Wholesome Festive Sugar Cookies with Glaze
Celebrate the holiday season with these Wholesome Festive Sugar Cookies that delight the palate while being kinder to the waistline. These cookies are a healthier spin on a traditional favorite, offering a soft, tender bite with a sweet vanilla flavor that embodies the spirit of festivities. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in, this recipe eliminates the need for refrigeration, making the preparation a breeze. Top them off with a shiny, colorful icing that hardens beautifully, creating a visually appealing treat that everyone will love. Crafted with low-fat ingredients, these cookies allow you to indulge guilt-free without sacrificing taste or aesthetics. Spread joy and sweetness this season with these delightful, lighter cookies!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
1/2 cup (Granulated)
Margarine
3 tablespoons (Softened (Light Becel Non-Hydrogenated))
Egg white
1 (Beaten)
Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (Pure)
Flour
1 1/4 cups (All-purpose)
Baking powder
1/4 teaspoon (Leavening agent)
Salt
1/8 teaspoon (Table salt)
Cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon (Acidic powder)
Powdered sugar
3/4 cup (Sifted)
Skim milk
3 3/8 teaspoons (Liquid)
Vanilla extract (additional)
1/8 teaspoon (To taste)
Light corn syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons (For sweetness and shine)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, beat the margarine and sugar together until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
3
Add in the egg white and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt to ensure an even distribution of dry ingredients.
5
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. If the dough becomes too thick, stop adding flour to maintain the right consistency.
6
Transfer the dough onto a heavily floured surface and knead it gently for 3-5 turns until it’s smooth.
7
Roll out the dough to your desired thickness with a floured rolling pin, then use cookie cutters to create various shapes.
8
Place the shaped cookies on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Avoid greasing the sheet to ensure the bottoms remain soft and tender.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 7-10 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent browning. The cookies should remain light and soft on top.
10
Once baked, remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
11
While the cookies cool, prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar and skim milk until you achieve a smooth consistency.
12
Beat in the light corn syrup and additional vanilla extract until the mixture appears glossy.
13
If desired, add food coloring to create vibrant icing. Once the cookies are completely cooled, decorate them with the icing. Enjoy your healthy festive treat!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Wholesome Festive Sugar Cookies with Glaze?
These are a healthier, low-fat version of traditional holiday sugar cookies that feature a soft, tender bite and a sweet vanilla flavor.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What is the first step in the mixing process?
The first step is to beat the margarine and sugar together in a mixing bowl until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
Which wet ingredients are added after the margarine and sugar?
After creaming the margarine and sugar, add the egg white and vanilla extract.
What dry ingredients are needed for the cookie dough?
The dry ingredients include all-purpose flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt.
How should the dry mixture be added to the wet ingredients?
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing only until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
What should I do if the dough becomes too thick?
If the dough becomes too thick, stop adding flour to ensure you maintain the correct consistency for rolling.
How do I prepare the surface for rolling out the dough?
Transfer the dough onto a heavily floured surface and knead it gently for 3 to 5 turns until it is smooth.
Does this sugar cookie dough need to be refrigerated?
No, this recipe is designed to eliminate the need for refrigeration, making the preparation process much faster.
How do I create different shapes with the dough?
Roll out the dough to your desired thickness using a floured rolling pin and then use cookie cutters to create various shapes.
What type of baking sheet preparation is recommended?
Place the cookies on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and avoid greasing the sheet to keep the bottoms soft.
How long should the cookies bake?
Bake the cookies for 7 to 10 minutes, monitoring them closely.
How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are light and soft on top; you should prevent them from browning.
What is the best way to cool the cookies?
Remove the baked cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
How is the base of the icing made?
The icing base is made by mixing sifted powdered sugar and skim milk until it reaches a smooth consistency.
What ingredients make the icing glossy?
Beating in light corn syrup and additional vanilla extract gives the icing its glossy appearance.
Can I add color to the icing?
Yes, you can add food coloring to the icing to create vibrant decorations for your festive treats.
When is the right time to decorate the cookies?
You should only decorate the cookies with the icing once they have completely cooled.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total, including items for both the cookie dough and the glaze.
What type of margarine is suggested for this recipe?
Light, non-hydrogenated margarine, such as Light Becel, is suggested to keep the recipe wholesome.
What role does cream of tartar play in this recipe?
Cream of tartar acts as an acidic powder that helps with the leavening and texture of the sugar cookies.
Is this recipe considered low-fat?
Yes, by using light margarine, egg whites, and skim milk, these cookies are a lower-fat alternative to traditional recipes.
What type of flour should I use?
All-purpose flour is the recommended type for these festive sugar cookies.
What kind of milk is used for the glaze?
Skim milk is used in the glaze to maintain the lighter profile of the recipe.
How much sugar is in the cookie dough itself?
The dough uses 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
What is the benefit of the icing hardening?
The icing hardens beautifully, which creates a visually appealing treat that is easy to handle and serve.
Is vanilla extract used in both the dough and the glaze?
Yes, vanilla extract is added to the cookie dough for flavor and to the icing for additional sweetness and aroma.
Does this recipe use whole eggs?
No, it uses only one beaten egg white to help reduce the fat and cholesterol content.
Can these cookies be used for holiday gatherings?
Yes, they are perfect for holiday gatherings, providing a festive look and taste without the heavy calories.
What is the purpose of the light corn syrup in the glaze?
The light corn syrup is added to provide both sweetness and a characteristic shine to the hardened icing.