Save Celebrate winter with a delightful batch of mitten-shaped sugar cookies, perfectly accented with cozy royal icing designs. These charming treats not only warm your kitchen with their inviting aroma but also bring a festive touch to any holiday gathering or gift-giving occasion. Crafted with care and a sprinkle of creativity, they are as fun to decorate as they are to enjoy.
Save From the buttery dough to the glossy icing, each step of creating these mitten cookies invites joy and a touch of artistry. Whether you're baking with family or preparing a festive treat for friends, these cookies embody warmth and creativity in every bite.
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
Chilling the dough thoroughly ensures clean-cut mitten shapes that hold their form during baking. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain an even bake. When mixing royal icing, start on low speed to avoid air bubbles and achieve a smooth, glossy finish.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Try adding a touch of almond extract to the dough for a delightful flavor twist. For a safer icing option, especially for children, substitute raw egg whites with pasteurized liquid egg whites or use meringue powder mixed with water. Experiment with different food coloring combinations to suit your holiday theme.
Serviervorschläge
Arrange your frosted mitten cookies in festive trays or gift boxes adorned with ribbons for sharing cheer. They pair wonderfully with hot cocoa or spiced tea, making them a perfect winter treat. Display them prominently at holiday parties to add a handmade touch of warmth and sweetness.
Save With every step from mixing to decorating, these mitten cookies invite you to infuse your holiday with warmth and creativity. Whether gifting to loved ones or enjoying around the family table, they bring a touch of handmade joy to the season’s sweetest moments.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes the dough soft and tender?
Using unsalted butter and beating it with sugar until fluffy creates a light, tender dough. Softening the butter properly and chilling the dough helps maintain the ideal texture after baking.
- → How can I ensure royal icing sets perfectly?
Whisk powdered sugar, egg whites, and lemon juice until smooth and glossy. Allow decorated cookies to dry at room temperature, giving the icing ample time to harden for crisp designs.
- → Can I prepare cookies ahead of time for decorating later?
Yes, baked but undecorated cookies can be stored airtight for up to one week or frozen for a month. Decorate just before serving or gifting to keep designs fresh.
- → What alternatives exist for raw egg whites in icing?
Pasteurized egg whites can be used safely, or substitute with meringue powder mixed with water for a safe royal icing base.
- → How do I add variety to the cookie dough flavor?
Incorporating almond extract into the dough adds a subtle, nutty twist that complements the vanilla and butter flavors.