How to Make Easy Snowflake Sugar Cookies with time-saving baking hacks and a full step-by-step video showing you how to get these gorgeous designs (without royal icing!).
3sticks (339 grams) unsalted butter, at a cool room temperature
1 1/2cups(300 grams) granulated sugar
2large eggs
2teaspoonsvanilla extract
1/2teaspoonalmond extract* (optional)
4 1/2cups(572 grams) all-purpose flour**
1teaspoonbaking powder
For the icing:
2cups(250 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
1teaspoonvanilla extract
4tablespoonswater or milk
Instructions
Make the cookies:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until well-combined and smooth, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, vanilla, and almond extract and beat until combined. On low speed, slowly add in the flour and baking powder and beat until incorporated.
Divide the dough into 2 equal portions. Place one dough portion between two sheets of parchment and roll out to 1/4-inch thickness. Repeat with the remaining portion of dough. Place the two sheets of dough on a baking sheet and chill for at least 1 hour or up to 1 day. You can also freeze for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Remove the dough from the fridge and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter, rerolling any scraps and cutting more shapes. Transfer the shapes to the prepared baking sheets.
Freeze for 15 minutes, or until firm.
Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cookies are set and beginning to brown at the edges. Be careful not to over-bake. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Baked un-iced sugar cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
Make the icing:
In a small bowl, use a fork to beat together all the ingredients except the food coloring. The mixture should be very thick but still pourable.
Transfer the icing to a squeeze bottle using a small funnel. You can also scoop into a pastry bag fitted with a very small plain tip. Before you begin icing any cookies, take a few moments to practice on a piece of parchment paper to get the feel of the icing.
Holding the bottle or bag tip directly over one corner of a cookie, create lines and dots to enhance the snowflake shape as seen in the photos. If desired, garnish with edible dragees, glitter, or sprinkles. Let the icing set before serving.
Video
Notes
*If you don't have almond extract, feel free to omit. It simply adds an extra element of sweet flavor to the recipe.**Be sure to measure your flour correctly to avoid flavorless, floury, cakey, or dry sugar cookies.