As the clock strikes midnight and we usher in a brand new year, what better way to celebrate than with some delightful *new years cookies*? These treats are not just any cookies; they’re little bites of happiness that bring joy and festivity to your celebrations. Imagine the warmth of your kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies, and the sight of colorful sprinkles dancing on top, beckoning everyone to indulge. Each bite is a reminder of the sweet memories made in the past year and the exciting moments yet to come. Trust me, these cookies are the perfect addition to your New Year’s festivities, whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will definitely make your celebrations even sweeter!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Sprinkles for decoration (any color you love!)
How to Prepare Instructions
Making these delightful *new years cookies* is as easy as pie—or should I say, cookies! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a festive batch ready to ring in the New Year. Ready? Let’s go!
Step-by-Step Baking Process
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s nice and toasty by the time your cookies are ready to go in.
- While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. You want it to be light, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious!
- Next, add in your large egg and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until it’s well combined and smooth. This is where the magic begins!
- In another bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder, ensuring your cookies rise perfectly.
- Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix—just mix until you can’t see any more flour!
- Now, it’s time for some fun! Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. This allows them to spread beautifully as they bake.
- Sprinkle those colorful sprinkles on top of each dough ball. Trust me, this is the best part!
- Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!
- Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. You want to savor every moment of this deliciousness!
And there you have it! A straightforward method to whip up a batch of festive *new years cookies* that will surely delight everyone. Enjoy the process and the sweet rewards!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 27 minutes!
- Festive appeal with colorful sprinkles that brighten up any celebration.
- Customizable options—you can add chocolate chips, nuts, or different sprinkles to suit your taste.
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends during New Year’s gatherings.
- Soft and chewy texture that’s simply irresistible.
- A delightful way to create new traditions and memories with loved ones.
- Great for kids to help with—mixing, decorating, and, of course, tasting!
- They store well, so you can enjoy them throughout the festive season.
Tips for Success
To make sure your *new years cookies* turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that I’ve learned over the years. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can elevate your cookie game!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend together smoothly, creating that light, fluffy texture we all love!
- Don’t Overmix: When you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies—I promise, nobody wants that!
- Chill the Dough (optional): If you have time, chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavors.
- Even Spacing: When dropping the dough onto the baking sheet, make sure to space them a couple of inches apart. Cookies spread while baking, and you don’t want them to merge into one giant cookie!
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. Win-win!
- Watch the Time: Keep a close eye on them as they bake! Ovens can vary, so start checking around the 10-minute mark. They’re done when the edges are golden brown but the centers still look a bit soft.
- Sprinkle Joy: Don’t hold back on the sprinkles! They add such a fun flair and make your cookies pop. Try mixing different colors or even themed sprinkles for the occasion!
- Let Them Cool: Resist the urge to dive in right away! Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes helps them firm up and makes transferring to a wire rack easier.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a batch of *new years cookies* that will wow everyone at your celebration. Happy baking!
Variations
One of the best things about these *new years cookies* is how versatile they are! You can easily switch things up to create your perfect cookie. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the dough for a rich, gooey treat that chocolate lovers will adore!
- Nuts for Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a delightful crunch. Just make sure to chop them finely so they mix in well with the dough.
- Festive Sprinkles: Change up the sprinkles based on the occasion! Use red and green for Christmas, pastel colors for spring, or even sparkly gold for a New Year’s bash.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus twist that brightens the flavor beautifully!
- Spiced Up: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to give your cookies a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Substitute half of the butter with creamy peanut butter for a deliciously nutty cookie that pairs wonderfully with chocolate chips.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Just make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free!
- Sandwich Cookies: Make these cookies a little more special by sandwiching them with frosting or a layer of jam for a cute and tasty treat!
Feel free to mix and match these variations or create your own. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes baking so much fun! Enjoy experimenting with your *new years cookies*!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked up a storm of these delightful *new years cookies*, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible. Here’s how I like to store them:
- Airtight Container: Allow the cookies to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. This keeps them soft and prevents them from drying out. I usually layer them with parchment paper in between to avoid sticking.
- Room Temperature: Keep your cookies stored at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll be perfect for grabbing whenever a sweet craving hits!
- Refrigeration: If you want to extend their life just a bit longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just remember to seal them well to keep them from absorbing any odors!
- Freezing Cookies: Want to save some for later? No problem! You can freeze your cookies for up to three months. Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be a delightful treat when you need a little something sweet!
- Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for a bit. No reheating needed! But if you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Yum!
With these storage tips, you can savor your *new years cookies* well beyond the celebrations, keeping the festive spirit alive with every delicious bite!
Nutritional Information Section
When it comes to enjoying these scrumptious *new years cookies*, it’s always good to have an idea of what’s in them! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per cookie. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 1g
These cookies are perfect for indulging during the festivities, and with these numbers in mind, you can enjoy them guilt-free! Just remember to balance them with some wholesome meals throughout the day. Happy baking and happy New Year!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these scrumptious *new years cookies*? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common inquiries I get, along with my best answers to help you out.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine if you prefer! Just make sure it’s a good quality one that’s similar in fat content to butter for the best results.
What can I substitute for the egg?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). Both work well to bind the cookies together!
How should I store leftover cookies?
Keep your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also refrigerate them for up to two weeks if you want them to last longer. Just be sure they are sealed well!
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the cookie dough. Just scoop it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be ready to bake straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
What’s the best way to serve these cookies?
These cookies are delightful right out of the oven, but they’re also fantastic served with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea or coffee. They make a perfect addition to a festive dessert platter during your New Year’s celebrations!
Can I add different flavors to the cookies?
Definitely! Feel free to play around with flavors. You can add almond extract instead of vanilla for a different twist, or even mix in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy vibe. The sky’s the limit!
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Keep an eye on them around the 10-minute mark. They’re ready when the edges are golden and the centers look slightly puffy. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a bit soft when you pull them out!
With these FAQs in mind, you’re all set to whip up a perfect batch of *new years cookies*. Happy baking, and may your New Year be filled with joy and delicious treats!
Print
New Years Cookies: 7 Sweet Ways to Celebrate Joyfully
- 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 unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Sprinkles for decoration
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 another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Decorate with sprinkles.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 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, holiday cookies, festive treats
