Festive Sugar Cookies
These delightful bite-sized sugar cookies are a nostalgic family favorite that brings joy to holiday celebrations. Adored for their tender, crumbly texture and sweet flavor, they are often the first treats to disappear from the cookie platter. Passed down from generation to generation, this no-nut variation allows everyone to enjoy the comforting tradition without any allergens. The cookies can be easily adapted for any occasion by changing the color of the sugar crystals, making them perfect for Christmas, birthdays, or any festive gathering. Relive cherished memories while creating new ones with your loved ones as you bake these treasures together.
N/A
Servings
40
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter or Margarine
1 cup (softened)
Powdered Sugar
1/2 cup
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon
Almond Extract
1 teaspoon (optional (can substitute for vanilla))
All-Purpose Flour
2 1/4 cups
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Colored Sugar Crystals
1/8 cup (red and green preferred for festive appeal)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a greased baking sheet.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter or margarine with the powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to mix until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3
Stir in the vanilla or almond extract until well combined.
4
Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Make sure not to over-mix.
5
Scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls using your hands. The dough will be slightly sticky; if needed, you can lightly flour your hands.
6
Dunk the tops of each dough ball into the colored sugar crystals, ensuring a generous coating.
7
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Note: These cookies do not spread during baking.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes. The cookies should be set but should not turn brown.
9
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
4.5g
Carbs
0.33g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Festive Sugar Cookies?
Festive Sugar Cookies are delightful bite-sized, tender, and crumbly treats that are a nostalgic family favorite for holiday celebrations.
Are these cookies safe for people with nut allergies?
Yes, this recipe is a no-nut variation specifically designed so that everyone can enjoy the tradition without allergens.
What is the texture of Festive Sugar Cookies?
These cookies are known for their tender and crumbly texture.
At what temperature should I bake Festive Sugar Cookies?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use either 1 cup of softened butter or margarine for this recipe.
What type of sugar is used in the cookie dough?
The dough uses 1/2 cup of powdered sugar.
What extracts can be used for flavoring?
You can use vanilla extract, almond extract, or a combination of both.
How do I prepare the dough balls?
Scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls using your hands.
Do these sugar cookies spread while baking?
No, these cookies do not spread during the baking process.
How do I decorate the cookies before baking?
Dunk the tops of each dough ball into colored sugar crystals to ensure a generous coating.
How long should the cookies bake?
Bake the cookies for approximately 10 minutes until they are set.
Should the cookies turn brown in the oven?
No, the cookies should be set but should not turn brown.
How should I cool the cookies?
Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What colors of sugar crystals are recommended for Christmas?
Red and green sugar crystals are preferred for a festive holiday appeal.
Can these cookies be made for occasions other than Christmas?
Yes, they can be easily adapted for any occasion, such as birthdays, by changing the color of the sugar crystals.
How many calories are in one Festive Sugar Cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 40 calories.
What is the fat content per cookie?
There is 2.5g of fat per cookie.
How many carbohydrates are in each cookie?
Each cookie has 4.5g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each cookie contains 0.33g of protein.
Is the dough sticky to work with?
Yes, the dough will be slightly sticky; you can lightly flour your hands if needed while rolling.
How much flour is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour.
Should the baking sheet be greased?
Yes, you should prepare a greased baking sheet before placing the dough balls.
How far apart should I space the dough balls on the sheet?
Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
What is the first step in mixing the ingredients?
The first step is to combine softened butter or margarine with powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Can I use an electric mixer for this recipe?
Yes, an electric mixer or a whisk can be used to mix the butter and sugar.
Is it okay to over-mix the dough?
No, you should mix until a soft dough forms but be careful not to over-mix after adding the flour.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients: butter/margarine, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, flour, salt, and sugar crystals.
What makes this a 'nostalgic' recipe?
It is described as a family favorite passed down from generation to generation.
Are these cookies considered 'drop' cookies?
Yes, they are categorized as drop cookies because they are formed into balls and placed on the sheet.
Is there any salt in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of salt.