Save to Pinterest Warm & Toasty Mitten Cookies bring a cozy charm to your winter celebrations. These mitten-shaped sugar cookies are perfectly tender and decorated with colorful royal icing designs that evoke the warmth of the season. Whether for holiday gatherings or thoughtful gifts, they inspire joy and creativity in every detail.
Save to Pinterest These cookies blend the classic flavor of vanilla sugar cookies with the fanciful touch of royal icing, making them a wintertime favorite that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. The dough’s smooth texture allows for clean cutouts, while the icing sets beautifully for lasting, vibrant designs.
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 crisp edges and tender centers, chill your dough well before rolling. Using parchment paper on baking sheets prevents sticking and promotes even baking. Roll dough uniformly to achieve consistent cookie thickness and baking times.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Add a splash of almond extract to the dough for a nutty twist. For safe raw consumption, substitute egg whites in the icing with meringue powder and water. Decorations can be personalized with different colored icings, sprinkles, or edible pearls to suit your festive mood.
Serviervorschläge
Arrange your decorated mitten cookies on a festive platter for holiday parties or package them in decorative tins as heartfelt gifts. Pair these sweet treats with warm drinks like hot cocoa or spiced cider for an extra cozy touch.
Save to Pinterest Embrace the festive spirit by baking and decorating these delightful mitten cookies, a perfect blend of tradition and creativity. Their sweet, buttery flavor and charming presentation make every bite a special winter memory.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the best way to roll the dough for shaped cookies?
Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness to ensure even baking and maintain shape during cooking.
- → How do I achieve vibrant colors for royal icing?
Use gel food coloring diluted into the icing once smooth; gel colors provide rich hues without altering consistency.
- → Can I prepare decorated cookies in advance?
Undecorated cookies can be baked and frozen, then thawed and decorated later to preserve freshness and ease preparation.
- → What ingredient helps the icing set hard and glossy?
Whisking powdered sugar with egg whites and lemon juice creates a smooth, glossy royal icing that hardens when dried.
- → Are there safer alternatives to raw egg whites in icing?
Yes, pasteurized egg whites or meringue powder mixed with water can be used to ensure safe consumption without altering texture.