Alright, fellow flavor seekers! Savannah Rose from JustFlowe Blog here, ready to share a truly delightful treat that’s become a beloved tradition in my kitchen: Christmas Lights Cookies! These aren’t your average Christmas cookies; they’re little edible works of art that bring so much joy to our family gatherings. I remember the first time I made them; my youngest exclaimed they looked like tiny Christmas trees ready to light up the night! Now, let’s get into how you can make these enchanting cookies a tradition in your own home.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: I prefer unbleached for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Ensures our cookies are perfectly light and airy.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Use high-quality butter for a richer taste.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: The perfect amount for sweetness.
- 1 large egg: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract is key for authentic flavor.
- Royal Icing: For decorating your Christmas Lights Cookies.
- Gel food coloring: To create vibrant colors for the “lights” on your cookies.
- Edible glitter (optional): For that extra sparkle!
For the best flavor in your Christmas Lights Cookies, I recommend sourcing your vanilla extract from a local farmers market. You’ll find the freshest ingredients for these Christmas Lights Cookies at specialty baking shops or even online. Trust me, this Christmas Lights Cookies ingredient list focuses on quality over quantity for authentic flavors!
Let’s Create This Together!
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and a consistent texture.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This typically takes 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. My family loves when I add a touch of almond extract for an extra touch to our Christmas Lights Cookies!
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies will be tough.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour. This is a crucial step, as it prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Roll and Cut: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use Christmas light-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the cookies.
- Bake: Place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Here’s where I used to miss a key step with my Christmas Lights Cookies – learn from my experience!
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Perfect time to appreciate the aromatic transformation!
- Prepare Royal Icing: Prepare your royal icing according to your favorite recipe. I recommend this Christmas Cookie Decorating Tutorial with Royal Icing Recipe. Divide the icing into several bowls and tint each with different gel food colors.
- Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate them with the royal icing. Use piping bags or squeeze bottles to create the “lights” and other festive designs. While your Christmas Lights Cookies are developing these flavors, take a moment to appreciate creating something special for your family!
- Add Edible Glitter (Optional): While the icing is still wet, sprinkle with edible glitter for a dazzling effect. The Christmas Lights Cookies should fill the kitchen with amazing aromas by now!
- Let Icing Set: Allow the icing to set completely before serving or storing. Don’t be surprised if your Christmas Lights Cookies develops a slight shine as the icing dries; that’s perfectly normal!
Here’s where I used to miss a key step with my Christmas Lights Cookies – learn from my experience! I once forgot to chill the dough long enough, and my cookies spread out into shapeless blobs. The flavor was still fantastic, but they didn’t quite look like Christmas lights! This flavorful Christmas Lights Cookies reminds me of another family favorite, Twisted Christmas Cookies.
How We Love to Enjoy This!
Our family loves to gather around the table with a warm cup of cocoa and decorate these Christmas Lights Cookies together. It’s a tradition that brings us closer and creates lasting memories.
These Christmas Lights Cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet treat for Santa! They also make wonderful gifts for friends and neighbors.
For a festive presentation, arrange the decorated cookies on a platter with some fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary. The red and green colors complement the cookies beautifully. This Christmas Lights Cookies is perfect for those evenings when we want something truly satisfying!
If you have any leftover cookies (which is rare in our house!), you can crumble them and use them as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. This Christmas Lights Cookies reminds me of another family favorite, Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies.
For a seasonal twist, try adding a hint of orange zest or peppermint extract to the dough. These flavors complement the holiday season perfectly. The family gathers quickly when this aromatic Christmas Lights Cookies appears with homemade hot chocolate.
I once made a batch of these cookies with a gingerbread-flavored dough, and they were a huge hit! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and extracts to create your own signature version. If your family loves these authentic flavors, they’ll appreciate Halloween Crinkle Cookies.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Does this Christmas Lights Cookies really satisfy hearty appetites?
Absolutely! While they are delicate and sweet, the rich buttery flavor and satisfying crunch make them a delightful treat that everyone enjoys. Plus, decorating them is a fun activity that keeps everyone engaged and happy!
What if someone in my family prefers milder flavors in their Christmas Lights Cookies?
No problem at all! You can easily adjust the intensity of the flavors by using less vanilla extract or omitting the almond extract altogether. You can also use natural food coloring to keep the colors softer and more subtle.
How can I prepare this Christmas Lights Cookies ahead for busy weeks?
You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll out the dough and cut out the cookies. The decorated cookies can also be stored in an airtight container for several days.
Can I freeze the Christmas Lights Cookies dough?
Yes, you can! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
What’s the best way to prevent the cookies from spreading during baking?
Chilling the dough is key! Make sure to chill it for at least 1 hour, or even longer if you have the time. Also, avoid overmixing the dough, as this can develop the gluten and cause the cookies to spread.
What kind of food coloring should I use for the royal icing?
Gel food coloring is the best choice because it provides vibrant colors without adding too much liquid to the icing. This is important for achieving the right consistency for decorating.
Any tips for making perfect royal icing?
Use a stand mixer for the best results. Beat the ingredients until the icing forms stiff peaks. If the icing is too thick, add a little water, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. If the icing is too thin, add a little powdered sugar.
Final Kitchen Wisdom:
This Christmas Lights Cookies recipe is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a way to create joyful memories and strengthen family bonds through authentic flavors and shared experiences.
My Christmas Lights Cookies Flavor Secrets:
- Quality Ingredients: Always use the best quality butter and vanilla extract for the most authentic flavor.
- Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s essential for preventing the cookies from spreading.
- Creative Decoration: Let your imagination run wild with the decorations! Use different colors, sprinkles, and edible glitter to make each cookie unique.
Family-Tested Christmas Lights Cookies Variations:
- Gingerbread Lights: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Peppermint Lights: Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough and decorate with crushed peppermint candies.
- Citrus Lights: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the dough for a bright, refreshing flavor.
My youngest loves the Peppermint Lights, while my eldest prefers the classic version with extra glitter. I hope you and your family enjoy making these Christmas Lights Cookies as much as we do. Remember, the most important ingredient is love! Happy baking!
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Christmas Lights Cookies
These Christmas Lights Cookies are a fun and festive treat for the holidays! Decorate sugar cookies with colorful icing and candy lights for a delightful and delicious project.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Royal Icing (recipe follows)
- Assorted small, colorful candies (e.g., M&Ms, sprinkles)
- Black decorating icing
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Cut out desired shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden brown.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cookies are cool, decorate with royal icing and candy lights. Use black decorating icing to draw a ‘string’ connecting the lights.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of almond extract to the cookie dough. You can also use pre-made royal icing to save time.