Save Celebrate the chilly season with a delightful assortment of mitten-shaped sugar cookies, each lovingly adorned with cozy royal icing patterns. These Warm & Toasty Mitten Cookies are a charming treat perfect for sharing at winter gatherings or gifting to friends and family. Their buttery, soft texture pairs beautifully with colorful, festive decorations, making each bite a sweet reminder of holiday warmth.
Save Beyond the charming appearance, these cookies invite creativity with royal icing in assorted colors and optional decorations like sprinkles or edible pearls. Baking and decorating them can be a joyful activity to share with loved ones, making memories alongside sweet treats.
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. Mix 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 egg and vanilla
- 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. Prepare to bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 7. 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 for baking
- Place cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared sheets.
- 9. Bake and cool
- 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 icing
- 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 cookies
- 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 thoroughly to prevent spreading and ensure sharp cookie edges. Use an electric mixer to achieve a light and fluffy butter and sugar base, which contributes to the cookies' tender crumb. Work swiftly while rolling and cutting to keep the dough chilled. Allow the icing to set fully before stacking or packaging the cookies to avoid smudging.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a flavor twist, add almond extract to the dough along with vanilla. If you prefer to avoid raw egg in the icing, substitute with meringue powder and water as directed. Customize your decorations by using different sprinkles, sanding sugars, or edible pearls to match your holiday theme.
Serviervorschläge
Arrange these mitten cookies on a festive platter for a holiday party centerpiece or package them individually in clear bags tied with ribbons for charming gift presentation. They pair wonderfully with hot cocoa or mulled cider to create a warm winter treat experience.
Save With a bit of patience and creativity, these Warm & Toasty Mitten Cookies become more than just a dessert—they transform into a festive tradition full of warmth and sweetness that can be enjoyed again and again throughout the holiday season.
Recipe Q&A
- → What ingredients create the cookie dough?
The dough includes all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, softened butter, granulated sugar, a large egg, and vanilla extract for flavor.
- → How is the royal icing prepared?
Royal icing is made by whisking powdered sugar, egg whites, and lemon juice until smooth and glossy, then tinting with food coloring as desired.
- → How long should the dough chill before baking?
After shaping into discs, the dough should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to ensure stability during baking.
- → What temperature and time are best for baking the cookies?
Cookies bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until edges turn just golden.
- → Can the cookies be stored in advance?
Baked but undecorated cookies store well in an airtight container up to one week or frozen up to a month for later decorating.
- → Are there allergen concerns with these cookies?
They contain wheat, eggs, and dairy, with possible cross-contact from nuts if added through decorations.