Ah, New Year’s! There’s something magical about ringing in a fresh start, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of warm, delicious cookies? I love baking *new year cookies* because they’re not just treats; they’re little symbols of joy and togetherness. As the clock strikes midnight, these cookies bring everyone together, filling the air with the sweet aroma of butter and sugar. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like sharing a plate of these festive delights with family and friends as you toast to new beginnings. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies will add a sprinkle of happiness to your celebration!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you need to whip up these delightful *new year cookies*. Make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing, and grab a large egg for the perfect texture!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Decorative sprinkles (for that festive touch)
How to Prepare New Year Cookies
Making *new year cookies* is as fun as it is delicious! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful batch ready to share in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important! Preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly, giving them that perfect golden-brown finish.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this—just beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, leading to a lighter cookie texture. It’s like magic!
Step 3: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla
Next, add in the large egg and the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. I love the smell of vanilla at this stage—it really starts to feel like a celebration in your kitchen!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure to mix them thoroughly so that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour. This step helps ensure that your cookies rise perfectly!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now comes the fun part! Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. I recommend doing this in three batches, mixing gently after each addition. This way, you avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tough cookies. We want soft and chewy, not hockey pucks!
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Once your dough is combined, it’s time to shape the cookies! Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently flatten each ball with your palm, and don’t forget to sprinkle some decorative sprinkles on top for that festive flair!
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look a bit soft. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time is essential; it allows the cookies to firm up and become that perfect texture!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your *new year cookies* turn out perfectly? Here are some of my favorite tips that will help you achieve cookie greatness!
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened and your egg is at room temperature. This helps everything mix more smoothly and evenly, resulting in a better texture.
- Don’t Skip the Preheating: Trust me, preheating your oven is crucial for even baking. If you don’t, your cookies might spread too much or bake unevenly.
- Measure Flour Accurately: For the best results, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents packing and ensures you don’t end up with dry cookies.
- Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too sticky to work with, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll and shape your cookies!
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Take them out when they’re just set in the center for that soft, chewy texture!
- Try Different Sprinkles: Feel free to get creative with your sprinkles! Different colors and shapes can add a fun twist to your cookies, making them even more festive for the New Year!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the goodness packed into each of these delightful *new year cookies*! Each cookie is a treat that’s perfect for celebrating while still being mindful of what you’re enjoying. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients you use, but here’s a general idea of what you’re biting into:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
These cookies are a great way to indulge while enjoying the festive spirit of the New Year. So go ahead and treat yourself—you deserve it!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of flour?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different types of flour, like whole wheat flour or almond flour, to give your *new year cookies* a unique twist. Just keep in mind that using whole wheat flour might make the cookies a bit denser and give them a nuttier flavor. If you go for almond flour, you may need to adjust the amount slightly because it doesn’t absorb moisture in the same way. Don’t be afraid to play around—it’s all about finding what you love!
How can I customize these cookies?
The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your *new year cookies*! You can use different types of decorative sprinkles to match your celebration theme—think gold and silver for a glamorous touch or vibrant colors for a fun party vibe. If you want to get adventurous, try adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a splash of almond extract for a different flavor. You can also roll the dough in powdered sugar before baking for a lovely, snowy effect. Get creative and make them your own!
How should I store leftover cookies?
To keep your *new year cookies* fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about a week, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long! If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can freeze the cookies. Just layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container or a zip-top bag, and they’ll be good for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature. Easy peasy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These *new year cookies* are a delightful way to ring in the new year, and here’s why you’re going to adore making them!
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch of cookies that are perfect for your celebrations.
- Easy to Customize: Whether you want to switch up the sprinkles, add chocolate chips, or even mix in some nuts, these cookies are a blank canvas for your creativity.
- Delightful Flavors: The combination of buttery sweetness and vanilla makes for a flavor that’s simply irresistible. Every bite feels like a little celebration!
- Perfect for Sharing: With 24 cookies in one batch, they’re great for parties, gatherings, or just sharing with loved ones.
- Festive and Fun: The colorful sprinkles not only make them visually appealing, but they also add to the festive spirit of any New Year’s celebration!
- Classic Comfort: These cookies bring back memories of family gatherings and joyful celebrations, making them a nostalgic treat for everyone.
New Year Cookies: 7 Joyful Treats for Celebration
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cookies perfect for celebrating the New Year.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Decorative sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
- Add the egg and vanilla, mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Roll the dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Flatten slightly and add sprinkles on top.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be customized with different sprinkles.
- Chill the dough for easier handling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: new year cookies
