Looking for a delicious and festive treat to bake this holiday season? Look no further than this Santa Cookie Recipe with Vanilla Frosting! These cookies are not only easy to make but are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday party, cookie exchange, or just a fun baking activity with the family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- These cookies are bursting with great flavors, from the rich buttery cookie dough to the creamy vanilla frosting.
- With simple ingredients and quick prep time, this recipe is perfect for beginners or seasoned bakers looking for a tasty treat in a pinch.
Ingredient Notes:
Cookie Dough:
- Salted butter: provides rich flavor and helps create a tender cookie.
- Light brown sugar: adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Hazelnut liquor (optional): adds a subtle nutty flavor, but can be substituted with vanilla extract.
- Vanilla extract: enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- All-purpose flour: gives the cookies structure and texture.
- Baking soda: helps the cookies rise and spread.
- Kosher salt: balances the sweetness of the dough.
Vanilla Frosting:
- Powdered sugar: creates a smooth and sweet frosting.
- Assorted sprinkles: adds a festive touch to the cookies.
Vanilla Buttercream:
- Salted butter: provides richness and flavor.
- Cream cheese (optional): adds a tangy flavor to the frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the hazelnut liquor (if using), vanilla extract, and egg, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough and cut into Santa hat shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Bake the cookies in a preheated oven until golden brown around the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting.
Helpful Tips:
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling and cutting to prevent spreading.
- Use a piping bag or zip-top bag to easily pipe the frosting onto the cookies.
- Experiment with different sprinkles and decorations to customize your Santa cookies.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For a richer flavor, add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough.
- Use high-quality vanilla extract for a more pronounced vanilla flavor in the frosting.
- Allow the frosting to set before storing the cookies to prevent smudging the decorations.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Santa cookies with a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy winter treat or alongside a glass of milk for a classic pairing.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cookies in a 350°F oven for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, the cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
- Can I use margarine instead of butter? While butter is recommended for best flavor, margarine can be substituted in a pinch.
- How can I prevent the frosting from melting? Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting and store in a cool place to prevent melting.
Conclusion:
These Santa Cookies with Vanilla Frosting are sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering. Get creative with your decorations and enjoy these tasty treats with friends and family. Don’t forget to share your feedback and photos of your Santa creations! Happy baking!
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Santa Cookie Recipe with Vanilla Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the holiday spirit with these Santa cookies topped with delicious vanilla frosting. These soft and chewy cookies are a joy to bake and decorate!
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut liquor (optional)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus an additional 2-4 tablespoons if needed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Vanilla Frosting:
-
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- Assorted sprinkles, vanilla sugar, and/or sanding sugar, for decorating
Vanilla Buttercream:
-
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) salted butter, at room temperature
- 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Cookie Dough: Cream butter and sugar, then mix in liquor, vanilla, and egg. Add dry ingredients and mix until dough forms.
- Bake Cookies: Roll dough, cut shapes, and bake at 350°F until edges are golden. Cool completely.
- Make Frosting: Mix powdered sugar with water to make frosting. Decorate cooled cookies with frosting and sprinkles.
Notes
- You can refrigerate the dough for easier handling.
- Experiment with different cookie cutter shapes for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg