Save Celebrate the cozy charm of winter with our Warm & Toasty Mitten Cookie Display, featuring adorable mitten-shaped sugar cookies festively decorated with vibrant royal icing. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or crafting heartfelt gifts, these cookies bring warmth and joy to any occasion.
Save From mixing and chilling the dough to the joy of decorating each cookie with intricate icing details, this recipe invites you to slow down and enjoy the process of creating something both beautiful and delicious.
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. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- 2. Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- 3. Add Wet Ingredients
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- 4. Combine Dry and Wet
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
- 5. Chill Dough
- Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- 6. Prepare Baking Sheets
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 7. Cut Cookies
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use a mitten-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies.
- 8. Arrange Cookies
- Place cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared sheets.
- 9. Bake Cookies
- 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. Make 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 Cookies
- Decorate cooled cookies with icing, sprinkles, and other decorations. Allow icing to set completely before arranging for display.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For best results, chill the dough well before rolling to prevent spreading. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to keep cookies from sticking. When decorating, allow the base layer of icing to dry fully before adding details for sharp designs.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Add almond extract to the dough to enhance flavor with a subtle nutty aroma. For a safer royal icing alternative, use pasteurized egg whites or swap with meringue powder combined with water. Feel free to experiment with assorted sprinkles and decorating styles to match your celebration theme.
Serviervorschläge
Display these festive mitten cookies on a holiday platter alongside hot cocoa or mulled cider for a perfect winter treat. Wrapped in cellophane bags tied with ribbon, they also make thoughtful and delightful homemade gifts.
Save Embrace the joy of festive baking with these warm and toasty mitten cookies, a sweet symbol of winter camaraderie and holiday spirit. They’re sure to bring smiles and create lasting memories around any celebration.
Cooking Questions & Answers
- → How do you make the dough firm enough for cutting shapes?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes firms it up, making it easier to roll and cut precise mitten shapes without sticking or distortion.
- → What’s the best way to achieve smooth royal icing?
Whisk powdered sugar, egg whites, and lemon juice on low speed until smooth and glossy, removing lumps for a flawless finish.
- → Can I use liquid egg whites in the icing?
Yes, pasteurized liquid egg whites work well and ensure safety for raw consumption in the icing.
- → How long does it take for the icing to set fully?
Allow the decorated cookies to dry at room temperature for several hours or overnight to let the icing harden completely.
- → What decorations complement the mitten designs?
Sprinkles, sanding sugar, and edible pearls add texture and sparkle, enhancing the cozy and festive appearance.
- → How should baked cookies be stored before decorating?
Store baked, undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to one week or freeze for up to a month to maintain freshness.