Snowflake Sugar Cookies

I just love how these cookies sparkle. They look like little snowflakes on my table. And, oh, they taste even better than they look.

I remember the first time I made them. The sweet smell filled the whole kitchen. It made me feel like winter had come alive inside my home.

Biting into one feels soft, sweet, and so fun. It’s like holding a snowflake that doesn’t melt away. I know you’ll want to bake a batch too.

So, let’s grab our flour, sugar, and sprinkles. We’ll make these snowflake sugar cookies step by step. And trust me, it’s so worth it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Buttery: The combination of butter and sugar results in the perfect balance of a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Customizable Frosting Options: From a creamy Christmas Cookie Buttercream Frosting to a delicate Sugar Cookie Glaze, you can choose the perfect topping for your snowflakes.
• Perfect for Decorating: The simple dough allows you to get creative with festive decorations. Whether it’s a light dusting of sugar or intricate designs, these cookies are a canvas for your imagination.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: The snowflake shapes and decorating options make this recipe an excellent choice for baking with kids or hosting a cookie-decorating party.
• Ideal for Gifting: Package them up in festive boxes or bags to make the perfect homemade gift for friends, family, and neighbors during the holidays.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we get started, here’s a list of kitchen tools you’ll need to make these Snowflake Sugar Cookies:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining your dry ingredients, wet ingredients, and dough.
• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: To beat the butter and sugar together for a smooth dough.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accuracy with your ingredients.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough to an even thickness.
• Snowflake Cookie Cutter: For shaping your cookies into beautiful snowflakes.
• Parchment Paper: To line your baking sheets for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• Cooling Rack: To cool your cookies evenly after baking.
• Piping Bags or Ziploc Bags: For decorating the cookies with frosting or glaze.

Ingredients

Cookie Dough Ingredients:

Here’s everything you need to make the delicious, melt-in-your-mouth dough for Snowflake Sugar Cookies:

• 1½ cups unsalted butter (softened at room temperature): This gives the cookies their rich, buttery flavor and soft texture.
• 1½ cups granulated sugar: The perfect sweetener to balance the richness of the butter.
• 2 large eggs: Provides structure and moisture to the dough.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and flavor to the dough.
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, or substitute with extra vanilla extract if you have nut allergies): Almond extract enhances the flavor, giving the cookies an extra layer of deliciousness.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: To help the cookies rise and give them that soft, fluffy texture.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• 4 – 4½ cups all-purpose flour (see note below): This is the main ingredient that gives structure to your cookies. You may need to adjust the amount slightly depending on the humidity and your environment.

Frosting Options:

For decorating your Snowflake Sugar Cookies, you have two great options:

1. Christmas Cookie Buttercream Frosting (for round design)

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
• 3–4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (adjust to get the desired consistency)
• Food coloring (optional, for added decoration)

2. Sugar Cookie Glaze (for dipping shaped snowflake design)

• 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional, for festive colors)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking sugar cookies and ensuring they come out soft with a slight golden edge.

Make the Dough:

• Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a stand mixer or hand mixer until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
• Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and beat until everything is well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
• Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can make the dough tough.
• Chill the Dough: Once your dough is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and shapes the cookies better when cutting.

2. Roll Out and Cut the Cookies

• Roll the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness using a rolling pin. The dough should be soft and pliable, but not too sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little extra flour to your rolling surface and rolling pin.
• Cut the Cookies: Using a snowflake cookie cutter (or any festive shape of your choice), cut out shapes from the dough and transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a bit of space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly during baking.

3. Bake the Cookies

• Bake: Place your cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The centers of the cookies may still look a little soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
• Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important because it prevents the cookies from breaking when you move them while they’re still hot.

4. Decorate the Cookies

Once your cookies are completely cooled, it’s time to get creative with the decorations!

For Christmas Cookie Buttercream Frosting:

• Prepare the Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream to achieve the desired consistency. You want it thick but spreadable.
• Frost the Cookies: Using a spatula or piping bag, spread or pipe the frosting onto the cookies in any design you like. You can create simple swirls or go all out with intricate snowflake patterns.
• Add Sprinkles or Glitter: For a festive touch, sprinkle edible glitter, colored sugar, or sprinkles over the frosting before it sets.

For Sugar Cookie Glaze:

• Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity for a thicker or thinner glaze.
• Dip the Cookies: For a clean and simple design, dip each cookie into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off before placing them on a wire rack. If you want to add a bit of color, divide the glaze into smaller bowls and tint each with food coloring.

How to Serve Snowflake Sugar Cookies

These cookies are perfect for any festive gathering, holiday party, or just as a treat to enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa. They are versatile and can be served in various ways:

• Holiday Cookie Platters: Arrange the decorated cookies on a festive platter alongside other holiday treats such as gingerbread, chocolate truffles, and peppermint bark.
• Gift Boxes: Package them up in clear cellophane bags or cute boxes as a delightful homemade gift for friends, family, and neighbors.
• Tea Parties or Gatherings: Serve them as part of a cozy winter tea party with hot beverages like mulled cider, hot chocolate, or spiced tea.

Storing Snowflake Sugar Cookies

• Unfrosted Cookies: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Frosted Cookies: If you’ve frosted the cookies with buttercream frosting, they should also be stored in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent the frosting from sticking. Frosted cookies can last up to 3-4 days at room temperature or a bit longer in the fridge.
• Freezing: If you want to prepare your cookies in advance, you can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies. For the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. For the cookies, place them in an airtight container and freeze them for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	140 kcal
Protein	1 g
Carbohydrates	18 g
Fat	7 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	9 g
Sodium	70 mg
Cholesterol	25 mg
Calcium	10 mg
Iron	0.5 mg

Values are approximate and based on standard ingredients. Serving size: 1 cookie (out of 24).

Conclusion

Snowflake Sugar Cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the winter season. Their soft, buttery texture and the ability to customize them with fun, festive decorations make them an ideal choice for holiday baking. Whether you’re looking to create a batch for a family get-together, a holiday cookie exchange, or just to enjoy with loved ones, these cookies are sure to be a hit. I hope this recipe becomes a part of your holiday traditions for years to come.

Recipe CardSnowflake Sugar Cookies

Yield: About 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chill time)
Bake Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour