Pin Welcome the cozy spirit of winter with this Warm & Toasty Mitten Cookie Display. These charming mitten-shaped sugar cookies are lovingly decorated with smooth royal icing designs, making them the perfect sweet treat for winter gatherings or thoughtful holiday gifts. Each cookie combines a buttery base with delicate vanilla notes, while the colorful icing brings a festive cheer to any table.
Pin Whether you're preparing for a holiday party or looking to create homemade gifts, these mitten cookies bring warmth and charm. The process encourages creativity with decorating techniques, and the final result is a display that invites smiles and compliments.
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 before rolling is essential for maintaining clean cookie shapes and preventing spreading. For best results, decorate the cookies only after they have cooled completely. If you prefer a safer icing option, use pasteurized egg whites or try the meringue powder substitution for a safer bite.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For an added flavor twist, consider incorporating almond extract into the dough instead of vanilla. You can also experiment with different gel food coloring to create themed cookies for various occasions. Decorations like edible pearls or sanding sugar can add texture and sparkle.
Serviervorschläge
Arrange your decorated mitten cookies on a festive platter or in gift boxes for a charming presentation. They pair beautifully with hot cocoa or spiced teas, making them ideal for cozy winter celebrations or thoughtful homemade gifts.
Pin This Warm & Toasty Mitten Cookie Display is more than just a dessert—it’s a way to celebrate the joy of the season. With simple ingredients and delightful decorating options, you can create a memorable treat that brings warmth to your home and happiness to those you share it with.
Recipe Q&A
- → What is the best way to chill the dough?
Wrap dough discs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to ensure firmness for clean cookie cuts.
- → How do I achieve smooth royal icing?
Whisk powdered sugar, egg whites, and lemon juice on low speed until glossy and smooth, then tint with food coloring as desired.
- → Can I prepare cookies ahead of time?
Undecorated baked cookies can be stored airtight for up to a week or frozen for a month before decorating.
- → What tools are helpful for decorating?
Use piping bags with fine tips for precision and sprinkles or edible pearls to add decorative touches.
- → What substitutes exist for fresh egg whites in icing?
Pasteurized liquid egg whites or a mixture of meringue powder and water can be used safely in royal icing.