Save Warm & Toasty Mitten Cookies bring the charm of winter right to your kitchen with their cozy mitten shapes and colorful royal icing decorations. These delightful sugar cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as thoughtful gifts that spread warmth and cheer during the cold months.
Save Preparing these cookies offers a comforting rhythm: mixing dough, chilling it to perfect consistency, and then baking to golden edges. The decorating phase invites creativity with colorful royal icing and garnishes, turning simple treats into works of winter art.
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
Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading and to maintain clean mitten shapes when baking. Use pasteurized egg whites or meringue powder to ensure safe consumption of the royal icing. Rolling dough evenly ensures consistent cookie thickness for uniform baking.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a delightful twist, try adding almond extract to the dough for subtle nutty notes. Feel free to customize royal icing colors and decorations to match any holiday theme or personal style. Decorated cookies can be kept simple or adorned elaborately with sprinkles and edible pearls.
Serviervorschläge
These mitten cookies are charming served with hot cocoa or spiced tea at winter parties. They also make thoughtful edible gifts when packaged in festive tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbons—ideal for spreading warmth and sweet cheer.
Save Whether baked for a festive occasion or as a cozy winter treat, Warm & Toasty Mitten Cookies bring joy, color, and warmth to every bite. Their buttery base and bright icing designs make them a beloved classic to share season after season.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of flour is used in these cookies?
All-purpose flour provides the ideal texture and structure for these mitten-shaped treats.
- → How long should the dough chill before baking?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps it firm up, making it easier to roll and cut clean shapes.
- → What ingredients create the glossy icing finish?
The royal icing is made with powdered sugar, egg whites, and a touch of lemon juice to achieve a smooth, shiny surface.
- → Can these be decorated ahead of time?
Yes, once decorated and set, these treats can be arranged in displays or packaged as festive gifts.
- → Are there alternatives for raw egg in the icing?
Pasteurized egg whites or a mix of meringue powder and water can be used to ensure safe consumption.
- → What makes these cookies suitable for gifting?
The charming mitten shapes and vibrant icing designs add a personal, festive touch ideal for gift-giving occasions.