookies, perfect for sharing or a small christmas cookie exchange .
Why You'll Love These Christmas Cookie Variations
These cookies are not only delicious, they are also perfect for gifting. These cookies make a lovely homemade christmas gifts for friends and family.
Plus, the almond extract adds a unique flavor that elevates them. They're guaranteed to be the star of any festive cookie platter .
We are going to create something truely special.
Is this An Easy Xmas Cookie Recipe?
I'd say it's a medium difficulty. The cookie dough itself is a breeze. But, the royal icing decorating? That takes a bit of patience.
The prep time is about 30 minutes, with an hour for chilling. Baking takes about 8- 12 minutes per batch.
Ready to dive in? Let's get started with the ingredients.
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make these Jolly Jingle xmas cookies . Don't worry, I'll keep it simple. I’m not trying to scare you off!
Main Ingredients For Your Xmas Sugar Cookies
Here's the breakdown for the cookies themselves.
- Softened Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks) or 227g . Quality butter is key here. Get the good stuff, it makes a difference!
- Granulated Sugar: 1 ½ cups or 300g . Regular old granulated sugar is perfect.
- Large Eggs: 2 .
- Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon .
- Almond Extract Cookies : ½ teaspoon (optional, but trust me, it's amazing!). I learned this trick from my grandma, and it elevates them.
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups or 360g , plus extra for dusting.
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon .
- Salt: ½ teaspoon .
For the royal icing recipe , you'll need:
- Confectioners' Sugar: 4 cups or 480g , sifted. Sifting is important to get the icing smooth.
- Meringue Powder: 3 tablespoons . This is what makes the icing harden properly.
- Warm Water: ½ cup or 120ml .
- Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon .
- Gel Food Coloring: Various colors. Gel is best for vibrant christmas cookie decorating ideas .
Seasoning Notes for the Perfect Festive Cookie Platter
Vanilla and almond extracts are the power couple here. The almond extract adds a warmth. If you are looking to Christmas Cookie Variations , you can change a little for lemon zest and lemon extract.
You can substitute extracts or completely omit the almond. These small changes will create a more distinct flavor.
Equipment Needed for an Easy Xmas Cookie Recipe
Honestly, you don't need a million gadgets. These are the essentials:
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Either works fine.
- Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough.
- Cookie Cutters: Christmas shapes, obviously! You can find these everywhere.
- Baking Sheets: 2 large ones are ideal.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: These stop the cookies from sticking.
- Mixing Bowls: A few, for mixing the ingredients.
- Sifter: For sifting the confectioners' sugar. This makes for a smoother icing.
- Piping Bags or Squeeze Bottles: For decorating.
- Toothpicks or Scribe Tool: For fine details on the xmas sugar cookies .
You can find holiday baking recipes at your local christmas cookie exchange , and maybe get some new christmas cookie decorating ideas . These cookies also make great homemade christmas gifts !
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the wonderful world of xmas cookies . And not just any cookies, but my famous Jolly Jingle Sugar Cookies! Honestly, I get asked for this easy xmas cookie recipe every single year .
So, I thought, why not share the love? I've adapted this xmas sugar cookies recipe from a bunch of places, it is the best holiday baking recipes out there!
Jolly Jingle Sugar Cookies: My Go-To Christmas Treat
These aren't your average, run-of-the-mill biscuits, these are perfect homemade christmas gifts and are the star of any festive cookie platter .
We are making something special. The secret? A hint of almond extract in the dough and a vibrant royal icing that’s basically edible art.
Get your family and friends ready for a christmas cookie exchange , these will be a hit. I always give these almond extract cookies as a homemade christmas gifts .
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place
Before you even think about turning on the oven, let's get organized. It's all about that mise en place , darling! First, make sure you have 1 cup (2 sticks) (227g) of unsalted butter, softened really soft, not melted!
Measure out 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar , 2 large eggs , 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract , and ½ teaspoon almond extract .
On the dry side, measure out 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour , 1 teaspoon baking powder , and ½ teaspoon salt .
For the royal icing recipe , sift 4 cups (480g) confectioners' sugar . Measure out 3 tablespoons meringue powder , and ½ cup (120ml) warm water .
You'll also need 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and some gel food coloring!
step-by-step to Sugar Cookie Perfection
This looks like a lot, but I promise its worth it!
- Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and almond extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This is crucial to prevent spreading!
- Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use your favorite Christmas cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
- Place the cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake for 8- 12 minutes , or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
Pro Tips: Secret Santa Strategies
Want to take your xmas cookies to the next level? Here's my secret santa tips. First, chill the dough is crucial for crisp edges.
Room temperature butter is key for a smooth dough. Over baked cookies will be dry. Don't overbake. Roll and cut only as much dough as you can bake in one batch to keep the remaining dough chilled.
Thin Icing is the key for flooding. This ensures they hold their shape and have that perfect snap! Don't get discouraged when the icing is not perfect, its part of the fun.
Get the kids involved for christmas cookie decorating ideas ! I think there is an endless amount of christmas cookie variations .
These sugar cookies will be a smashing hit in your family or at the christmas cookie exchange with other people.
Recipe Notes: Jolly Jingle Sugar Cookies
Alright, so you've got the recipe for these amazing Jolly Jingle Sugar Cookies and now what? Let's chat about some extra tips and tricks to make sure your xmas cookies are a total triumph.
Honestly, these are some of my favorite holiday baking recipes to make every year.
Serving Suggestions: Pretty Plates & Perfect Pairings
Okay, presentation matters, right? Think about it: festive cookie platter goals! I usually arrange my xmas sugar cookies on a cute Christmas themed plate.
Sprinkling a little edible glitter never hurt anyone, did it? For drinks, I always serve these with hot cocoa. Maybe even a splash of something stronger for the grown ups.
Mulled wine is a classic choice. Or even better get your friends together for a christmas cookie exchange , and get the most beautiful and diverse platter of cookies.
Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh!
These easy xmas cookie recipe are great for storing. Once your royal icing recipe cookies are fully decorated and dried, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
They'll stay fresh for up to five days. You can totally freeze the undecorated cookies too! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap then foil, and they'll be good for up to two months.
When you are ready to decorate them you have to defrost them at room temperature.
Variations: A Little Something Different
Fancy a change? You could add some lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist. The flavor of almond extract cookies is great with the zest.
Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try a gluten-free flour blend to make them accessible to everyone. These christmas cookie variations are endless.
Consider also adding some gingerbread spice blend, to make some spiced xmas cookies.
Nutrition Basics: A Treat, Not a Meal
Let's be real, these are xmas cookies . I would say that each cookie has around 150-200 calories. But hey, it's Christmas, enjoy! The almond extract, if you use it, does add a little something special.
So grab your favorite cutter and some royal icing, and start creating the perfect cookie. Nothing's better than homemade christmas gifts .
Honestly, baking these xmas cookies is all about having fun. Don't stress about making them perfect. Just enjoy the process and the yummy results.
And hey, if you’re looking for christmas cookie decorating ideas , Pinterest is your best friend. Get in the kitchen and start your holiday baking recipes for amazing cookies.
You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my xmas cookies spreading in the oven? Like, are they trying to escape Christmas?
Cookie spreading is a common woe, a bit like trying to keep your cat out of the Christmas tree! The main culprit is often dough that's too warm. Make sure you've chilled the dough thoroughly (at least an hour, or even overnight!) before rolling and baking.
Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate, and don't grease your baking sheets parchment paper is your best friend here!
Can I make these Jolly Jingle Sugar Cookies ahead of time? I'm busier than Santa's elves right now!
Absolutely! You can bake the cookies 2-3 days ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Or, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.
Iced cookies can also be frozen, but the icing might get a bit soft upon thawing.
Help! My royal icing is either too thick or too thin. What am I doing wrong?
Royal icing consistency is tricky, a bit like finding the perfect balance between "Come Dine With Me" and "MasterChef." For thicker icing (for outlining), use it straight from mixing, adding a few drops of water at a time.
For flooding (filling in areas), add a teaspoon of water at a time until it flows smoothly but doesn't run off the cookie entirely. Remember, a little water goes a long way!
Any tips for decorating these xmas cookies so they look less like a toddler attacked them with sprinkles and more like something from a fancy bakery?
Ah, the age-old question! Practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first few cookies are a bit…rustic. Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors and avoid liquid food coloring which can thin the icing. Invest in some piping bags and tips for more control.
And for truly professional looking results, try using a scribe tool (or even a toothpick) to guide the icing and pop any air bubbles.
I'm allergic to nuts. Can I still make these Christmas cookies without the almond extract?
Yes, definitely! The almond extract adds a lovely flavor, but it's not essential. You can simply omit it altogether, or substitute with an extra ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Just be sure to double check all your other ingredients, especially sprinkles and food coloring, to ensure they are also nut-free.
Can I make these xmas cookies healthier? I'm trying to avoid a post Christmas sugar crash of epic proportions!
You can make a few adjustments to reduce the sugar content. Try substituting half of the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup (you may need to adjust the liquid in the recipe slightly). You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for added fiber.
While these changes won't make them health food, they'll certainly help lessen the sugar overload!
Jolly Jingle Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 150-200 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 7-9g |
| Fiber | 0g |