Snowflake Sugar Cookies Recipe

Is there anything quite like the delicate beauty of a snowflake cookie around the holidays? These Snowflake Sugar Cookies bring a perfect mix of buttery richness and sweetness, highlighted by intricate royal icing decorations that make each cookie feel like a mini work of art. They’re ideal for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply indulging in some festive cheer at home!

Why You’ll Love These Snowflake Sugar Cookies

Snowflake Sugar Cookies aren’t just stunning; they’re also deliciously soft with a slight crunch on the edges and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness. The touch of almond extract gives these cookies a subtle, nutty twist that complements the vanilla and sugar perfectly. Plus, decorating these cookies can be a fun, creative activity to enjoy with friends or family during the holiday season!

Ingredients for Snowflake Sugar Cookies

Here’s everything you need to bake these beautiful snowflake cookies.

For the Cookies

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For the Royal Icing

• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2-3 tablespoons meringue powder
• 5-6 tablespoons warm water
• Blue gel food coloring (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Snowflake-shaped cookie cutters
• Piping bags with fine tips
• Toothpick or scribe tool for icing
• Wire rack for cooling

How to Make Snowflake Sugar Cookies

Prepare the Dough

1. Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Add wet ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), blending until smooth.
4. Incorporate flour mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
5. Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to make it easier to roll out.

Cut and Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll and cut: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use snowflake-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and place them on baking sheets about an inch apart.
3. Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

Prepare the Royal Icing

1. Mix the icing: In a medium bowl, combine sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder.
2. Adjust consistency: Slowly add warm water, mixing until the icing is thick but smooth and pipeable. Divide into two portions, tinting one with blue food coloring while leaving the other white.

Decorating Your Snowflake Cookies

Decorating is where the magic happens! Here’s a quick guide to achieving that classic snowflake look.

1. Create the base layer: Outline each cookie with blue royal icing, then flood the center for a smooth, solid base. Use a toothpick or scribe tool to even out the icing and pop any air bubbles.
2. Let it set: Allow the blue icing to dry for at least 15 minutes. This ensures the white details won’t bleed into the blue.
3. Add snowflake details: Using a fine-tip piping bag, pipe white lines from the center out to each point of the snowflake. Then, add smaller branches to create the classic snowflake look.
4. Finish with dots and sparkles: Add small dots at the ends of lines and in between for an intricate touch. For a frosty, wintery finish, sprinkle on edible glitter or add sugar pearls while the icing is still wet.

Let your decorated cookies dry completely before serving or packaging them up as holiday gifts!

What to Serve with Snowflake Sugar Cookies

Pair these cookies with a hot cup of cocoa, spiced tea, or eggnog for the ultimate holiday treat. They’re also a wonderful addition to any cookie platter and make a beautiful centerpiece for holiday gatherings.

Tips for the Perfect Snowflake Sugar Cookies

• Chill the dough: Chilling is key! It makes the dough easier to roll and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
• Use quality food coloring: Gel food coloring provides vibrant color without altering the icing’s consistency.
• Don’t rush the drying time: Allow the royal icing to fully dry before stacking or storing the cookies to avoid smudging your designs.

Storage Instructions

• At room temperature: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• For longer storage: Undecorated cookies can be frozen for up to three months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough up to three days in advance. Just keep it wrapped and refrigerated. Baked, undecorated cookies also freeze well.

Can I skip the almond extract?

Yes! The almond extract is optional. If you’re catering to nut allergies or simply prefer the flavor without it, feel free to omit it.

Can I use different colors?

Of course! While blue and white evoke that wintery feel, you can choose any colors that suit your holiday theme.

Final Thoughts on Snowflake Sugar Cookies

These Snowflake Sugar Cookies are truly a festive delight! Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they bring warmth, creativity, and a touch of magic to your holiday season. With each cookie uniquely decorated, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.

Ready to try more holiday treats? Check out these festive favorites:

• Christmas Stocking Sugar Cookies – A playful twist on traditional sugar cookies, shaped like holiday stockings!
• Gingerbread Cake – Rich, spiced, and perfect for cozy winter nights.
• Christmas Cake: A Festive Masterpiece – A beautifully decorated holiday cake filled with seasonal flavors.

I’d love to see your cookie creations! Share photos on Pinterest or leave a review below to let others know how your Snowflake Sugar Cookies turned out. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information (per cookie, approx.)

• Calories: 130
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 1g

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