The first snowfall of the season always brings a sense of magic, doesn’t it? As I peer out the window at the twinkling, white landscape, I can’t help but feel inspired to bring that winter wonderland into my kitchen. That’s when the thought of baking my Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies pops into my head—delicate, sweet, and oh-so-fun to decorate.
These cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in with loved ones. With their buttery goodness and a hint of almond flavor, they capture the essence of the season. Plus, you can shape them into festive cut-outs like snowflakes and stockings, adding that extra charm to your holiday festivities.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a moment of homemade bliss, these cookies are here to brighten your winter days. So, preheat your oven, and let’s dive into a delicious adventure that will fill your home with warmth and cheer.
Why love Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies?
Delightful flavors: The rich combination of vanilla and almond infuses these cookies with a unique taste that dances on your palate.
Festive shapes: Create cheerful snowflakes and stocking designs that add a decorative touch to any holiday gathering.
Easy to make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll find this recipe incredibly user-friendly.
Perfect for sharing: These cookies are sure to impress friends, family, and guests alike.
Endless creativity: Decorate them in various ways to match your holiday spirit! For even more festive inspiration, check out my guide on Holiday Cookie Decorating Techniques.
With these every-bite-a-snowflake treats, your winter will truly be a wonderland!
Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookie Ingredients
Get ready to gather your supplies for these delightful treats!
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour – 2 ¾ cups for a perfect base that gives the cookies structure.
- Baking powder – 1 teaspoon to help the cookies rise and create a light texture.
- Salt – ½ teaspoon enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup, softened to lend a rich, creamy consistency to your dough.
- Granulated sugar – 1 cup to sweeten your cookies for that comforting taste.
- Large egg – 1 egg for binding the ingredients and adding moisture.
- Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons for a warm, aromatic flavor essential to any sugar cookie.
- Almond extract – ½ teaspoon adds a delightful twist that makes these Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies truly special!
Feel free to explore substitutions if you have specific dietary preferences, but trust me—the original mix captures that winter magic beautifully!
How to Make Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies
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Whisk together: In a bowl, mix 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt until well combined. This forms the dry foundation for your cookie magic!
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Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. The butter should be pale and airy!
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Add egg and extracts: Incorporate 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of almond extract into the creamed butter. Mix until everything is smooth and well blended.
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Combine dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until fully incorporated. You should have a soft, cohesive dough at this point.
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Chill the dough: Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step ensures your cookies hold their shape while baking!
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Preheat oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s nice and hot for those sugar cookies!
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Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. This thickness will give your cookies a lovely texture!
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Cut into shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes like snowflakes and stockings. The more, the merrier!
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Bake the cookies: Place the cutouts on a lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
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Cool and decorate: Allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating. This ensures your frosting or icing stays perfectly intact!
Optional: Add a sprinkle of edible glitter for a magical touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies
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Chill the dough: Don’t skip the chilling step; it helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents spreading during baking.
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Measure accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for your flour to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can lead to dry, crumbly textures in your Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies.
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Baking time: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges but slightly soft in the center when you take them out!
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Creative shapes: Explore different cookie cutters to match your holiday themes; get the whole family involved for extra fun.
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Decorating tips: Let the cookies cool completely before decorating. This avoids melting your frosting and ensures that your artistic designs shine!
How to Store and Freeze Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and delicious.
Fridge: If you prefer a softer cookie, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just ensure they’re in a sealed container to avoid drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating: For a freshly-baked taste, reheat cookies in an oven set to 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, bringing back that warm, cozy feel to your Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies!
Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookie Variations
Feel free to sprinkle your creativity into these delightful cookies! Each twist adds its own charm that’s sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Just be sure to choose one that contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
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Coconut Magic: Substitute half the butter for coconut oil and add ½ cup shredded coconut. This will give your cookies a tropical flair for a sweet twist on tradition!
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Spiced Up: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to your dry ingredients for a warm, festive flavor reminiscent of holiday spices.
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Choco-Lovers: Mix in ½ cup of chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate into the dough for a delightful chocolatey surprise every time you take a bite.
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Nutty Delight: Fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for added crunch and nutrition. This not only enhances texture but brings a wholesome element to each treat.
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Fruity Splash: Toss in ¼ cup of dried cranberries or cherries for a vibrant, tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies.
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Citrusy Twist: A teaspoon of lemon or orange zest added to the dough can brighten up the flavor profile and create a refreshing fruity note. A perfect complement to the almond!
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Peppermint Bliss: Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract and crushed candy cane pieces for a festive holiday touch. This is especially delightful during Christmas!
Let your imagination soar and create a batch that’s uniquely yours!
What to Serve with Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies?
These charming cookies are delightful to enjoy on their own, but they pair beautifully with a variety of sweet and festive treats!
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Hot Cocoa: The rich, warm flavors of cocoa beautifully complement the sweetness of the sugar cookies, creating a cozy pairing for winter evenings.
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Milk: A classic duo, the crisp edges of the cookies soften in cold milk, enhancing their buttery goodness. Perfect for dipping!
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a luscious, creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the cookies.
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Festive Fruit Salad: Bright, refreshing fruits can balance the sweetness of sugar cookies, adding color and a burst of natural flavor to your holiday spread.
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Gingerbread Cookies: A delightful twist, combining the soft sweetness of sugar cookies with the spicy warmth of gingerbread creates a wonderful cookie platter for sharing.
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Eggnog: This creamy, spiced holiday drink pairs well with the almond notes in your cookies, making for a festive sipping experience during gatherings.
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Decorated Sugar Cookies: Create a fun cookie decorating station with colorful icing and sprinkles to entertain guests while complementing the butter and vanilla flavor of the Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies.
Indulge in these combinations, and you’ll spark joy and create lasting memories with your loved ones this winter!
Make Ahead Options
These Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance—simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. For even longer storage, you can freeze the wrapped dough, which keeps well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, roll it out, and cut into your festive shapes. Remember to chill the rolled-out dough again for 30 minutes before baking to ensure they hold their form! With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have delicious cookies ready to impress with minimal last-minute effort.
Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of flour should I use for the cookies?
Absolutely, all-purpose flour is best for these cookies. It provides the right balance of structure and tenderness for your Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies. Make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid packing too much into the cup!
How should I store my cookies after baking?
To keep your cookies fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to preserve that soft, chewy texture, try keeping them in the fridge for up to a week, ensuring they’re well-sealed to avoid drying out.
Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the dough! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then roll out, cut, and bake as per the recipe!
What if my cookies spread too much in the oven?
Very important! If your cookies spread during baking, it might be due to the butter being too soft or the dough not being chilled adequately. To prevent this, remember to chill the dough for at least 1 hour and ensure that your butter is softened but not melting. Also, consider adding a little more flour if you feel the dough is too sticky.
Can I use substitutes for almond extract due to allergies?
Definitely! If you or someone you’re serving has an almond allergy, you can simply omit the almond extract altogether. For a similar flavor, consider using an additional half teaspoon of vanilla extract, or substitute it with another extract, like hazelnut or coconut, if you prefer. Just keep in mind that each flavor will give a different twist to your Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies!
Delicious Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookies to Brighten Your Day
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Beat softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the creamed butter. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until fully incorporated.
- Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes.
- Place the cutouts on a lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.