Mitten Cookies

These Mitten Cookies are an adorable and delicious treat perfect for the winter season or holiday celebrations. Shaped like cozy mittens and decorated with colorful icing, these cookies are soft, buttery, and fun to make. Whether you’re baking with kids, hosting a holiday party, or just spreading some cheer, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Adorable and festive – Mitten-shaped cookies are perfect for winter and holiday themes.
• Soft and buttery – A melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone will love.
• Fun to decorate – Get creative with colorful icing and sprinkles.
• Great for gifting – Perfect for cookie boxes or holiday gifts.
• Kid-friendly – A fun activity for baking and decorating with little ones.

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cookies:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract (optional)

For the icing:

• Powdered sugar
• Milk or heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional)

Directions

1. Make the cookie dough:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.
2. Chill the dough:
   Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
4. Roll and cut the cookies:
   On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a mitten-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake:
   Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the icing:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
7. Decorate the cookies:
   Use a piping bag or spoon to decorate the cooled cookies with icing. Add sprinkles or edible glitter while the icing is still wet.
8. Let the icing set:
   Allow the icing to harden completely before serving or storing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Chill time: 1 hour
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate cookies: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
• Citrus flavor: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough or icing.
• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan option: Use plant-based butter, egg substitutes, and dairy-free milk.
• Different shapes: Use other cookie cutters like snowflakes or snowmen.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw and decorate before serving.

FAQs

• Can I use store-bought icing?
  Yes, store-bought icing works perfectly if you’re short on time.
• Can I make these ahead of time?
  Yes, the cookies can be baked and decorated a day in advance.
• What can I use instead of almond extract?
  You can omit it or use more vanilla extract.
• Is this recipe gluten-free?
  Use a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.
• Can I make these vegan?
  Use plant-based butter, egg substitutes, and dairy-free milk.
• What can I serve with these cookies?
  Enjoy them with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or coffee.

Conclusion
These Mitten Cookies are a festive, fun, and delicious treat that’s perfect for the winter season. With their adorable shape, soft texture, and colorful decorations, they’re sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to spread joy. Enjoy!

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