Save Celebrate the cozy spirit of winter with these delightful mitten-shaped sugar cookies, adorned with colorful royal icing that brings warmth and cheer to any occasion. Perfect for holiday parties, thoughtful gifts, or simply sharing a sweet moment with loved ones, this recipe combines classic American flavors with charming festive designs.
Save With a preparation time of just 30 minutes and a step that encourages chilling and decorating, you’ll find this recipe fits well into your busy holiday schedule. The medium difficulty level invites some hands-on fun, especially when decorating, so gather your favorite colors and sprinkles to create your own mitten masterpieces.
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
For best results, allow the dough to chill thoroughly; this prevents spreading and keeps your mitten shapes crisp and defined. When rolling out the dough, use gentle, even pressure and a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking. You can prepare the baking sheets ahead by lining them with parchment paper to streamline the baking process.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the dough for a delicious flavor twist that complements the vanilla perfectly. For a safe royal icing alternative, substitute pasteurized egg whites with 3 tablespoons meringue powder mixed with 6 tablespoons water. Decorations like edible pearls or sanding sugar elevate the cookies’ festive appeal.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these mitten cookies alongside warm beverages like hot cocoa or spiced cider for a cozy winter treat. They make wonderful gifts when wrapped in clear cellophane and tied with a festive ribbon. Arrange them on a platter for holiday parties, where their bright icing colors add vibrancy to any dessert table.
Save With a little patience and creativity, these Warm & Toasty Mitten Cookies will become a treasured part of your winter celebrations. Their buttery texture and joyful frosting evoke the comfort of cozy winter days, making every bite a festive delight.
Recipe FAQ
- → What gives the cookies their soft texture?
The combination of softened butter and careful mixing creates a tender dough, while chilling helps the cookies hold shape during baking.
- → How is the royal icing made smooth and glossy?
Whisking powdered sugar with egg whites and lemon juice at low speed results in the classic smooth and shiny royal icing consistency.
- → Can the dough be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps with rolling and cutting; undecorated baked cookies can also be stored airtight up to one week.
- → What tools are essential for decorating the cookies?
Piping bags and tips allow precise application of royal icing, while food coloring adds vibrant shades for detailed designs.
- → How can I ensure decorations set properly?
Let the decorated cookies sit undisturbed until the icing hardens completely, usually a few hours at room temperature.