Festive cookies for all occasions
When it comes to the Holiday season, there's nothing quite like the joy of baking and sharing delicious cookies with loved ones. And for those who appreciate the beauty of culinary creations as much as their delectable taste, I've got just the treat for you!
Allow me to introduce you to a recipe that seamlessly blends taste and aesthetics: the "Festive Cookies for all Occasions." These delightful treats not only satisfy your taste buds but also dazzle with their versatile designs.
To make these cookies, you'll need a few basic ingredients:
- 2 sticks of unsalted butter, room temp
- 2/3 cups of granulated sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of almond extract (optional but makes a difference)
- A pinch of salt
- 2 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour (you can use gluten-free flour as well)
- Jam of your choice, decorating sugar or sprinkles
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F.
- In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, salt and continuing to mix until well incorporated.
- Gradually add the flour, scrapping the sides every 20 seconds until well mixed.
- If desired, divide the dough into separate bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to each, creating a vibrant assortment of colors.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Using a one-tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop out cookie dough, roll into balls and arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- With a 1/4 teaspoon measuring spoon, press an indent into each ball of cookie dough.
- Next, spoon about a 1/2 teaspoon of jam into each one.
- Option 2: Carefully roll each ball into decorating sugar or colorful sprinkles, and place back on the baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball into a 1/4 inch cookie.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 14 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your cookies.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely.
- Once cooled, feel free to get creative with the decorating process. You can use powdered sugar, royal icing, edible glitter, or even more sprinkles to further enhance the visual appeal of your cookies.
- And voila! You have now created a batch of scrumptious and visually appealing Festive Cookies.
Just remember, the beauty of these cookies lies not only in their ease of making but versatility. You can use them all year round for any occasion. The base of the cookie is simple but decadent and can be filled with all kids of flavors or rolled into a multitude of sprinkles. You can even use it for cutout cookies. Share the love and spread the holiday cheer by gifting these cookies to friends, family, and/ or neighbors.
Wishing you a season filled with sweet moments and culinary adventures.
Until next time, Happy baking and try one of my other cookie recipes here.
x, Dijana
