Christmas Santa Suit Sugar Cookie Cutouts

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Introduction

‘Tis the season to indulge in festive treats, and what better way to celebrate than with Christmas Santa Suit Sugar Cookie Cutouts? These adorable cookies combine the joy of holiday baking with the fun of decorating, making them perfect for both kids and adults. In this post, we’ll explore the origins, cultural significance, and provide a step-by-step recipe to create these delightful cookies.

Origin

Sugar cookies have been a holiday staple for centuries, often associated with Christmas and other festive occasions. The tradition of decorating cookies dates back to medieval Europe, where intricate designs were made using simple ingredients. These Santa Suit Sugar Cookie Cutouts add a playful twist to the classic cookie, bringing a touch of Santa’s magic to your holiday celebrations.

Cultural Significance

Holiday baking is a cherished tradition in many households, symbolizing togetherness and creativity. These cookies not only taste delicious but also serve as a fun activity for family and friends. Decorating each cookie with Santa’s suit adds a festive touch that’s sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

Ingredients Quantity

For the Sugar Cookies:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Royal Icing:

  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 4-5 tablespoons water (adjust for consistency)
  • Red gel food coloring

For Decoration:

  • Red sanding sugar
  • White sanding sugar
  • Pink and black nonpareils (for cheeks and eyes)
  • Small red candies or mini M&Ms (for Santa’s nose)
  • Piping bags and small round piping tips

Optional Additions

  • Edible Glitter: Add a touch of sparkle to your decorations.
  • Flavored Extracts: Use peppermint or almond extract for a festive twist.
  • Sprinkles: Add holiday-themed sprinkles for extra fun.

Tips for Success

  • Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough helps maintain its shape during baking.
  • Consistency of Icing: Adjust the water in the royal icing to achieve the right consistency for outlining and flooding.
  • Let It Set: Allow each layer of icing to set before adding the next to prevent colors from bleeding.

Instructions

  1. Make the Sugar Cookies: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Roll and Cut the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a Santa face or round cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
  3. Prepare the Royal Icing: In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Mix on low speed until the icing reaches a smooth, pipeable consistency. Separate the icing into two portions. Tint one portion with red gel food coloring for Santa’s hat. Transfer the white and red icings to piping bags fitted with small round tips.
  4. Decorate the Cookies: Outline and Flood Santa’s Hat: Use the red icing to outline and fill the top section of each cookie for Santa’s hat. Immediately sprinkle red sanding sugar over the wet icing to cover the hat completely. Shake off any excess and let it set.
  5. Add Santa’s Beard and Hat Trim: Use the white icing to outline and fill the bottom half of the cookie for Santa’s beard and the trim of the hat. While the icing is still wet, sprinkle white sanding sugar on the beard and hat trim. Let it set.
  6. Create Santa’s Face: Leave a small section between the beard and hat un-iced for Santa’s face. Once the icing has set, use a small dot of white icing to attach pink nonpareils for cheeks, black nonpareils for eyes, and a red candy or mini M&M for Santa’s nose.
  7. Add Final Details: If desired, use a small amount of red icing to pipe a smile below the nose. Let the cookies sit until all the icing is completely dry.

Description

These Christmas Santa Suit Sugar Cookie Cutouts are as fun to make as they are to eat. The buttery sugar cookies combined with the sweet royal icing and festive decorations make them a perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter.

Nutritional Information

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 14g
  • Protein: 1g

Conclusion

Christmas Santa Suit Sugar Cookie Cutouts are a delightful and festive treat that brings joy to any holiday celebration. Their whimsical design and delicious flavor make them a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Recommendation

Pair these cookies with a warm mug of hot chocolate or a cup of spiced tea for the perfect holiday treat. They also make wonderful gifts when packaged in a festive tin or box.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

While these cookies are a holiday indulgence, you can make small adjustments for a healthier version. Consider using whole wheat flour, reducing the sugar, or adding natural food coloring. Enjoy these cookies in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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