The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a batch of festive cookies to share and enjoy. Our Jingle Cookie Recipe captures the spirit of the holidays with its cheerful colors and irresistible flavors. These cookies are perfect for gifting, decorating, or simply indulging with a warm cup of cocoa.
Ingredients
To bake our festive Jingle Cookies, we gather a balance of dry, wet, and decorative ingredients that create the perfect holiday treat. Here’s everything we need to get started.
Dry Ingredients
The foundation of our Jingle Cookie Recipe depends on quality dry ingredients measured precisely for that perfect texture and flavor.
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (sifted for smooth dough)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for warm festive aroma)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (adds subtle spice)
Wet Ingredients
The Wet Ingredients bind and enrich our dough, delivering richness and moisture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (adds softness)
Decoration Ingredients
To achieve the iconic jingle bell look with vibrant holiday spirit, we use these decorative touches:
- Red and green sanding sugar (for sparkling color)
- White royal icing (for detailed patterns)
- Mini silver edible dragees (to mimic jingle bell studs)
| Ingredient Group | Key Ingredients | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Ingredients | Flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg | Structure, flavor, leavening |
| Wet Ingredients | Butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, milk | Moisture, richness, binding |
| Decoration Ingredients | Sanding sugar, royal icing, edible dragees | Visual appeal, festive accents |
With these ingredients ready and measured precisely, we set the stage for creating our cheerful Jingle Cookies that taste as joyful as they look.
Equipment Needed
To create the perfect Jingle Cookie batch, we need a careful selection of equipment to ensure the process is smooth and the results are consistent. Here is what we recommend using:
- Mixing Bowls: Use a large bowl to combine your dry ingredients, and a separate medium bowl for wet ingredients. This separation helps us mix accurately and avoid overmixing.
- Electric Mixer: A stand or handheld electric mixer will help us cream the butter and sugar efficiently, creating a light, fluffy dough that bakes evenly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements of flour, sugars, spices, and liquids are crucial. We suggest using standard measuring cups for dry ingredients and spoons for smaller amounts like baking soda or vanilla extract.
- Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer: Sifting flour, baking powder, and spices together aerates the mixture, ensuring our dough stays tender.
- Spatula: A flexible spatula makes scraping down the bowl sides easy. This keeps all ingredients incorporated.
- Cookie Scoop or Spoon: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion dough evenly for consistent-sized cookies.
- Baking Sheets: Choose flat, rimmed baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Cooling Rack: After baking, transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely and maintain their crisp edges.
- Rolling Pin and Cookie Cutters: If our recipe calls for shaped cookies, a rolling pin and themed cookie cutters help us achieve festive Jingle Cookie shapes ready for decorating.
| Equipment | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | Combine ingredients | Separate bowls for dry and wet |
| Electric Mixer | Cream butter and sugar efficiently | Stand or handheld models acceptable |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Accurate ingredient measurements | Use dry cups for solids, spoons for small quantities |
| Sifter/Strainer | Aerate and mix dry ingredients | Helps keep dough light |
| Spatula | Scrape down bowl sides | Flexible, heat-resistant |
| Cookie Scoop/Spoon | Portion dough evenly | Ensures uniform cookie size |
| Baking Sheets | Bake cookies evenly | Line with parchment or mats |
| Cooling Rack | Cool cookies properly | Prevents sogginess |
| Rolling Pin/Cutters | Shape cookies for decorating | Optional for cut-out designs |
By using these tools, we set ourselves up for success in every step of the Jingle Cookie Recipe. Having everything ready before mixing helps keep the process joyful and efficient.
Prep Work
Before we dive into baking, thorough prep work ensures our Jingle Cookie Recipe proceeds smoothly. Organizing ingredients and mastering the dough preparation are key for festive, flavorful results.
Preparing the Dough
To start, we cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step creates the perfect base for tender cookies. Next, we beat in the egg and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly for an even texture.
In a separate bowl, we sift the dry ingredients — all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg — to ensure even distribution and remove any lumps.
Then, we gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk to maintain a soft, workable dough. Mixing just until combined prevents overworking, which can toughen the cookies.
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cream butter & sugar | Beat until light and fluffy | Creates tender texture |
| Add egg & vanilla | Mix thoroughly | Even moisture distribution |
| Sift dry ingredients | Aerate and combine evenly | Smooth, lump-free dough |
| Alternate mixing | Incorporate dry ingredients with milk | Ensure soft, pliable dough |
Chilling the Dough
We then wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. This chilling step is essential:
- It firmly sets the dough, making it easier to roll and cut shapes.
- It helps the flavors meld fully, enhancing the holiday spices.
- Chilled dough spreads less, preserving the crisp edges and festive shapes of our Jingle Cookies.
“Patience in chilling the dough yields cookies with perfect structure and festive appeal.”
By following these prep steps carefully, we set the stage for baking cookies that are not only delicious but also beautifully crafted for the holiday season.
Directions
Follow these steps carefully to transform our Jingle Cookie Recipe dough into festive, delicious holiday treats. Precision and patience ensure perfectly shaped and flavorful cookies every time.
Rolling and Cutting the Dough
- Lightly flour a clean surface and your rolling pin to prevent sticking.
- Remove the dough from refrigeration and let it sit for 5 minutes to soften slightly.
- Roll the dough evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness for ideal baking texture.
- Use festive cookie cutters—bells, stars, or trees—to cut shapes from the dough.
- Transfer cut shapes to a parchment-lined baking sheet using a thin spatula to avoid distortion.
- Gather any scraps, re-roll gently once or twice. Avoid overworking to maintain cookie tenderness.
Baking the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place baking sheets in the middle rack for even heat distribution.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown.
- Avoid overbaking to keep cookies tender inside with crisp edges.
| Temperature | Time | Cookie Texture |
|---|---|---|
| 350°F | 8 to 10 min | Crisp edges with soft and chewy center |
Cooling the Cookies
- Remove baking sheets from the oven carefully.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes; this helps them firm up.
- Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- Only decorate once cookies are fully cooled to prevent icing melting.
By mastering these steps, our Jingle Cookies will boast that perfect festive crunch and aesthetic, ready to be decorated and enjoyed.
Decorating the Jingle Cookies
Decorating our Jingle Cookies transforms them into festive masterpieces that capture the holiday spirit. With vibrant colors and intricate details, the decorating process adds that magical touch, making the cookies perfect for sharing or gifting.
Making the Icing
To create the perfect canvas for decorating, royal icing is essential. It offers a smooth finish and hardens beautifully to hold decorations.
Ingredients for Royal Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 large egg white or 2 tablespoons meringue powder with 3 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (red, green, or any festive colors)
Step-by-step Icing Preparation:
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Combine powdered sugar and egg white | Use a clean bowl, sift sugar to avoid lumps |
| 2 | Beat mixture thoroughly | Use an electric mixer on medium speed for 5 minutes |
| 3 | Add vanilla extract | For subtle flavor and aroma |
| 4 | Adjust consistency | Add water or powdered sugar to reach piping or flooding consistency |
| 5 | Divide and tint | Separate into bowls, add food coloring as desired |
Note: For piping consistency, the icing should hold a soft peak. For flooding consistency, it should flow smoothly but not be runny.
Applying the Decorations
Now that our icing is ready, we move on to decorating the Jingle Cookies with festive flair.
Step-by-step Decorating Tips:
- Outline the cookies:
Use the royal icing at piping consistency to outline the cookie edges. This creates a barrier for flooding icing.
- Flood the cookies:
Fill the outlines with flooding consistency icing using a squeeze bottle or a piping bag. Spread evenly with a toothpick if needed.
- Add sanding sugar:
While the icing is still wet, sprinkle red and green sanding sugar to give a sparkling festive look.
- Use silver edible dragees:
Place mini silver dragees strategically to mimic jingle bells or ornaments. Press gently to set.
- Layer details:
Once the base layer dries (about 1 hour), pipe additional designs like swirls, dots, and stars with contrasting icing colors for extra depth.
- Dry thoroughly:
Allow cookies to dry uncovered at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight to harden the icing perfectly.
“Well-decorated Jingle Cookies not only taste delightful but also bring a joyful sparkle to any holiday gathering.”
Summary of Decorating Consistencies:
| Icing Type | Description | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Piping Consistency | Thick, holds shape well | Outlining, detailed piping |
| Flooding Consistency | Thinner, flows smoothly but not runny | Filling, base layers |
By following these techniques and paying attention to icing consistencies, we ensure our Jingle Cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious, ready to brighten holiday celebrations.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is essential to keep our Jingle Cookies fresh, flavorful, and beautifully decorated for as long as possible. Follow these expert tips to maintain their texture and festive appeal.
Store at Room Temperature
- Place completely cooled and decorated cookies in an airtight container.
- Separate layers with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
This method keeps cookies fresh for up to 5 days while preserving the crisp texture.
Freezing for Longer Freshness
If we want to keep our Jingle Cookies beyond a few days:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Cool | Ensure cookies are fully cooled before freezing to prevent sogginess. |
| Wrap individually | Wrap each cookie snugly in plastic wrap to protect decorations and prevent freezer burn. |
| Container | Place wrapped cookies in a sealed, freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. |
| Freeze duration | Store for up to 3 months for optimal taste and texture. |
Thawing Frozen Cookies
- Remove cookies from the freezer.
- Let them thaw at room temperature while still wrapped to avoid condensation.
- Once fully thawed, unwrap and serve.
Important Considerations
“Avoid refrigerating decorated cookies as it can cause icing to sweat and decorations to loosen.”
By following these Storage Tips, our Jingle Cookies will stay festive, crisp, and delicious, ready to delight whenever we need a holiday treat.
Conclusion
Baking Jingle Cookies brings a special kind of joy that goes beyond just the taste. These colorful festive treats brighten up any holiday occasion and make wonderful gifts or decorations. With the right preparation and attention to detail, we can create cookies that look as delightful as they taste.
Taking the time to chill the dough, bake with care, and decorate thoughtfully ensures each cookie turns out perfectly festive. And by storing them properly, we can enjoy their crisp texture and vibrant flavors well into the season. Let’s embrace the fun and creativity that comes with making these charming holiday cookies together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed to make Jingle Cookies?
You need dry ingredients like all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg; wet ingredients including unsalted butter, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and milk; plus decorative items such as red and green sanding sugar, white royal icing, and mini silver edible dragees.
What equipment is essential for baking these cookies?
Key tools include mixing bowls, an electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, a sifter, spatula, cookie scoop, baking sheets, cooling rack, rolling pin, and festive cookie cutters.
How should I prepare the dough for best results?
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, add egg and vanilla, sift and mix dry ingredients gradually with wet ingredients and milk, then chill the dough wrapped in plastic wrap for 1 hour or overnight.
What is the ideal thickness and baking time for Jingle Cookies?
Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
How do I decorate Jingle Cookies with royal icing?
Use royal icing for outlining and flooding the cookies. Add sanding sugar and edible dragees for festive detail. Ensure the icing is smooth and the cookies are fully cooled before decorating.
How can I store Jingle Cookies to keep them fresh?
Store cooled, decorated cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze wrapped cookies up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
Can I refrigerate decorated Jingle Cookies?
No, refrigerating can cause the royal icing to sweat and lose its smooth finish. It’s best to store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.