Save Warm & Toasty Mitten Cookies offer a delightful blend of festive cheer and cozy comfort. These charming mitten-shaped sugar cookies bring a touch of whimsy to winter gatherings, elegantly adorned with vibrant royal icing designs. Whether you’re sharing them as holiday gifts or serving them at your seasonal parties, these cookies capture the warmth and joy of the season in every bite.
Save The process balances classic sugar cookie traditions with creative decorating techniques, making it a fun activity for both novice and experienced bakers. The royal icing’s smooth texture and vibrant colors add charm and detail that bring the mittens to life, creating an irresistible display of sweet treats.
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
To ensure the cookies maintain their shape and texture, chilling the dough is essential. Rolling the dough evenly to 1/4-inch thickness guarantees consistent baking. When making royal icing, mix gently on low speed to avoid air bubbles for a smooth finish. Allow sufficient time for icing to fully dry to prevent smudging during decoration or storage.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a unique twist, add almond extract to the cookie dough to impart a subtle nutty flavor. If you prefer a safer icing option, use pasteurized egg whites or substitute with meringue powder and water. Experiment with different food coloring combinations or decorations like edible pearls and sanding sugar to match your festive theme.
Serviervorschläge
Arrange the decorated mitten cookies on a festive platter as a centerpiece for holiday gatherings. Package them in decorative boxes or cellophane bags to create charming, edible gifts that bring warmth and happiness to friends and family during the winter season.
Save These Warm & Toasty Mitten Cookies not only fill your home with the sweet smell of vanilla and sugar but also create lasting memories through their charming shapes and personalized decorations. Enjoy baking, decorating, and sharing this timeless holiday favorite with those you love.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What ingredients make the cookie dough soft and flavorful?
The butter and sugar are creamed until light and fluffy, while vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic note to the dough.
- → How is the royal icing prepared for decorating?
Powdered sugar is combined with egg whites and lemon juice, whisked until smooth and glossy, then tinted with gel food coloring for vibrant designs.
- → What is the best way to shape the cookies evenly?
Chilling the dough before rolling helps maintain shape when using a mitten-shaped cookie cutter and ensures clean edges after baking.
- → Can the cookies be stored before decorating?
Yes, baked and cooled cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week or frozen for longer preservation before decorating.
- → Are there any allergen considerations with these cookies?
These cookies contain wheat, eggs, and butter. Decorations may include tree nuts, so ingredient labels should be checked carefully.