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New Year's Eve Cookies recipe

Festive New Year's Eve Cookies

Zac M., smiling male baking coach in a bright kitchen wearing a denim shirt and apron, arms crossedZac M.
Celebrate the new year with these beautifully decorated cookies that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 42 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Baking Sheet lined with parchment paper
  • 1 cookie cutters various festive shapes
  • 1 piping bag for decorating

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Decorations

  • Royal icing in various colors
  • Edible glitter and sprinkles
  • Gold and silver edible dust

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 60 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into shapes using festive cookie cutters. Place the cookies on a prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once the cookies are completely cool, use piping bags to decorate with royal icing. Add edible glitter, sprinkles, and dusts as desired. Allow the icing to set at room temperature for at least an hour before serving.

Serving

  • Arrange the decorated cookies on a serving platter. These cookies can be served on their own, or as part of a dessert spread for New Year's Eve celebrations.

Storage

  • Place any leftover cookies in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week or frozen for up to three months.

Notes

Pro Tips: For best results, ensure your dough is well-chilled before cutting out shapes. Use a thin layer of flour on your work surface to prevent sticking.
Ingredient Substitutions: Swap out vanilla extract for almond or lemon extract for a different flavor profile.
How to Serve: These cookies make an excellent addition to any dessert table and pair well with a glass of non-alcoholic sparkling cider.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week. Freeze for longer storage.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the dough in advance and freeze it. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Keyword decorated cookies, festive cookies, New Year's Eve Cookies