As the clock ticks down to midnight and we bid farewell to the past year, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a batch of freshly baked New Year’s cookies to ring in the festivities! These delightful treats are not just cookies; they’re a celebration on a plate, bursting with color and sweetness. I still remember the first time I made them for a New Year’s party—everyone at the gathering was drawn to their festive sprinkle-covered tops, and the joy on their faces was priceless. Trust me, there’s something magical about sharing a cookie that’s soft, buttery, and studded with sprinkles, creating moments of happiness and joy. So, let’s dive into this simple yet irresistible recipe that’ll make your New Year’s celebration even sweeter!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 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 colorful sprinkles
How to Prepare New Years Cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get those ovens preheating! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out just right.
While that’s heating up, grab a mixing bowl and cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. You want to mix it until it’s light and fluffy—this can take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in the large egg and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is well combined. It should smell heavenly by now!
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help distribute the baking powder evenly, so your cookies rise nicely. Now, gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Don’t rush this step; mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely want soft and tender ones!
Now for the fun part—gently fold in those colorful sprinkles! Trust me, this is where the magic happens. Using a tablespoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space in between for spreading.
Bake your cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is crucial; it allows them to firm up and makes them easier to move. Enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen as you wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These New Year’s cookies are a total game-changer for your holiday celebrations! They’re not just delicious; they’re also super easy to whip up, making them perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. Here’s why you’ll want to make this recipe your go-to for the festivities:
- Quick and simple—ready in just over half an hour!
- Soft and buttery texture with a delightful crunch from the sprinkles.
- A fun and colorful treat that adds a festive touch to any gathering.
- Perfect for sharing with friends and family—everyone loves a cookie!
- Customizable! Swap out the sprinkles for chocolate chips or nuts if you like.
- Great for kids to help with—mixing and decorating is always a blast!
- They store well, so you can enjoy them throughout the holiday season.
Tips for Success
To ensure your New Year’s cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure your butter is truly softened—this means it should be at room temperature, not melted. If your kitchen tends to run a bit cool, you can cut the butter into small pieces to help it soften faster.
When measuring your flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife; this prevents packing it down, which can lead to dry cookies. If your oven runs hot or cold, keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly. And don’t forget to let them cool completely on a wire rack; this helps them maintain that perfect texture!
Lastly, if you’re not planning to eat all the cookies right away, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay soft and delicious, ready for any impromptu celebrations!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up, I’ve got some fun variations for your New Year’s cookies! One of my favorites is to swap out the colorful sprinkles for chocolate chips. It adds a rich chocolatey flavor that’s absolutely irresistible!
Another idea is to use festive holiday-themed sprinkles or even edible glitter for a sparkling touch. You can also try adding nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. If you love citrus, a bit of lemon or orange zest mixed into the dough can brighten up the flavor beautifully.
Feeling like a cookie sandwich? Just take two cookies and put a dollop of frosting or your favorite jam in between! The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity run wild and make these cookies uniquely yours!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked and cooled your delicious New Year’s cookies, it’s important to store them properly to keep them fresh and tasty! I recommend placing the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delightful for up to a week, perfect for grabbing a quick treat or sharing with friends!
If you find yourself with leftover cookies (which is rare, but hey, it can happen!), you can also freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour, and they’ll be just as good as fresh! No need to reheat—these cookies are great enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer a warm cookie, a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds will do the trick!
Nutritional Information
Each of these delightful New Year’s cookies is a treat worth savoring! Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values per cookie (this is an estimate, of course):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1g
These cookies are not just festive; they bring a bit of indulgence to your celebrations while still allowing you to enjoy the moment!
FAQ Section
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While I recommend using unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture, you can substitute margarine if needed. Just keep in mind that the taste might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!
What if I don’t have sprinkles?
No worries at all! You can use chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts instead. Even a simple sugar dusting on top after baking can make them festive!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before baking to make scooping easier.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much while baking, it might be because the butter was too warm when mixed in, or the dough wasn’t chilled. Try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking next time to keep them nice and thick!
How do I know when they’re done baking?
You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden brown, and the centers still look slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a bit underbaked right out of the oven!
New Years Cookies: 5 Magical Recipes to Enjoy Together
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the New Year with these festive cookies.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the sprinkles.
- Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to three months.
- Feel free to replace sprinkles with chocolate chips.
- 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: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: new years cookies, festive cookies, holiday treats
