Save Celebrate the charm of cozy winter days with our Warm & Toasty Mitten Cookie Display. This delightful assortment features mitten-shaped sugar cookies, lovingly decorated with inviting royal icing designs that add a festive touch to any holiday gathering or make for thoughtful gifts that warm the heart.
Save This recipe balances the buttery richness of the sugar cookies with the sweet and glossy royal icing, creating a beautiful combination of texture and flavor that brightens winter celebrations. Whether you’re decorating with sprinkles or intricate royal icing patterns, these cookies offer a canvas for your creativity.
Ingredients
- For the Cookies
- 2 3/4 cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- For the Royal Icing
- 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 large egg whites (or 1/4 cup pasteurized liquid egg whites)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- Gel food coloring (assorted colors)
- Decorations
- Sprinkles, sanding sugar, edible pearls (optional)
Instructions
- 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- 2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- 3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- 4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
- 5. Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- 6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use a mitten-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies.
- 8. Place cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared sheets.
- 9. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just golden. Cool on trays for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- 10. For the royal icing, whisk powdered sugar, egg whites, and lemon juice on low speed until smooth and glossy. Divide and tint with food coloring as desired.
- 11. Decorate cooled cookies with icing, sprinkles, and other decorations. Allow icing to set completely before arranging for display.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure perfect cookies every time, chill the dough well before rolling it out to avoid spreading. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and uniform baking. When decorating, allow plenty of drying time for the royal icing to achieve a smooth finish.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a subtle flavor enhancement, add a splash of almond extract to the cookie dough. If you prefer safer raw consumption in the icing, opt for pasteurized egg whites or substitute with meringue powder mixed with water. Feel free to customize decorations with your favorite sprinkles or edible pearls.
Serviervorschläge
These mitten cookies make a delightful holiday treat on their own or paired with hot chocolate or spiced cider. Arrange them on a festive platter or package in a decorative tin for gift-giving that spreads warmth and joy.
Save Enjoy baking and decorating these charming mitten cookies that bring cozy winter vibes and sweet smiles to your table. Whether sharing with loved ones or gifting, this recipe is sure to add a special touch to your holiday traditions.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve smooth royal icing consistency?
Whisk powdered sugar, egg whites, and lemon juice slowly until the icing is glossy and flows easily, adjusting thickness with tiny water amounts.
- → Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, the dough disc can be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes or wrapped and frozen for longer storage before rolling out.
- → What temperature is best for baking these cookies?
Baking at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes yields tender cookies with lightly golden edges.
- → How to decorate cookies with multiple icing colors?
Divide royal icing into portions and tint each with gel coloring; use piping bags for detailed designs once cookies have cooled completely.
- → Are there allergen considerations to keep in mind?
These cookies contain wheat, eggs, and dairy; ensure optional decorations or added extracts don't introduce nut allergens if sensitive.
- → Can almond extract be added to the dough?
Absolutely, adding almond extract provides a subtle nutty twist to the buttery cookie base.