As the clock strikes midnight and we welcome a brand new year, what better way to celebrate than with some scrumptious *happy new year cookies*! These delightful treats aren’t just cookies; they’re bundles of joy sprinkled with colorful memories and hope for the coming year. Trust me, there’s something magical about baking a batch of cookies that brings everyone together, and these beauties do just that!
Every time I whip up these cookies, I can’t help but feel the excitement in the air. The vibrant sprinkles remind me of the fireworks lighting up the sky, and the sweet aroma wafting from the oven is pure bliss. My family and friends gather around, each one eager to snag a cookie or two right off the cooling rack. It’s become a cherished tradition of ours to make these cookies together, sharing laughter and stories as we celebrate the promise of new beginnings.
So, if you’re looking for a fun and festive way to ring in the New Year, look no further than these *happy new year cookies*. They’re easy to make, bursting with color, and guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Ingredients for Happy New Year Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these delightful *happy new year cookies*. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our cookies, giving them structure and that wonderful chewy texture.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetness is key! This will help balance the flavors and create that lovely golden color on the edges.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened: Use unsalted butter for the best flavor. It adds richness and helps in achieving that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- 1 egg: This binds everything together and contributes to the cookie’s tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Trust me, this adds a warm, inviting flavor that takes these cookies to the next level.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This little leavening agent helps your cookies rise slightly and stay soft.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup colorful sprinkles: The star of the show! These not only add a festive touch but also a delightful crunch in every bite.
Now that you have everything you need, let’s get ready to create some cookie magic!
How to Prepare Happy New Year Cookies
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—baking these delightful *happy new year cookies*! Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a batch of colorful joy in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first—let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that our cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy. Trust me, starting with a hot oven makes all the difference!
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Next, grab a mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and sugar. I usually use a hand mixer for this, but a good old whisk works too if you’re feeling strong! You want to beat it until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes should do the trick. This texture is key as it helps incorporate air, making your cookies soft and tender.
Mixing in Wet Ingredients
Now it’s time to add the egg and vanilla extract. Crack that egg in and pour in the vanilla, then mix well until everything is combined and smooth. You want to make sure there are no streaks of butter or sugar left. This is where the magic happens—just wait until you smell that vanilla!
Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients together first helps to ensure that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This way, each cookie will have the right balance of flavors!
Forming the Dough
Now, gradually add the dry mixture to your wet mixture. I like to do this in three parts, folding gently after each addition. You don’t want to overmix here; just combine until you see no more flour. And here’s the fun part—fold in those colorful sprinkles! They’re going to make your cookies look so festive!
Baking the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, drop balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each one because they’ll spread a bit as they bake. Pop them in the oven for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are just golden brown but the centers still look soft. Ooh, that smell is going to fill your kitchen with pure bliss!
Cooling the Cookies
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is super important! If you skip it, they might become too soft or fall apart. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container to keep those delightful flavors fresh and tasty!
Tips for Success
Before you dive into baking these *happy new year cookies*, let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure you get the best results. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can take your cookie game to the next level!
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This helps them mix together more easily and creates that fluffy texture we all love.
- 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, and we definitely want them soft and tender!
- Chill the dough: If you have the time, consider chilling your cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This can help the cookies keep their shape and prevent them from spreading too much in the oven.
- Experiment with sprinkle types: Feel free to get creative with your sprinkles! You can use themed sprinkles for different occasions or even chocolate chips for a different flavor twist. The options are endless!
- Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking. You want them to be golden on the edges but still soft in the center. A little watchful eye goes a long way!
- Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a batch of *happy new year cookies* that will impress everyone at your celebration. Enjoy the baking process and the joy these cookies will bring!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into these delightful *happy new year cookies*! While they’re definitely a treat, it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in. Here’s an estimated breakdown per cookie:
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind, these values are just estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. Enjoy these cookies as a sweet celebration, and don’t forget to share them with loved ones—they’re meant to be enjoyed together!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of sprinkles?
Absolutely! One of the best parts about these *happy new year cookies* is how versatile they are. You can use any type of sprinkles you like—classic rainbow sprinkles, themed shapes for special occasions, or even chocolate sprinkles for a different flavor twist. Mix it up and get creative! Just remember, the sprinkles not only add color but also a delightful crunch to every bite.
How should I store the cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft and chewy for days! If you want to save them for a longer time, you can freeze them. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and they’ll be good for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature. Easy-peasy!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
What can I substitute for butter?
If you’re looking for a butter alternative, margarine works well in this recipe. You could also use coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but make sure it’s softened for the best results. Keep in mind that different substitutes may slightly alter the flavor and texture, but they’ll still yield delicious cookies. Experiment and find what you enjoy best!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh my goodness, where do I even start? You’re going to absolutely adore making these *happy new year cookies*! First off, they come together super quickly—seriously, you can whip up a batch in just about 27 minutes. That’s perfect for those last-minute celebrations or when you just want a festive treat without spending the whole day in the kitchen.
And let’s talk about that festive appearance! The colorful sprinkles make these cookies pop with joy and excitement. They’re like little bites of celebration, perfect for sharing with friends and family as you ring in the New Year. Imagine the smiles on everyone’s faces as they take a bite—priceless!
But wait, it gets better! The taste is out of this world. Each cookie is soft and chewy, with just the right amount of sweetness that makes them irresistible. The buttery flavor paired with that hint of vanilla is a match made in cookie heaven. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve caught myself sneaking a cookie (or two) when I think no one’s watching!
Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. You can switch up the sprinkles for different occasions or even add in some chocolate chips if you’re feeling adventurous. Trust me, these cookies are not just a treat—they’re an experience, a tradition, and a celebration all wrapped up in one delicious package. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to bake some happiness!
Print
Happy New Year Cookies: 7 Steps to Sweet Celebration
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cookies to celebrate the New Year.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup colorful sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the sprinkles.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden.
- Let cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Substitute butter with margarine if preferred.
- Add more sprinkles for a festive look.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: happy new year cookies
