Pin Celebrate the cozy spirit of winter with a delightful batch of Warm & Toasty Mitten Cookies. These charming mitten-shaped sugar cookies are lovingly decorated with royal icing in festive colors, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or thoughtful gifts. Their tender crumb and sweet, buttery flavor capture the essence of comfort with every bite.
Pin These cookies combine the nostalgic charm of classic sugar cookies with the joyful artistry of decorated royal icing. With a balance of preparation, baking, and decorating time, they offer a rewarding project that yields stunning results visible on any festive table.
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. Prepare dry ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- 2. Cream butter and sugar
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- 3. Add wet ingredients
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- 4. Combine dry and wet
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
- 5. Chill the dough
- Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- 6. Preheat oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 7. Roll and cut cookies
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use a mitten-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies.
- 8. Arrange on baking sheets
- Place cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared sheets.
- 9. Bake cookies
- 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. Prepare 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 cookies
- 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 thoroughly ensures the cookies hold their mitten shape during baking. Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and to promote even baking. When coloring the icing, start with small amounts of gel food coloring to reach your desired vibrancy without altering the consistency.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a unique twist, add a teaspoon of almond extract to the dough. To keep the recipe safe for all ages, substitute the egg whites in the royal icing with meringue powder and water. Experiment with different decorative sprinkles or edible pearls to suit seasonal themes.
Serviervorschläge
Arrange these warm & toasty mitten cookies on a festive platter alongside mugs of hot cocoa or spiced cider. They also make charming holiday gifts when wrapped in clear bags with ribbons. Perfect for sharing at winter parties or as thoughtful homemade treats.
Pin With these warm mitten cookies, it's easy to bring a touch of handmade charm to any winter occasion. Each cookie tells a story of comfort and creativity, inviting smiles and shared moments among friends and family. Enjoy baking and decorating this festive treat that truly warms the heart.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve the perfect cookie thickness?
Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface to ensure even baking and a tender bite.
- → What’s the best way to decorate the cookies?
Use royal icing whisked to a smooth glossy texture, tint with food coloring, and pipe onto cooled cookies. Allow icing to fully set before handling.
- → Can these cookies be stored before decorating?
Yes, undecorated baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week or frozen for up to one month.
- → What ingredient ensures a sturdy but tender cookie?
The combination of softened butter and granulated sugar beaten until fluffy gives the dough structure and tenderness.
- → How should I handle allergens in the icing?
Using pasteurized egg whites or meringue powder in the royal icing reduces risk; always check for nut presence in decorations.