Direction to Follow
Prepare the Cookie Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, along with the vanilla and optional almond extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt, then gradually add this to the wet mixture until a smooth dough forms. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes.
Roll Out & Shape the Cookies: After chilling, roll the dough to about 1⁄4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out festive shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until they’re lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack.
Make the Royal Icing: In a bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and the egg whites (or meringue powder and water) until stiff peaks form. Add your choice of vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor. Divide the icing into separate bowls to color with your food gels.
Decorate the Cookies: Once the cookies are cooled, use a piping bag to outline and fill them with your colored royal icing. Go ahead and sprinkle on any edible glitter if desired. Allow the decorated cookies to dry for 1-2 hours.
Serve & Enjoy: After the icing has set, arrange your gorgeous cookies on a platter. They make fantastic gifts! Store any extras in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These cookies shine at holiday gatherings! Serve them alongside mugs of hot cocoa or spiced tea for a warm, inviting treat. They also pair well with cheese boards or can be beautifully arranged in gift boxes. Whether you’re having a cozy evening with family or spreading holiday cheer with neighbors, these cookies are bound to impress.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To maintain freshness, store your Holly Berry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay good for up to a week. If you need them to last longer, they can also be frozen. Just layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll remain fresh for up to 3 months.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Chill Your Dough: Always chill your cookie dough. This helps maintain the shape during baking and creates a better texture.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies; the goal is a lightly golden edge, not a deep brown color.
- Get Creative with Colors: Don’t just stick with the traditional red and green; try out your favorite colors to make the cookies uniquely yours!
Creative Twists
Explore different flavor profiles by incorporating spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg into the cookie dough. You might also consider using lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist. For an allergy-friendly version, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or use aquafaba (chickpea liquid) for the royal icing.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cookies and freeze them until you’re ready to decorate. Just ensure they are fully cooled before packing them away.
What if I don’t have meringue powder?
If you’re out of meringue powder, simply use egg whites to make the royal icing. Remember to use pasteurized egg whites if you’re worried about food safety!
Can I use different food colors for icing?
Yes! Get creative with your color selection. Just remember to use gel food coloring for the best results, as it holds up better than liquid colors.
Now that you have all the details, it’s time to gather your ingredients and spread some holiday cheer with these Festive Holly Berry Cookies. Happy baking!
