If you’re dreaming of delicate, buttery treats perfect for winter holidays or cozy afternoons, this Snowflake Cookies Recipe is your new go-to. These pretty, lightly golden cookies are just the right balance of crisp and tender, making them a joy to bake and even more fun to share.
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Why You’ll Love This
I’ve made all kinds of holiday cookies, but these snowflake cookies always come out looking as magical as they taste. They hold their shape beautifully, so you get those crisp, intricate snowflake edges everyone oohs over.
- Reliable Texture, Great Flavor: The balance of butter and sugar creates a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness with a subtle vanilla-almond aroma.
- Crisp–Golden Finish: Baked just right, these cookies develop a lightly golden edge that adds an inviting crunch.
- Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: Most of what you need might already be in your kitchen — no surprises or specialty flours here.
- Weeknight Easy, Weekend Worthy: From a quick batch to impressing guests, it’s a no-fuss recipe that delivers every time.
Ingredient Snapshot
Choosing quality ingredients helps these snowflake cookies shine. I recommend real vanilla extract over imitation — it makes a subtle but noticeable difference. Using softened fresh butter instead of melted keeps the texture perfect.
- All-purpose flour: Opt for a reliable brand, sifted to avoid clumps and ensure tender cookies.
- Baking powder: Freshness matters here; old baking powder can dull the rise and texture.
- Unsalted butter: Bring to room temperature for easy creaming and optimum tenderness.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is perfect for structure and sweetness.
- Large egg: Helps bind everything together while adding moisture.
- Vanilla & almond extracts: Vanilla is essential for warmth; almond adds a lovely nutty lift but is optional if you prefer plain.
- Powdered sugar: For that final, festive snowy dust!
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Snowflake Cookies Recipe
Step 1 — Set Up & Season
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. It’s a small step but absolutely prevents sticking and helps those edges brown evenly. While the oven warms, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl to ensure even leavening — this gives the cookies their subtle lift and delicate crumb you'll appreciate.
Step 2 — Sear, Toast, or Mix
Now comes the fun part: creaming the softened butter and sugar until they’re fluffy and pale. You'll notice the mixture become lighter—this traps tiny air bubbles that make cookies tender. Then, beat in the egg, vanilla, and optional almond extract until smooth. Slowly add the dry ingredients, stirring gently until you have a soft dough. Don't overmix here; just until combined is perfect so cookies stay tender.
Step 3 — Finish for Best Texture
On a floured surface, roll out your dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Using a snowflake cookie cutter, cut the shapes and place them on the baking sheet with a little space between. Bake 8 to 10 minutes—watch for the edges turning light golden. You want them crisp but with a soft center. Cool completely on a wire rack before dusting with powdered sugar for that lovely snowy effect. Patience here means prettier cookies and less breakage!
Smart Little Tips
From my experience, keeping your dough chilled right after mixing helps maintain those crisp snowflake edges you want, and it’s easier to handle. Also, measure flour carefully – too much can make cookies tough.
- Doneness Cue: Edges will just start to turn golden; centers may look slightly underbaked but will firm up while cooling.
- Temperature Trick: If your kitchen is warm, pop the dough in the fridge for 20 minutes to keep shapes defined.
- Make-Ahead Move: Dough can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 3 days, or frozen for a month—super handy for holiday prep.
- Avoid This Pitfall: Don’t forget to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to avoid melting and clumping.
Serving Ideas
Finishing Touches
A dusting of powdered sugar is classic and gives that fresh-snow look I adore. If you want to get creative, royal icing provides a festive, customizable canvas — in my kitchen, decorated snowflake cookies always steal the show at parties.
Pair It With
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or a mug of rich hot chocolate. The buttery crunch balances creamy drinks, and they’re lovely alongside fresh berries or a citrusy salad to cut the richness.
Easy Plating Upgrades
Arrange your snowflake cookies on a pretty platter lined with festive greenery or dusted with extra powdered sugar for a gorgeous winter wonderland display. For quick charm, tie bundles of two or three with ribbon—it’s an effortless yet elegant touch.
Make-Ahead, Store & Reheat
Storing Leftovers
Store your snowflake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and crisp for up to a week, but I find they’re best enjoyed within three for that perfect texture.
Freezing Tips
Yes, these cookies freeze beautifully! Just layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready, thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours to keep the delicate shapes intact and the texture just right.
Reheating Snowflake Cookies Recipe Without Drying Out
To freshen up cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes—they come out warm, crisp, and never dry. You can also microwave a cookie for 10 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but watch closely to avoid a chewy or rubbery result. I usually prefer the oven method for that fresh-baked feeling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While snowflake cutters are charming, this dough is sturdy and versatile for any shape you prefer, from stars to hearts.
Make sure your butter is properly softened—not melted—and chill your dough for at least 20 minutes before cutting. Also, check that you measured flour correctly; too little flour can cause spreading.
Not at all—it’s optional. I love the subtle nutty note it adds, but if you prefer plain vanilla flavor, just skip it.
Royal icing is your best friend here. Once cookies are cooled, pipe intricate snowflake patterns or color them for a festive touch. Sprinkles and edible glitter work great too for quick sparkle.
Final Thoughts
Making this Snowflake Cookies Recipe is one of my favorite ways to bring a little extra joy into the kitchen during cooler months. It’s fuss-free but feels thoughtful and festive—perfect for sharing or savoring with a hot drink. Once you get the hang of the dough’s texture and baking times, you’ll be whipping up batch after batch for years to come.
PrintPrint Recipe
Snowflake Cookies Recipe
Delightfully crisp and buttery snowflake cookies perfect for winter celebrations. These charming cookies combine a soft, tender bite with a light dusting of powdered sugar, evoking the delicate beauty of snowflakes. Easy to make and ideal for decorating with royal icing for festive flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For Finishing
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures your cookies have the right structure.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) into the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until everything is smoothly combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms, careful not to overmix.
- Roll Out Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness, making it ready for cutting.
- Cut Shapes: Use a snowflake-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your cookies, then place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, giving the perfect crispness without overbaking.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Finish by dusting with powdered sugar for a snowy effect or decorate with royal icing for a festive touch.
Notes
- For best results, soften butter to room temperature for easy creaming.
- If you don’t have almond extract, simply omit it or add another 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Roll dough between sheets of parchment paper for easier handling and less mess.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if too soft to roll, especially in warm kitchens.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Royal icing decorations add a festive look but are optional for a simpler dusted cookie.
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