Santa Clause Cookies with are the perfect blend of festive spirit and delicious flavor, making them a must-bake during the holiday season. These charming sugar cookies are soft and buttery, featuring a delightful hint of hazelnut. Dressed in smooth vanilla frosting, they are adorned with colorful sprinkles that resemble Santas, snowflakes, and Christmas trees. Whether for celebrations or gift-giving, these cookies will surely spread joy!
Why You’ll Love This Santa Clause Cookies with
These cookies are a delightful treat that brings the spirit of Christmas to your kitchen. First, they are fun to make, especially with kids. Second, the recipe is straightforward, making it an easy Santa cookies recipe for bakers of all skill levels. Additionally, you can customize them with various decorations, perfect for holiday parties. The cookies are also a wonderful way to spend quality time with family while creating lasting memories. Lastly, they make great gifts, showcasing your creativity and thoughtfulness.
Ingredients for Santa Clause Cookies with
Gather these items:
- 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut liquor (optional)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus an additional 2-4 tablespoons, if needed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- assorted sprinkles, vanilla sugar, and/or sanding sugar, for decorating
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) salted butter, at room temperature
- 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
How to Make Santa Clause Cookies with Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Add the hazelnut liquor (if using) and vanilla extract, and beat to combine. Mix in the egg completely. Add the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt and beat until the mixture forms a dough ball. If the dough is too wet, gradually add 2 to 4 tablespoons more flour.
- Step 2: Divide the dough in half. On a floured piece of parchment paper, roll out each half to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes like snowflakes, stars, and Christmas trees. Carefully transfer the cut cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet using a floured spatula to avoid distortions. Cover the sheet and freeze the cookies until firm, about 20-30 minutes.
- Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the frozen cookies on the middle oven rack for 8-10 minutes or until they are just lightly golden around the edges. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 4: Beat the powdered sugar, hazelnut liquor (if using), vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach a drizzling consistency.
- Step 5: Beat the butter and cream cheese together until very light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until the frosting is well combined and whipped, approximately 2 more minutes.
- Step 6: Using the frostings and sprinkles, decorate each cookie to resemble Santas, snowflakes, or Christmas trees. Let them set for about an hour before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Santa Clause Cookies with
Keep these in mind:
- These cookies freeze well before baking, making them convenient for holiday preparations.
- Adjust the frosting consistency with water as needed to achieve your desired texture.
- Consider using various sprinkles and colors to create festive Santa cookie designs.
- Experiment with different shapes and sizes for a fun presentation.
- Remember to let the decorated cookies set for at least an hour to ensure the frosting hardens properly.
Best Ways to Serve Santa Clause Cookies with
These delightful cookies can be served in several ways. First, they make a great centerpiece for your holiday table. Second, consider packaging them in decorative tins as gifts for friends and family—perfect for sharing your festive spirit. Finally, pair them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a cozy treat after a long day of holiday activities.
How to Store and Reheat Santa Clause Cookies with
To maintain their freshness, store your Santa Clause Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer, you can freeze the cookies before baking; simply follow the instructions to freeze them until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Clause Cookies with
What are Santa Claus cookies made of?
Santa Claus cookies are typically made of butter, sugar, flour, and eggs, with options for flavorings like vanilla extract and hazelnut liquor. The frosting can include powdered sugar and cream cheese, making them festive and delicious. These ingredients come together to create a soft, flavorful cookie perfect for the holiday season.
Can I make Santa Clause Cookies with ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to three days before baking. This makes it easy to have fresh cookies ready for your holiday gatherings. You can also freeze the cookies after decorating for later enjoyment.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Santa Clause Cookies with?
To avoid common pitfalls, ensure your butter is at room temperature for better creaming, and measure your flour accurately to prevent dry cookies. Also, chilling the cut cookies before baking helps maintain their shape and texture during baking. Following these tips will result in beautifully shaped and delicious cookies.
Variations of Santa Clause Cookies with You Can Try
For a twist on the classic recipe, consider these variations:
- Substitute the hazelnut liquor with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
- Add chocolate chips to the dough for a rich taste.
- Use colorful royal icing instead of buttercream for more intricate decorations.
- Create a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend.
These variations cater to different dietary preferences while maintaining the festive spirit of the holiday season.
For more delicious holiday recipes, check out our Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze or our Cranberry Orange Pancakes Recipe.
For more tips on baking cookies, you can visit Last Recipes for inspiration and ideas.
Print
Santa Clause Cookies with Festive Vanilla Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Santa Clause Cookies are festive and delicious sugar cookies perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut liquor (optional)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus an additional 2-4 tablespoons, if needed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- assorted sprinkles, vanilla sugar, and/or sanding sugar, for decorating
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) salted butter, at room temperature
- 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Add the hazelnut liquor (if using) and vanilla extract, and beat to combine. Mix in the egg completely. Add the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt and beat until the mixture forms a dough ball. If the dough is too wet, gradually add 2 to 4 tablespoons more flour.
- Divide the dough in half. Roll out each half to about 1/4 inch thickness on floured parchment paper. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Transfer the cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 20-30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the frozen cookies for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat the powdered sugar, hazelnut liquor (if using), vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Add more water if needed to reach a drizzling consistency.
- Beat the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined, about 2 more minutes.
- Decorate each cookie with frosting and sprinkles to resemble Santas, snowflakes, or Christmas trees. Let set for about an hour before serving.
Notes
- These cookies freeze well before baking.
- Adjust the frosting consistency with water as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Santa Clause Cookies, Christmas Cookies, Holiday Baking
