Christmas is undoubtedly one of the most beloved holidays of the year, and it’s never too early to start looking forward to the next one! In fact, we’ve created a fun recipe that not only helps you countdown the days until next year’s Christmas, but also doubles as a delicious treat. So, let’s get started on this festive journey!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Green and red food coloring
- Multicolored sprinkles
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add in the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two separate bowls.
- Add a few drops of green food coloring to one bowl and a few drops of red food coloring to the other bowl. Mix until the desired color is achieved.
- Roll each dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space the balls about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand and top with multicolored sprinkles.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Finally, count the number of cookies you made and write it down somewhere special. This will be the number of days until next year’s Christmas!
Nutritional Information:
Calories per serving: 150
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 7g
Protein: 2g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy these festive cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk. They also make great gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.
Variations:
If you want to mix things up, try adding different flavors to the dough such as peppermint extract or almond extract. You can also switch up the colors and sprinkles to match different holidays throughout the year.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have all-purpose flour, you can substitute it for pastry flour or cake flour. You can also use margarine instead of butter if you prefer.
Storage:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This will help the dough come together properly.
- Don’t overmix the dough as it can cause the cookies to become tough.
- For a smoother dough, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together before adding it to the butter mixture.
Notes:
Make sure to write down the number of cookies you make as this will be the number of days until next year’s Christmas. You can also get creative with your decorations and add different colored sprinkles or drizzle chocolate over the top of the cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use different colors for the dough?
Yes, you can use any colors you like to match different holidays throughout the year.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter if you prefer.
Personal Thoughts:
Counting down the days until next year’s Christmas has never been more fun or delicious with this festive cookie recipe. The combination of colorful dough and multicolored sprinkles make for a visually appealing treat that is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also versatile in terms of flavor and decoration. So, why not give it a try and start the countdown to next year’s Christmas?