Oh, the smell of freshly baked biscuit de noël wafting through the house is one of my absolute favorite parts of the holiday season! These delightful cookies, rich with flavors and oh-so-festive, have a special place in my heart and my family’s traditions. Growing up, we’d gather around the kitchen, all hands on deck, rolling out dough and cutting out shapes while sharing stories and laughter. The best part? Decorating them with vibrant icing and sprinkles, turning each cookie into a little masterpiece! Trust me, there’s something magical about mixing those ingredients, and watching them transform into beautiful cookies. So, if you’re looking to spread some holiday cheer, let’s dive into this recipe and create some sweet memories together!
Ingredients for Biscuit de Noël
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create your festive biscuit de Noël. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that delightful flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cookies, giving them structure. Make sure to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Bring your butter to room temperature to ensure it creams beautifully with the sugar, creating a light and fluffy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps to create that delightful crunch on the outside of each cookie.
- 1 large egg: A binding agent that also helps with moisture and richness—make sure it’s at room temperature for best results!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a lovely depth of flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Essential for that perfect rise; it gives your cookies a light and airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup powdered sugar for icing: This sweet dusting will turn your cookies into festive masterpieces when mixed with water and food coloring.
- Food coloring for decoration: Feel free to get creative! Use your favorite colors to make your cookies pop and spread holiday cheer.
How to Prepare Biscuit de Noël
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the delightful process of making biscuit de noël. It’s all about the magic that happens when you combine these simple components! Trust me, you’re going to love every step of this journey.
Preheat and Cream
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for getting those cookies just right! While that’s heating up, let’s cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large mixing bowl. You want to mix until it’s light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. This step is super important because it creates the perfect texture for your cookies!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking them together well is crucial—it ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which helps your cookies rise beautifully. No one likes a flat cookie, right?
Combine Mixtures
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry mixture to your creamed butter and sugar. Mix it gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookies to stay tender and delicious!
Roll and Cut Dough
Once your dough is ready, turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick; this ensures they bake evenly. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes. If the dough sticks, just sprinkle a little extra flour on your surface or rolling pin—easy fix!
Bake and Cool
Place your cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them in the oven for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should be lightly golden around the edges. Once they’re done, let them cool completely on a wire rack. This is vital before you dive into decorating!
Make Icing and Decorate
While your cookies are cooling, let’s whip up some icing! In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with just enough water to reach your desired consistency. You can add a few drops of food coloring to make it festive. Get creative with your decorations—think swirls, dots, or even faces! Each cookie is a canvas, so have fun with it!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to whip up some fabulous biscuit de noël, I’ve got some expert tips to help you nail it every time! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will make all the difference.
- Chill Your Dough: If your dough seems too soft to roll out, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the butter firm up, making it easier to handle and shaping those cookies perfectly.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on those cookies! They should be just lightly golden around the edges when you take them out. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t wait until they look too brown.
- Use Quality Ingredients: This is especially true for your vanilla extract and butter. Higher quality ingredients will elevate your cookies and make them taste exceptional!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, festive twist. You can also swap in almond extract for a different flavor profile!
- Get Creative with Icing: Don’t be shy with your decorations! Use sprinkles, edible glitter, or even small candies to make your cookies really stand out. Each one can be a little work of art!
- Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, but trust me, they won’t last that long!
- Have Fun: The most important tip? Enjoy the process! Baking is all about having fun and making memories. So grab your loved ones and get creative together!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Each delightful biscuit de noël you enjoy packs in some tasty stats. Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on the typical ingredients used, but they give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
So, as you enjoy these festive cookies, you can feel good knowing what goes into each delicious bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings or just a sweet treat for yourself!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a little prep time, you can whip up a batch of these delightful cookies that everyone will love!
- Festive Fun: The vibrant colors and creative decorations make these cookies a perfect addition to your holiday celebrations.
- Perfect for Family Time: Baking together is a wonderful way to create lasting memories with your loved ones during the holiday season.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the flavors or decorations to match your family’s traditions or personal preferences.
- Great for Gifting: Package your beautifully decorated cookies in festive boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift that’s sure to impress!
- Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are loved by kids and adults alike, making them a hit at parties and gatherings.
- Deliciously Nostalgic: Each bite brings back fond memories of holiday baking, making them a comforting treat for everyone.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked and decorated your delicious biscuit de noël, you might be wondering how to keep them fresh for as long as possible. Trust me, these cookies are best enjoyed at their peak flavor, so proper storage is key!
To store your cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them nice and soft while preventing them from drying out. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, but let’s be real—there’s a good chance they won’t last that long with all the deliciousness going on!
If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can also freeze them. Just make sure they’re completely cool before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll hold up well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight—no need to heat them up all over again!
For a little extra warmth and comfort, if you prefer your cookies warm, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds just to take the chill off. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you might end up with a cookie that’s more like a little rock! Enjoy your festive treats whenever the craving strikes!
FAQ Section
I know you might have some questions about these delightful biscuit de noël, so let’s dive into some common inquiries to help you out!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour will give your cookies a denser texture. You might want to mix half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a lighter result.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
No worries! You can use salted butter instead. Just reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors. It’ll still turn out delicious!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. I recommend using one that’s designed for baking to maintain that lovely texture.
How can I make my icing thicker?
If your icing is too runny, simply add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. For a thinner icing, add a bit more water! It’s all about finding that sweet spot.
What’s the best way to store decorated cookies?
Store them in a single layer in an airtight container. If you need to stack them, place parchment paper between layers to prevent the decorations from smudging. They’ll stay fresh and beautiful!
Can I freeze the dough?
Definitely! You can freeze the dough before cutting it into shapes. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling it out and baking.
How long will the cookies stay fresh?
If stored properly in an airtight container, your cookies will stay fresh for about a week. If you freeze them, they can last up to 2 months—perfect for holiday prep!
What are some fun variations I can try?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You could add spices like ginger or nutmeg for a festive twist, or mix in some chocolate chips or nuts into the dough. Get creative with your icing too—think sprinkles, edible glitter, or even melted chocolate drizzles!
Remember, the key to a great baking experience is having fun and experimenting—so don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own!
Print
Biscuit de Noël: 7 Magical Steps for Holiday Cheer
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A traditional holiday cookie known for its rich flavors and festive decorations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar for icing
- Food coloring for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light.
- Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface.
- Cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Allow to cool completely before decorating.
- Mix powdered sugar with water and food coloring to make icing.
- Decorate cookies as desired.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different cookie cutters for variety.
- You can add spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: biscuit de noël, holiday cookies, festive biscuits
