Snow Globe Cookies are enchanting, edible creations that resemble miniature winter wonderlands. Perfect for the holiday season, these cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. They combine the magic of the holidays with a sweet and buttery treat, making them a festive addition to any dessert table or gift basket.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Fun: These cookies are visually stunning, bringing holiday cheer to any gathering.
- Customizable: You can decorate them with your favorite winter-themed designs, from tiny snowmen to evergreen trees.
- Perfect for Gifting: Packaged in clear bags, they make wonderful handmade holiday gifts.
- Kid-Friendly: A great baking project to involve children in the holiday preparations.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Royal icing or other icing for decoration
- Gel food coloring (optional)
- Clear isomalt or gelatin sheets (for the snow globe effect)
- Assorted decorations (miniature sprinkles, edible glitter, etc.)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until combined. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients, forming a smooth dough.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to make it easier to roll out.
- Cut and Bake: Roll out the dough to about ยผ-inch thickness and cut out circular bases for the cookies. Bake at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 8โ10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely.
- Create the Snow Globe Windows: Melt isomalt or use gelatin sheets to form clear windows. Attach these to the cookie bases using royal icing.
- Decorate: Use royal icing to pipe designs on the cookies. Add edible decorations to create a winter wonderland scene. Allow the icing to set before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 20 cookies, depending on size.
- Prep Time: 1 hour (including dough chilling time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Decoration Time: 30โ60 minutes
Variations
- Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of almond or peppermint extract to the dough for a festive flavor.
- Colorful Designs: Use gel food coloring to make vibrant royal icing in various colors.
- Themed Decor: Tailor the decorations to specific holidays or winter themes, such as snowflakes or reindeer.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: You can freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and decorate as desired.
- Reheating: Reheating is not necessary; enjoy these cookies as they are!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different base for the snow globe effect?
Yes, you can use candy melts or even clear hard candy as a substitute for isomalt or gelatin sheets.
2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cookies and store them for a few days before decorating.
3. Whatโs the best way to attach the snow globe top?
Royal icing is the best adhesive for attaching the snow globe top securely.
4. Can I skip the isomalt or gelatin?
You can create a snow globe effect with clear candy, but itโs not necessary for delicious cookies!
5. Are these cookies safe for kids to handle?
Yes, they are safe once made. However, isomalt requires caution during preparation as it can be hot.
6. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought sugar cookie dough works in a pinch, though homemade offers better customization.
7. What decorations work best?
Edible decorations like sprinkles, sugar pearls, and glitter work beautifully.
8. Can I use regular icing instead of royal icing?
You can, but royal icing provides the best structure and dries harder for intricate designs.
9. How do I prevent the dough from spreading?
Chilling the dough before baking helps maintain the cookie shape.
10. Are these cookies gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Conclusion
Snow Globe Cookies are a magical way to celebrate the holidays. They bring the joy of winter to your dessert table, combining artistry with the timeless comfort of cookies. Whether youโre baking with family, crafting gifts, or simply indulging in festive treats, these cookies are sure to impress.
Print
Snow Globe Cookies
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12โ15 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Create magical holiday treats with these delightful Snow Globe Cookies. These cookies feature a buttery sugar cookie base topped with clear isomalt or melted candy for a โglassโ globe effect. Add your favorite mini decorations, sprinkles, or icing to make each cookie unique. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with family!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Decoration:
- Isomalt or clear hard candies (like clear mints or lollipops)
- Assorted holiday sprinkles or small edible decorations
- Royal icing (optional, for detail work)
Instructions
- Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Chill the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
- Cut and Shape Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out large circles for the cookie base and use a smaller circle cutter to cut out the center of half the cookies to create the โwindow.โ
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Create the Globe Effect:
- Melt isomalt or clear candies according to package instructions. Carefully pour the melted mixture into the โwindowโ of the cooled cookies. Let set completely.
- Decorate and Assemble:
- Place sprinkles or decorations on the full cookie bases. Pipe a thin line of royal icing around the edges of the base cookies and top with the window cookies to seal.
Notes
- Handle melted isomalt or candies with caution as they can cause burns.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Get creative with your snow globe scenes by adding icing details, edible glitter, or mini candy figures!
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