As the clock strikes midnight and we welcome a brand new year, what better way to celebrate than with some delightful *happy new year cookies*? These festive treats are perfect for ringing in the new year with friends and family. I remember making these cookies with my loved ones, filling the kitchen with laughter and the sweet aroma of baked goodness. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, and you can decorate them however your heart desires! Whether you’re hosting a party or just indulging in a cozy night in, these cookies will add a touch of joy to your celebrations. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
- Food coloring (optional)
How to Prepare *Happy New Year Cookies*
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because you want your cookies to bake evenly and come out just right!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. I like to use an electric mixer for this, but you can totally do it by hand if you’re feeling strong!
- Next, crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract. Mix it all together until everything is well combined. The smell of vanilla will start to fill your kitchen, and trust me, it’s heavenly!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This little mix will help ensure your cookies rise beautifully.
- Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix; we want those cookies to stay tender!
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes. I love star and bell shapes for New Year’s celebrations!
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they have a little space between them; they’ll spread just a tad while baking.
- Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Keep an eye on them because they can go from perfect to overdone in a flash!
- Once they’re out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial for the icing to set perfectly later.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and simple preparation—perfect for last-minute celebrations!
- Festive and vibrant cookies that add a touch of cheer to any New Year’s gathering.
- Deliciously buttery flavor with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Customizable decorations—let your creativity shine with icing and sprinkles!
- Fun for all ages—kids and adults alike will love cutting and decorating these cookies.
- Perfect for sharing; they make excellent gifts or party favors for your loved ones.
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Tips for Success
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This will help create that light and fluffy texture we’re after!
- If the dough feels too sticky, don’t hesitate to sprinkle a bit more flour on your work surface when rolling it out.
- Chill the dough for about 30 minutes if you find it hard to roll out. This helps the cookies hold their shape better while baking.
- Use a good quality vanilla extract for the best flavor. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
- When icing the cookies, let the first layer of icing dry before adding more decorations to avoid a messy situation!
- Experiment with different cookie shapes to keep things exciting—there are no rules when it comes to festive fun!
- Don’t forget to taste the dough before baking (just be mindful of the raw egg!). It’s a delicious sneak peek of what’s to come!
Variations
- Shapes Galore: Get creative with your cookie cutters! Try using different shapes like champagne glasses, clocks, or even fireworks to really capture the New Year spirit.
- Flavored Cookies: Add a twist by incorporating flavors like almond extract or lemon zest into the dough for a refreshing kick. You could even fold in some mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise!
- Colorful Icing: Use food coloring to create vibrant icing. You can go with classic gold and silver for a sophisticated touch or a rainbow of colors for a fun, festive look!
- Sprinkles and Toppings: Don’t hold back on the decorations! Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or even crushed candies on top of the icing for a gorgeous finishing touch.
- Chocolate Dipped: For a decadent variation, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let them set. It adds an extra layer of flavor that’s just irresistible!
- Stuffed Cookies: Get adventurous by stuffing the cookies with a dollop of jam or Nutella before baking. When you bite in, a delightful surprise awaits!
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to make these cookies accessible for everyone at your celebration.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked these delightful *happy new year cookies*, you’ll want to store them properly to keep that fresh flavor intact. Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week—if they even last that long! If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze them. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking, and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They should be good for up to three months!
If you want to enjoy them warm again, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Wow, that warm, buttery goodness will make your heart sing! Just be careful not to overheat—nobody likes a cookie that’s turned into a rock!
FAQ Section
Can I freeze *happy new year cookies*?
Absolutely! You can freeze these cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds!
What can I use instead of butter?
If you’re looking for a butter substitute, you can use an equal amount of margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!
How long do the cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these *happy new year cookies* will stay fresh for about a week. If you freeze them, they’ll last for up to three months, making them perfect for future celebrations!
Nutritional Information
Please note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are estimates. For one *happy new year cookie*, you can expect roughly:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1g
These values are a great starting point to help you navigate your baking and sweet treat indulgence during the celebrations!
Share Your Experience
I can’t wait to hear how your *happy new year cookies* turn out! Did you try any fun variations or decorations? Maybe you added a sprinkle of edible glitter or experimented with different shapes? Whatever your experience, I’d love for you to leave a comment below and share your thoughts! And if you enjoyed this recipe, please rate it to help others find these delightful cookies, too. Your feedback means the world to me and helps keep the baking spirit alive! So, let’s celebrate together—share your cookie adventures and let’s keep the festive vibes rolling!
Print
Happy New Year Cookies: 7 Ways to Delight Your Guests
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive cookies to celebrate the New Year.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract; mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture; mix until combined.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Allow cookies to cool completely.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk to make icing; add food coloring if desired.
- Decorate cookies with icing and let set.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different shapes for variety.
- Feel free to add sprinkles on top of icing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: happy new year cookies, new year desserts, festive cookies
