Best Easy Recipe for Stamped Cookies
Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, stamped cookies are a fantastic choice. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also taste delicious. Here is an easy recipe for stamped cookies that will surely impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– ¾ cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon salt
– Food coloring (optional)
– Sprinkles or colored sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition.
5. If desired, divide the dough into smaller portions and add a few drops of food coloring to each portion. Mix until the color is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the dough to firm up.
7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about ¼ inch.
9. Use cookie cutters with different shapes and sizes to cut out the cookies from the rolled dough. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each cookie.
10. If desired, lightly press a cookie stamp onto each cookie to create intricate patterns.
11. Sprinkle colored sugar or decorative sprinkles onto the cookies for added visual appeal.
12. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
13. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Now that your delicious stamped cookies are ready, it’s time to enjoy them with a hot cup of tea or coffee. The buttery texture combined with the delightful designs will surely have everyone reaching for seconds.
Here are some commonly asked questions about stamped cookies:
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but be mindful of the additional salt in the recipe. You may want to reduce the amount of salt added accordingly.
2. Can I skip refrigerating the dough?
Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to roll and cut. It also helps the cookies retain their shape while baking, so it’s recommended not to skip this step.
3. Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Absolutely! After shaping the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
4. Can I use different flavors instead of vanilla extract?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavor extracts such as almond, lemon, or even peppermint to add a unique twist to your cookies.
5. Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you can try using other flours like whole wheat or gluten-free flour if desired. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste of the cookies may vary.
6. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies can stay fresh for up to a week.
7. Can I use the same cookie stamps for different dough colors?
Yes, you can use the same cookie stamps for different dough colors. Just make sure to wash and dry the stamps thoroughly between uses to prevent color transfer.
8. Can I use royal icing to decorate the stamped cookies?
Absolutely! Royal icing can be used to add intricate designs and colors to your stamped cookies. Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating with royal icing.
9. Can I omit the colored sugar or sprinkles?
Yes, the colored sugar or sprinkles are optional. They simply add an extra touch of visual appeal, but the cookies will still taste delicious without them.
Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to get baking and enjoy these delightful stamped cookies!