Pair with mulled cider for a cozy holiday toast
These classic snowflake cookies are perfect for beginners who want to create festive holiday treats without complicated techniques. With just 6 pantry staples and royal icing, you’ll have a sparkling batch of cookies in under an hour.
Whether you’re baking with kids or preparing a holiday centerpiece, these cookies offer a simple yet elegant solution. The crisp, buttery dough and quick icing make them ideal for large batches, and the snowflake cutter ensures uniform shapes that sparkle like winter magic.
The recipe pairs perfectly with mulled cider, creating a warm, inviting holiday spread that’s sure to impress guests. Let’s dive into why these cookies are a must-make for your festive menu.
From ingredient substitutions to pro tips for perfect icing, this guide covers everything you need to create cookies that feel special without the stress.
Why This Recipe Works
Beginner-Friendly
No rolling or cutting required – just press the snowflake cutter and bake. Perfect for first-time bakers.
Quick Baking
10-minute bake time means fresh cookies in under an hour, ideal for last-minute holiday prep.
Scalable Recipe
Easy to double or halve, these cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges, bake sales, or family gatherings.
Festive Appeal
The snowflake design adds a touch of holiday magic while the royal icing creates a crisp, sparkling finish.
Classic Snowflake Cookies
Perfect for holiday gatherings
Ingredients
- - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- - 1/2 tsp baking powder
- - 1/2 tsp salt
- - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- - 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- - 1 large egg
- - 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare Dough: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light. Add egg, vanilla, and 1/3 cup flour mixture. Gradually add remaining flour, mixing until a dough forms.
💡 Chill dough for 30 minutes for easier rolling.
Roll and Cut: On a floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use a snowflake cutter to press shapes. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
💡 For crisp edges, chill cutouts 10 minutes before baking.
Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely before icing.
💡 Rotate baking sheets halfway for even browning.
Make Icing: In a bowl, mix powdered sugar with 2-3 tbsp milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag.
💡 Add a few drops of food coloring for a festive touch.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour
Provides the perfect balance of structure and tenderness. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 baking flour blend.
Substitutions: Bread flour for chewier texture, cake flour for softer cookies.
Unsalted Butter
Adds rich flavor and helps the dough spread evenly. Use at room temperature for optimal creaming.
Substitutions: Salted butter (reduce added salt by 1/2 tsp), coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Powdered Sugar
Creates a smooth, glossy icing. Avoid granulated sugar as it won’t dissolve properly.
Substitutions: Mix granulated sugar with cornstarch for a DIY powdered sugar substitute.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
Dough Handling
Chill dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading. Work with small batches to keep dough cold.
Baking Success
Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking for even browning. Cookies will firm up as they cool.
Icing Secrets
Add 1/2 tsp cornstarch to icing for a smooth, non-sinking texture. Drizzle when cookies are completely cool.
Kid-Friendly Tips
Use pre-measured dough balls for easy rolling. Let kids decorate with colored sugar or sprinkles.
Variations & Customizations
Glazed Snowflakes
Add 1/4 cup milk to icing for a thinner glaze that drizzles easily over the cookies.
Spiced Icing
Mix in 1/4 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg to the icing for a warm holiday flavor.
Mini Bites
Use a smaller snowflake cutter for bite-sized cookies that are perfect for appetizer platters.
Double-Baked Cookies
Bake cookies 5 minutes, cool, and bake 5 more minutes for extra crispness.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Mulled cider with cinnamon sticks and citrus slices
- Hot cocoa with marshmallow snowflakes
- Spiced wine in festive mugs
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Serve with mulled cider for a cozy holiday toast or hot chocolate with peppermint sticks for a kid-friendly option.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare dough and store in fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months. Baked cookies freeze well for 1 month.
Freezer Storage
Freeze unbaked cookies on baking sheets, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the time.
Refrigerator Storage
Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Icinging cookies should be consumed within 1 day to prevent sogginess.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why did my cookies spread too much?
A: Over-creamed butter or warm dough causes spreading. Chill dough properly and avoid over-mixing.
Q: How to fix runny icing?
A: Add more powdered sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Q: Can I use a different cutter shape?
A: Yes! Try star, tree, or gingerbread man cutters for seasonal variations.
Q: Why are my cookies tough?
A: Over-baking or using cold butter can create tough cookies. Bake until edges are just golden.
Final Thoughts
These classic snowflake cookies are more than just a treat – they’re a holiday tradition waiting to be made. With their crisp, buttery texture and simple royal icing, they’re perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or sharing with neighbors, these cookies add a touch of holiday magic to any occasion.
Don’t forget to pair them with your favorite holiday drink – the mulled cider suggestion is a crowd-pleaser, but feel free to get creative with hot cocoa or spiced wine. Share your favorite combinations in the comments below and let us know how your cookies turned out!
