Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies

Winter’s chill brings a little magic, and what better way to capture it than with these beautifully decorated Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies! These cookies are not only gorgeous to look at but also melt-in-your-mouth delicious, blending buttery, sweet flavors with a hint of vanilla and almond. Perfect for a cozy holiday gathering or as a thoughtful gift, these cookies turn your kitchen into a snowy wonderland.

Why You’ll Love These Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies

Enchanting Designs & Melt-in-Your-Mouth Taste

These cookies have it all: a tender, buttery texture with a hint of vanilla and almond and a royal icing that brings the perfect balance of sweetness. The best part? These cookies let you channel your inner artist with a whimsical, wintry scene.

Festive & Versatile

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a fun baking project, these cookies are a perfect fit. Plus, they’re customizable! Feel free to get creative with shapes and designs to make your own winter story come to life.

Ingredients for Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies

this Recipe

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional for a hint of nuttiness)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

Royal Icing

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Blue and white gel food coloring
• Piping bags with fine tips for detailed designs

Tools You’ll Need

• Electric mixer
• Plastic wrap
• Rolling pin
• Oval cookie cutter (or desired shapes)
• Baking sheet
• Cooling rack
• Piping bags with fine tips

How to Make Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies

Prepare the Dough

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Egg and Extracts: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. If it feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s manageable.

Chill and Shape

1. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (this helps prevent spreading during baking).
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into oval shapes, creating a “frame” for your winter wonderland scene.

Bake

1. Bake Cookies: Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Be careful not to over-bake—they should be soft and pale in color.
2. Cool Completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool fully before decorating.

Decorating with Royal Icing

1. Divide the Icing: Keep some icing white, and tint the rest with a light blue gel food coloring for the background.
2. Create a Background: Using the blue icing, flood each cookie with a smooth layer, creating a sky-like backdrop. Let it dry completely before adding details.
3. Add Winter Details: Use white icing to add snowy landscapes, trees, cottages, and snowflakes. For intricate designs, a fine-tipped piping bag is perfect for capturing delicate details.
4. Layer the Scene: Build up snow mounds or trees by letting each layer of icing dry before adding the next. This adds depth and a 3D effect to your cookies.
5. Finishing Touches: For a final snowy accent, add edible silver or white pearls to create a glittery snow effect. Let the cookies dry thoroughly before handling or packaging.

Decoration Tips for a Picture-Perfect Winter Scene

• Use Layers: Allow each layer of icing to set before adding more details. This keeps your designs crisp and prevents smudging.
• Textured Snow: Dots of thicker white icing or a sprinkling of edible pearls give the appearance of gently falling snow.
• Steady Hand, Fine Lines: Capture delicate details by holding a fine-tip piping bag steady; take breaks to keep your lines clean.

What to Serve with Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot mug of cocoa or mulled cider. Their delicate sweetness also complements creamy eggnog or a spiced holiday latte, making them the ultimate cozy treat.

Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies

• Room-Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and room-temperature eggs blend smoothly, making the dough light and fluffy.
• Chill for Shape: Chilling the dough keeps your cookies from spreading too much and helps maintain their frame-like shape.
• Avoid Overbaking: Take the cookies out when the edges are just starting to turn golden. This keeps them soft and delicious.

Storage Instructions

Store decorated sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you’d like to freeze them, do so before decorating and add the icing after they’re thawed to prevent any color bleeding or texture issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough up to 3 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Let it soften slightly before rolling out.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

The almond extract adds a subtle nutty flavor, but it’s optional. Vanilla extract alone will still give you a delicious cookie.

How can I make the icing thicker?

For thicker icing, add powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. This thicker icing works well for detailing and layering.

Bring the Magic of Winter to Your Holiday Dessert Table

These Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a chance to bring creativity and sweetness into your winter celebrations. With their delightful designs and delicious taste, they’ll be the star of any holiday gathering.

Looking for more cozy holiday treats? Check out these festive favorites:

• Christmas Stocking Sugar Cookies
• Gingerbread Cake
• Christmas Cake: A Festive Masterpiece

Did you make these cookies? Share your winter wonderland creations with us on Pinterest or leave a review! We’d love to see your festive cookie masterpieces!

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