Oh, the joy of baking during the New Year’s celebrations! There’s something magical about filling your kitchen with the warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked *new years buttercream cookies*. I remember making these cookies every holiday season with my family, our laughter echoing as we decorated them with all sorts of colorful sprinkles and icing. It’s a tradition that brings everyone together, and trust me, there’s nothing quite like biting into a soft, sweet cookie that just melts in your mouth. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family, or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to make your New Year’s festivities even sweeter!
Ingredients for New Years Buttercream Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delightful cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring (optional, for festive decorating)
Make sure your butter is nice and soft; it makes creaming with the sugar so much easier! And don’t forget to have fun with the food coloring – it’s perfect for adding a splash of color to your cookies!
How to Prepare New Years Buttercream Cookies
Getting started with these cookies is so exciting! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious treats ready in no time.
Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly. While that’s heating up, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps to distribute the baking soda evenly, which is super important for a nice rise!
Cream Butter and Sugar
In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The key here is to really beat that butter until it looks pale and airy. Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix well until everything is combined. Trust me, this is where the magic starts to happen!
Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cookies to stay tender and soft, not tough!
Shape and Bake
Using a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between them, as they’ll spread a little while baking. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly soft—don’t worry, they’ll firm up as they cool!
Frost and Decorate
Once your cookies have completely cooled, it’s time for the fun part: frosting! In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the milk until you have a smooth, spreadable consistency. If you want to get creative, add a few drops of food coloring to make your frosting pop! Spread the frosting generously on each cookie (or use a piping bag for a fancier touch) and watch them transform into festive delights!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *new years buttercream cookies* turn out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips! If your dough feels too soft and sticky, don’t hesitate to chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes it much easier to handle and shape! For festive decorations, think beyond just frosting—sprinkles, edible glitter, or even colored sugar can add a fun touch! And remember, let your cookies cool completely before frosting; this prevents the icing from melting and keeps those beautiful designs intact. Trust me, these little details make all the difference!
Nutritional Information for New Years Buttercream Cookies
When you’re indulging in these delightful *new years buttercream cookies*, it’s good to know what you’re enjoying! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this a tasty guide rather than a strict rule. Enjoy every bite of these festive treats!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the butter with margarine?
Yes, you can use margarine if you prefer! Just make sure it’s softened, just like butter, for the best results.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
No worries! You can simply leave it out or replace it with an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract. Your cookies will still taste delicious!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough. Just scoop it into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze for an hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of minutes to the baking time!
How long can I store the baked cookies?
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and tasty—if they last that long!
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare the frosting in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before frosting your cookies to get that smooth consistency back.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to whip up, making it perfect for both baking beginners and pros
- Deliciously soft and buttery cookies that melt in your mouth
- Festively decorated with vibrant colors, adding a cheerful touch to any celebration
- Versatile recipe – you can customize flavors and toppings to fit your style
- Great for sharing! These cookies are sure to impress friends and family at New Year’s gatherings
- Quick bake time, so you can enjoy them fresh out of the oven in no time
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *new years buttercream cookies* fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and tasty for up to a week—if you can resist eating them all right away! If you need to store them for longer, you can also freeze them. Just make sure to wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature. No need for reheating; they’re delightful when enjoyed as is! Enjoy every sweet bite!
Print
New Years Buttercream Cookies: 5 Sweet Moments to Savor
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious buttercream cookies perfect for New Year’s celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light.
- Add egg and extracts to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Let cool completely.
- In a bowl, mix powdered sugar and milk to make frosting.
- Frost cookies and add food coloring if desired.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different food colors for festive decoration.
- Chill dough for easier handling if too soft.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: new years buttercream cookies
