Save Warm & Toasty Mitten Cookie Display brings a delightful winter charm to your gatherings with its mitten-shaped sugar cookies, each lovingly decorated with cozy royal icing designs. These festive cookies are perfect for sharing warmth and sweetness during holiday celebrations or as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
Save This recipe balances sweetness and ease perfectly, with a cookie dough that chills and cuts cleanly, making decorating fun and satisfying. The royal icing dries to a smooth, glossy finish that invites creativity with colors and sprinkles.
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
For best results, chill the dough well to make cutting easier and prevent spreading during baking. Use a light hand when rolling to keep cookies tender. Royal icing should be mixed until just glossy—overbeating can cause cracking.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Try adding almond extract to the dough for a subtle nutty flavor. Customize royal icing colors to match specific holidays or party themes. Use different sprinkles or edible pearls for unique textures and visual appeal.
Serviervorschläge
Arrange the decorated cookies on a festive platter to create a cozy winter centerpiece. Pair with hot cocoa, mulled cider, or a warm tea for an inviting treat that brightens any gathering.
Save With its timeless shape and inviting decoration, the Warm & Toasty Mitten Cookie Display makes every winter occasion feel extra special. Enjoy the process of baking and decorating these sweet symbols of warmth, and share the joy with your loved ones.
Kitchen Guide
- → What ingredients create the buttery cookie base?
All-purpose flour, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, a large egg, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt combine to form a tender, buttery dough.
- → How is the royal icing prepared and colored?
Whisk powdered sugar, egg whites, and lemon juice until smooth and glossy, then divide and tint with gel food coloring for vibrant decoration.
- → What is the best way to shape the cookies?
Roll dough to about 1/4-inch thickness and use a mitten-shaped cutter for uniform, seasonal shapes ready to bake.
- → How long should the dough chill before baking?
Refrigerate the dough discs for at least 30 minutes to ensure proper texture and easier handling during baking.
- → What storage options are available for these treats?
Baked cookies can be stored undecorated in an airtight container for up to one week or frozen for up to one month.
- → Can I add almond extract for flavor variation?
Yes, adding almond extract to the dough offers a pleasant flavor twist without altering the baking process.