Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies

This timeless recipe for Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies brings holiday magic to life in every bite. Perfect for festive gatherings or gifting, these cookies are rich, buttery, and decorated to impress. Their delicate almond and vanilla undertones make them incredibly special and memorable.

The first time I baked these cookies, I was preparing for a holiday party during a heavy snowfall. Their delightful aroma and charm have since made them a cherished must-bake each December.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure of the cookies. Ensure it is fresh for the best results.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies hold their shape and develop slight lift. Use one without a strong aftertaste.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the depth of flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Softened for a perfectly smooth and creamy dough. High-quality butter adds a rich flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Creates the sweetness and gives a tender crumb. Superfine sugar can be used for easier creaming.
• Large egg: Adds structure and moisture. Use farm-fresh eggs if possible.
• Vanilla extract: Provides classic warmth and sweetness. Choose pure vanilla for the best flavor.
• Almond extract: Adds a subtle nutty aroma. A little goes a long way for enhancing the taste.

How To Make Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies

Sift the Dry Ingredients:

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly incorporated. This step ensures a smooth, lump-free dough.

Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until fluffy and pale. Take your time with this step to build a light texture base.

Add Wet Ingredients:

Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Blend until smooth and no streaks remain.

Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures:

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture in small portions. Stir just until the dough forms, being careful not to overmix.

Chill the Dough:

Wrap the dough securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step helps the dough firm up and prevents spreading during baking.

Roll and Cut Shapes:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Roll the dough to one-quarter inch thickness on a floured surface. Use cookie cutters to create snowflakes, stockings, or other festive shapes.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the cookie edges are lightly golden. Overbaking can make the cookies too crispy so monitor closely.

Cool and Decorate:

Allow the cookies to cool fully on a wire rack before decorating. This prevents decoration smudging or melting.

Decorating these cookies has become a holiday tradition with my family. The almond extract especially reminds me of cozy afternoons spent in the kitchen with snow falling outside.

Storage Tips

Store the cookies in a sealed container at room temperature to maintain their texture and flavor. Adding a slice of bread can help keep them soft.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have almond extract, use an additional teaspoon of vanilla as an alternative. For a dairy-free option, replace butter with a plant-based alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with a hot mug of cocoa, festive eggnog, or a spiced latte for the perfect winter treat. They also make charming additions to a dessert platter or gift box.

Recipe FAQs

→ How should I store these cookies?

Keep your sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Let the dough soften slightly before rolling out.

→ What decorations work best for these cookies?

Use royal icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar for festive touches. Experiment with edible glitter or silver dragees for a wintry sparkle.

→ Can I substitute almond extract?

If you prefer, you can replace almond extract with an equal amount of vanilla extract or another flavor like lemon or orange extract for a unique twist.

→ Why is chilling the dough important?

Chilling the dough prevents spreading during baking, ensuring your cookies maintain their shape and have a perfect texture.