sugar cookies are super fun to decorate and they look super impressive as a gift too - this is the perfect time for the kids to earn their keep have fun on their school holidays ;) but seriously kids love decorating cookies, just be aware that a few will go missing, oh and they kids will probably sneak a couple too haha!
the recipe
makes roughly two trays of cookies (varies based on cookie size)
cookies
in the bowl of an electric mixer, with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed until pale and fluffy. add in the icing sugar and mix on a medium speed until combined, turn the mixer down to low and add the egg beating until combined. then beat in the extracts. with the mixer on the lowest speed, add the flour gradually until the mixture forms a dough. add the salt and continue to mix on low until the dough forms a ball. divide the dough into 2 equal portions and wrap each in cling wrap, refrigerate for 1 hour. roll out the dough between 2 sheets of baking paper until it reaches a thickness of ½cm or the desired thickness. place the sheet of dough onto a baking tray and refrigerate for a further 30minutes. once chilled, remove the top sheet of baking paper and use it to line the baking tray, cut out the desired shapes from the sheet of dough and place them onto the baking paper lined tray. chill the cookies (tray and all) in the freezer for 15minutes. at this stage preheat the oven to 160oC / 140oC fan-forced. once the cookie cut-outs are semi-frozen, place the baking tray (straight from the freezer) directly into the oven and bake until lightly golden brown around the edges. (baking time will vary based on the size and shape of the cookies, time will vary anywhere from 10-35minutes)
decoration
on a clean bench top or kitchen surface, sprinkle some cornflour to stop the fondant from sticking. knead the fondant for a minute or so to ensure it will roll out smooth. once kneaded, shape the fondant into a disc, sprinkle with some more cornflour and roll out the fondant to be half the thickness of the cookie or less. cut out the same shapes from the fondant sheet as with the cookies. using a clean dry paintbrush, remove any excess cornflour off the fondant cut-out and use a little water on the backside to adhere it to the cookie. using another clean dry paintbrush, brush on the powdered food colouring to achieve the desired look.
remember less really is more when it comes to decoration - enjoy.
grab the printable recipe for all the inside tips and tricks on how to make these sugar cookies like a pro!
mrtimothyjames loves these copper cookie cutters from peter's of kensington - shop the trees here & the stars here.
i'd love to see your creations, if you make these delicious sugar cookies share them with me by using the hashtag #mrtimothyjames on social media.
on a scale of meh - super keen, how excited are you for christmas? do you wear a couple sugar cookies on your body now too, or am i alone? tell me all of the things in the comments below!
happy baking love timothy xx