Cheerful Caroler Cookies

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Fun and Festive: These cookies are as much fun to decorate as they are to eat.
  • Customizable: You can get creative with decorations to suit your holiday theme.
  • Kid-Friendly: A perfect activity for kids to join in the holiday fun.
  • Delicious Base: A buttery, slightly sweet cookie that pairs perfectly with frosting and candy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • All-purpose flour
  • Unsalted butter, softened
  • Granulated sugar
  • Large egg
  • Vanilla extract
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Colorful candy or sprinkles
  • Royal icing or buttercream frosting
  • Red candies for noses

Directions

  1. Prepare the Dough
    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • In a bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
    • Gradually stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until the dough forms.
  2. Shape the Cookies
    • Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
    • Slightly flatten each ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
  3. Bake
    • Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
    • Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  4. Decorate
    • Use royal icing or buttercream frosting to pipe caroler faces or festive designs on the cookies.
    • Decorate with colorful candy, sprinkles, and red candies for noses.
    • For a themed touch, add musical notes or holiday symbols.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

  • Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.
  • Spiced Cookies: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
  • Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for an extra indulgence.
  • Alternative Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create stars, bells, or other holiday shapes before baking.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
  • Freezing: Freeze undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and decorate as desired.
  • Reheating: If frozen, let the cookies come to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

3. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking to help retain the shape.

4. Can I substitute the chocolate chips?

Yes, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or white chocolate chips work well as alternatives.

5. What type of frosting works best?

Royal icing is ideal for detailed designs, while buttercream is great for a softer texture.

6. How do I get vibrant icing colors?

Use gel food coloring for more vibrant hues without altering the icing consistency.

7. Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

Absolutely! Package them in festive tins or cellophane bags for a perfect holiday gift.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients, but ensure even mixing for the best results.

9. How long should the icing set?

Allow the icing to set for 1-2 hours to ensure decorations don’t smudge.

10. Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, store-bought frosting can save time and works well for this recipe.

Conclusion

Cheerful Caroler Cookies are a charming and delicious way to spread holiday cheer. Whether you’re baking with family or creating festive gifts, these cookies are sure to bring smiles. Their buttery flavor, customizable decorations, and holiday spirit make them a standout treat for the season. Happy baking!

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Cheerful Caroler Cookies

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

Cheerful Caroler Cookies are buttery holiday cookies decorated with playful designs, perfect for spreading festive cheer. Ideal for family baking, gifting, and cookie swaps!

 

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour
  • Unsalted butter, softened
  • Granulated sugar
  • Large egg
  • Vanilla extract
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Colorful candy or sprinkles
  • Royal icing or buttercream frosting
  • Red candies for noses

Instructions

  • Prepare the Dough
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
    • Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until dough forms.
  • Shape the Cookies
    • Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet.
    • Slightly flatten each ball with a spoon or fingers.
  • Bake
    • Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are golden.
    • Cool completely on a wire rack.
  • Decorate
    • Use royal icing or buttercream to pipe caroler faces or festive designs.
    • Add colorful candy, sprinkles, and red candies for noses.

Notes

  • Chill dough for 20-30 minutes before baking to reduce spreading.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Holiday

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