If you’re looking to add a bit of winter magic to your holiday baking, Frosted Snowflake Cookies – Delicate & Festive are the answer! These buttery, crisp cookies topped with shimmering icing and a sprinkle of glitter are as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re making them for a festive party, gifting, or simply treating yourself, the detailed shapes and gentle flavors will enchant everyone. Let’s bring a little sparkle to your kitchen and create cookies that taste just as dreamy as they look!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Frosted Snowflake Cookies – Delicate & Festive comes from a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays an important role, whether it’s for structure, tenderness, or that magical holiday flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one makes these cookies so special:
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, 115g): The essential base for tenderness and rich flavor—make sure it’s softened for that perfectly creamy dough!
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup, 50g): Lends the ideal sweetness and helps the cookies achieve their light, crisp edges.
- Large egg yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the dough for an ultra-smooth texture, skipping the whites for a more delicate crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon + ½ teaspoon for frosting): Infuses both the dough and the icing with classic, comforting aroma—use pure vanilla for the best results!
- All-purpose flour (1 ¼ cups, 155g): Gives structure to your cookies while letting the buttery notes shine.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just the right amount to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors.
- Cornstarch (½ teaspoon): The secret to ultimate cookie tenderness, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth soft.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup, 120g): Sifted for a smooth, glossy frosting that dries to a beautiful sheen.
- Milk or water (1–2 tablespoons): Gives you control over the frosting’s consistency—just enough for perfect drizzling or piping.
- Optional edible glitter or silver dragées: Adds sparkle and a touch of celebration, truly making them Frosted Snowflake Cookies – Delicate & Festive!
How to Make Frosted Snowflake Cookies – Delicate & Festive
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Start by beating your softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large mixing bowl. You want it to look pale and fluffy—this is where your cookies get their light, melt-in-your-mouth structure. Don’t rush this part; creaming well makes all the difference!
Step 2: Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla
Next, incorporate the egg yolk and vanilla extract into the creamy butter mixture. The yolk gives richness, while vanilla brings comforting aroma and depth. Mix until everything is fully combined and silky smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. The cornstarch is key for the signature delicate texture of Frosted Snowflake Cookies – Delicate & Festive. Make sure it’s evenly distributed before combining.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently. The dough should come together softly—don’t over-mix, as that can toughen your cookies. If it’s crumbly, use your hands to gently press it into a cohesive ball.
Step 5: Chill for Easy Rolling
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 to 60 minutes. This step firms everything up, making it so much easier to roll and cut your snowflakes, and it keeps the cookie shapes sharp while baking.
Step 6: Roll and Cut Your Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use your favorite snowflake cookie cutters to stamp out those whimsical shapes—this is where the wintry magic happens!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the cutouts on your prepared trays, leaving a little space between each. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges show a hint of golden color. Let the cookies cool completely on wire racks before you add any frosting or decorations.
Step 8: Make and Apply the Frosting
For the frosting, whisk the sifted powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk or water and the vanilla extract until you have a smooth, glossy icing. If you prefer to pipe, make it a bit thicker; if drizzling is your style, add a bit more liquid. Decorate each cooled snowflake, working quickly if you’re planning to add any edible glitter or silver dragées while the icing is wet.
How to Serve Frosted Snowflake Cookies – Delicate & Festive
Garnishes
For an unforgettable finish, dust your cookies with edible glitter or sprinkle them with pearlized sugar and silver dragées. The sparkle turns these treats into true Frosted Snowflake Cookies – Delicate & Festive, worthy of any holiday celebration. Kids and adults alike will be enchanted by every shimmering detail!
Side Dishes
These cookies crave the company of a cozy cup of tea, hot cocoa, or even spiced cider. For gatherings, set out a platter of Frosted Snowflake Cookies – Delicate & Festive alongside a variety of festive beverages and a fruit platter for a winter wonderland tea party vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your snowflake cookies in a starburst on a sparkling serving platter, turn them into edible ornaments by carefully threading a loop of ribbon before the frosting sets, or wrap them individually in cellophane with a silver twist-tie for magical homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Frosted Snowflake Cookies – Delicate & Festive in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp and flavorful for up to five days, though they rarely last that long around here!
Freezing
If you want to get a jump on the holidays, freeze either the baked (unfrosted) cookies or the raw dough. Place between layers of parchment paper and seal tightly. The baked cookies will keep their magic for up to two months, while dough can be rolled and cut straight from the freezer after a few minutes on the counter.
Reheating
To refresh frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature. If you miss that fresh-baked warmth, you can pop un-iced cookies in a low oven (300°F) for just 2–3 minutes. Cool completely before frosting for best results.
FAQs
Can I double the recipe for a big batch?
Absolutely! Just make sure to chill your dough in two portions and rotate your cookie sheets for even baking. It’s a fantastic choice for cookie exchanges or gifting.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The cornstarch will still help the cookies stay tender and crisp, so everyone can enjoy Frosted Snowflake Cookies – Delicate & Festive!
What’s the best way to roll and cut the dough without sticking?
Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin, and chill your dough until firm. If the dough softens too much while working, just pop it back in the fridge for a bit to keep those edges neat and crisp.
How do I color the frosting for different effects?
Add a drop or two of food coloring to your icing before decorating for pastel blue or lavender snowflakes. Or, try brushing on a little luster dust after the icing sets for extra drama.
Can these cookies be used as edible ornaments?
Yes! Use a straw to make a small hole in the dough before baking. Once cooled and decorated, string with pretty ribbon and hang for a delightful (and delicious) winter display.
Final Thoughts
Baking Frosted Snowflake Cookies – Delicate & Festive truly brings out the magic of the season, from mixing the dough to the final shimmer of sparkling icing. Warm up your kitchen and share the joy—these cookies aren’t just treats, they’re little works of art that make every celebration brighter. Dive in, bake a batch, and let your creativity shine!