Happy New Year Cookies Decorated: 7 Sweet Traditions

Name: Happy New Year Cookies Decorated: 7 Sweet Traditions
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Royal icing for decoration; Food coloring

November 24, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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There’s something truly magical about ringing in the New Year with sweet treats that bring everyone together! These *happy new year cookies decorated* are not just any cookies; they’re a canvas for creativity and joy, perfect for celebrating fresh beginnings. Picture the delight of friends and family as they bite into these soft, buttery cookies, each one adorned with colorful royal icing and festive designs. Trust me, it’s a tradition in my home to whip up a batch (or two!) every year. I love how these cookies become a part of our celebration, adding sweetness to our memories as we count down to midnight. So, let’s dive into making these delightful cookies that are sure to bring smiles and cheer to your New Year festivities!

Ingredients List

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg (large, at room temperature for best results)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that lovely flavor boost)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder (this helps the cookies rise a bit)
1/4 teaspoon salt (don’t skip this; it balances the sweetness!)
Royal icing for decoration (you can make your own or buy pre-made)
Food coloring (grab a variety to create festive designs)

How to Prepare Happy New Year Cookies Decorated

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your cookies are ready to go in, ensuring they bake evenly and beautifully!

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this typically takes about 3-4 minutes. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step; just make sure to scrape down the sides to get everything mixed in!

Combine Wet Ingredients

Now, it’s time to add the egg and vanilla extract into your creamed mixture. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. The aroma from the vanilla is simply delightful!

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Once mixed, gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookies to stay tender and soft!

Shape the Cookies

Now for the fun part: roll out the dough on a floured surface! Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness—this helps them bake perfectly. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes. Just remember to keep the surface lightly floured to prevent sticking!

Baking the Cookies

Place your shaped cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. Keep an eye on them, as every oven is a little different!

Cooling and Decorating

Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. This is super important, especially before you decorate with royal icing. Get creative with your food coloring and designs—this is where the magic happens!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for these delightful *happy new year cookies decorated*. Keep in mind, this is an estimate based on typical ingredient values, so your results may vary slightly depending on the specific products you use.

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 2g

These cookies are a sweet treat for your New Year celebrations, so enjoy them in moderation as you ring in the new year with joy and cheer!

Tips for Success

Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps everything mix together smoothly for a better cookie texture.
Don’t overmix the dough: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies!
Keep the dough chilled: If your dough feels too soft or sticky while rolling, pop it in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes. Chilled dough is easier to handle and shapes beautifully.
Use parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also makes for easy cleanup!
Watch the baking time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. You want them to be just golden around the edges, soft in the center.
Get creative with decorations: Use various colors of royal icing and sprinkles to make each cookie a unique work of art. This is where your personality can shine!
Let them cool completely: Patience is key! Allow your cookies to cool completely before decorating to prevent the icing from melting and running.
Store properly: Keep your decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. They also make great gifts!

Variations

One of the best parts about making *happy new year cookies decorated* is how versatile they are! Here are some fun variations to keep things exciting and cater to your personal taste:

Flavor Twists: Why not mix things up with different extracts? Try almond extract for a nutty flavor or lemon extract for a zesty kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness!
Shape it Up: Instead of traditional circles or stars, use cookie cutters in fun New Year shapes like champagne glasses, fireworks, or numbers to celebrate the upcoming year!
Chocolate Delight: For chocolate lovers, swap out 1/2 cup of flour for cocoa powder to create a chocolate cookie base. Decorate with white royal icing for a striking contrast!
Sprinkle Party: Get festive with toppings! Add colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on the royal icing for a sparkling touch that catches the eye and adds crunch!
Stuffed Cookies: Try filling your cookies with a surprise! Add a dollop of jam, chocolate ganache, or even marshmallow fluff in the center before baking for a gooey treat!
Nutty Additions: Fold in some finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the dough for added texture and flavor. It makes every bite a little crunchier!
Royal Icing Techniques: Experiment with different decorating techniques for your royal icing. Use piping bags to create intricate designs or try flooding for a smooth finish!

Feel free to get creative and let your personality shine through in these variations. After all, the New Year is all about fresh starts, and what better way to express that than with cookies that reflect your style!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your *happy new year cookies decorated* fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their softness and keeps the royal icing looking lovely. They’ll stay good for about 5-7 days, although I doubt they’ll last that long once everyone gets a taste!

If you need to store them for longer, you can freeze the cookies! Just make sure they’re completely cooled and decorated first. Stack them carefully in a single layer, separated by parchment paper, and place them in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag. They’ll be good for up to 2 months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes. No need to reheat these beauties; they’re best enjoyed at room temperature! Just be sure to check that they’re perfectly set before diving in, and watch as the memories of your festive celebrations come flooding back with each bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, whipping up these cookies is a breeze—even for novice bakers!
Festively Fun: The vibrant colors and delightful decorations make these cookies a hit at any New Year celebration, bringing joy to your festivities.
Customizable: You can let your creativity shine with various shapes, flavors, and designs, making each batch uniquely yours!
Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are ideal for gifting to friends and family, spreading cheer and sweetness as you celebrate together.
Deliciously Soft: Each cookie is soft, buttery, and just the right amount of sweetness, making them irresistible to everyone!
Great for Tradition: Baking these cookies can become a cherished tradition that you’ll look forward to every year, creating sweet memories with loved ones.
Make Ahead: Prep these cookies in advance, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends during the New Year celebrations!