Introduction to Ugly Sweater Sugar Cookies
Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when we gather with loved ones, share laughter, and indulge in delicious treats. One of my favorite festive delights is making Ugly Sweater Sugar Cookies. These cookies are not just tasty; they’re a fun way to bring everyone together. Whether you’re a busy mom juggling work and family or a professional looking to impress at a holiday gathering, this recipe is your quick solution. With a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of love, you’ll create sweet memories that last long after the cookies are gone.
Why You’ll Love This Ugly Sweater Sugar Cookies
These Ugly Sweater Sugar Cookies are a delightful blend of ease and taste. They come together quickly, making them perfect for busy days when you want to whip up something special. The joy of decorating them is unmatched, allowing you to unleash your creativity. Plus, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike, ensuring smiles all around. Trust me, these cookies will become a cherished holiday tradition in your home!
Ingredients for Ugly Sweater Sugar Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Ugly Sweater Sugar Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This is the base of your cookies, providing structure and a soft texture.
- Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- Baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to ensure your cookies are light and airy.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor. Make sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
- White sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their lovely texture.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, helping to hold everything together while adding moisture.
- Vanilla extract: A must-have for flavor, bringing warmth and sweetness to the dough.
- Almond extract: Adds a delightful nutty flavor that complements the vanilla beautifully.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for making the icing that will transform your cookies into festive sweaters.
- Milk: Used to achieve the right consistency for your icing, making it smooth and spreadable.
- Food coloring: This is where the fun begins! Use various colors to create vibrant, ugly sweater designs.
- Sprinkles and edible decorations: These are the finishing touches that make your cookies truly festive and fun!
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Ugly Sweater Sugar Cookies
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these Ugly Sweater Sugar Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of festive cookies in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly. If you skip this step, your cookies might spread too much or not rise properly. Trust me, a well-preheated oven is the secret to cookie perfection!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This step is essential for evenly distributing the leavening agents. It helps your cookies rise beautifully. Make sure there are no lumps in the flour; a smooth mix is key to a great texture!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Creaming incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies that delightful texture. You want it to look pale and fluffy, like a cloud of sweetness!
Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts
Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. The egg acts as a binder, holding everything together while adding moisture. The extracts bring warmth and flavor, making your cookies irresistible. Don’t rush this step; let those flavors mingle!
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture. I like to do this in batches to avoid a flour explosion! Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. You want a soft dough that holds together nicely.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Now it’s time to shape your cookies! Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place them on ungreased cookie sheets. Leave some space between each ball, as they will spread while baking. If you want uniform shapes, you can use a cookie scoop for consistency.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want them to be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!
Step 8: Cool and Prepare Icing
Once baked, let the cookies cool on wire racks. This cooling time is essential; it allows the cookies to set properly. While they cool, prepare your icing by mixing powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Divide the icing into bowls and add food coloring for that festive touch!
Step 9: Decorate Your Cookies
Finally, it’s time to unleash your creativity! Decorate your cookies with the colorful icing and sprinkles to resemble ugly sweaters. Think of fun patterns, stripes, and even little holiday motifs. The more colorful, the better! Let your imagination run wild, and enjoy the process!
Tips for Success
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading.
- Use a variety of food colors for a vibrant, festive look.
- Don’t skip the cooling step; it helps maintain the cookie’s shape.
- Experiment with different sprinkles and edible decorations for unique designs.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and delicious.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: Use any size you have; just ensure they’re sturdy.
- Whisk: A hand whisk works great, but an electric mixer saves time.
- Baking sheets: If you don’t have non-stick sheets, line regular ones with parchment paper.
- Cookie scoop: A tablespoon works well if you don’t have a scoop.
- Cooling racks: If you’re short on space, a plate will do in a pinch.
Variations of Ugly Sweater Sugar Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Ugly Sweater Cookies: Add a cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
- Vegan Version: Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter.
- Spiced Sugar Cookies: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, festive flavor.
- Almond Joy Cookies: Mix in shredded coconut and chopped almonds for a tropical twist on the classic recipe.
Serving Suggestions for Ugly Sweater Sugar Cookies
- Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider for a cozy treat.
- Serve them on a festive platter, garnished with holiday-themed decorations for a cheerful presentation.
- Include a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
- These cookies also make great gifts; package them in clear bags tied with colorful ribbons.
FAQs about Ugly Sweater Sugar Cookies
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out. This makes it easier to work with!
How do I store my Ugly Sweater Sugar Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them!
Can I use different flavors for the icing?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different extracts like peppermint or lemon for your icing. This adds a fun twist to your Ugly Sweater Sugar Cookies and makes them even more festive!
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to warm dough or not enough chilling time. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape!
Can I decorate these cookies with royal icing?
Definitely! Royal icing is a great option for decorating if you want more intricate designs. Just remember to let your cookies cool completely before applying the icing for the best results!
Final Thoughts
Making Ugly Sweater Sugar Cookies is more than just baking; it’s about creating joyful moments with family and friends. The laughter shared while decorating these whimsical treats is priceless. Each cookie becomes a canvas for creativity, allowing everyone to express their unique style. As you gather around the table, savoring the sweet flavors and festive spirit, you’ll find that these cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday traditions. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the mess, and enjoy the process. Trust me, the smiles and memories you create will be the sweetest part of all!
Print
Ugly Sweater Sugar Cookies: Decorate for Fun & Festivity!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and festive sugar cookies decorated to resemble ugly sweaters, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring (various colors)
- Sprinkles and edible decorations
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden.
- Let cool on wire racks.
- Prepare icing by mixing powdered sugar and milk, then divide into bowls and add food coloring.
- Decorate cookies with icing and sprinkles to resemble ugly sweaters.
Notes
- For best results, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling.
- Use a variety of colors for a more festive look.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg