Santa Cookies
Delightfully festive treats that combine flavor and charm, perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 3 cups 3 cups of all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling Provides a sturdy yet tender base.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp baking powder Helps cookies rise perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp kosher salt Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
- 1 cup 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Rich foundation for cookies and frosting.
- 1 cup 1 cup granulated sugar Adds sweetness and crunch.
- 1 large 1 large egg Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
- 1 Tbsp 1 Tbsp whole milk Adds richness to the dough.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp pure vanilla extract Enhances flavor.
- 1 cup 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting) Base for frosting.
- 5 cups 5 cups powdered sugar Makes a sweet frosting.
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup whole milk (for frosting) Helps achieve desired texture.
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract (for frosting) Adds flavor to frosting.
- 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp kosher salt (for frosting) Balances sweetness in frosting.
- to taste Red food coloring For decorating.
- to taste Red sanding sugar For a sparkling finish.
- to taste Red and brown mini M&Ms For decorating.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until fluffy.
- Add in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half and roll it out between sheets of parchment paper; refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cut out Santa-shaped cookies and place them in the freezer for 5 minutes.
- Bake the cookies for about 8-10 minutes, until the edges are golden.
- Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Frosting
- Beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add the milk, vanilla, and salt, mixing to create a velvety buttercream frosting.
- Pipe red frosting on top of the cookies and dip them in red sanding sugar.
- Use white frosting for Santa's beard and decorative mini M&Ms to complete the look.
Notes
Allowing dough to rest overnight enhances flavor. Ensure butter is at room temperature and dough is chilled before baking for best results.