Introduction
Cookies are a delightful treat enjoyed by many, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures. This recipe outlines the ingredients needed to create deliciously soft and flavorful cookies, followed by a sweet icing that adds a beautiful finish. Whether for a special occasion or a simple indulgence, these cookies are sure to please.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Cookies:
– 1 cup unsalted butter (226 grams), room temperature
– ⅔ cup granulated sugar (135 grams)
– 1 large egg (50 grams), room temperature
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams)
– ¼ teaspoon almond extract (1 gram)
– 1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest (2 grams), optional
– 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (295 grams)
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
For the Icing:
– 4 cups powdered sugar (452 grams)
– 6 tablespoons white corn syrup (117 grams), divided
– ½ cup water (114 grams), divided
– ¾ teaspoon almond extract (3 grams), divided
– Food coloring (Soft Gel Paste food color works best)
Prep Time
2 hours (chilling time)
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
2 hours 10 minutes
Yield
Approximately 24 cookies
Detailed Directions and Instructions
For the Cookies:
1. In a large bowl, combine the butter and sugar. Beat with a hand mixer until the mixture is lighter in color and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon/orange zest (if using) until well blended.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
4. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture all at once and mix on low speed until just incorporated.
5. Lay out a baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle a little flour on top.
6. Divide the dough equally into 2 portions. Using lightly floured hands, shape each portion into a disc.
7. Place each disc on the floured paper, roll gently into a ¼-inch high oval or rectangle. Cut the cookie dough into shapes and place cookies on parchment-lined cookie sheets. Repeat the process until all the dough is used.
8. Tightly cover the baking sheets with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
9. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F.
10. Space out the cut-out dough on parchment-lined cookie sheets and bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden.
11. Remove from the oven, transfer cookies to a cooling rack, and let them cool completely before decorating.
For the Icing:
1. Place the powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl and turn the hand mixer to the lowest speed.
2. In a large measuring cup, stir together the corn syrup, water, and almond extract.
3. With the mixer running, slowly drizzle ½ cup of the corn syrup mixture over the powdered sugar and mix until incorporated. Scrape down the sides as needed. The glaze’s consistency should be similar to sweetened condensed milk. (Set the reserved corn syrup mixture aside to use only if needed.)
4. Turn the mixer to medium-low and mix until the glaze is smooth and creamy. If the glaze is too thick, stir in the reserved corn syrup mixture, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the correct consistency. If the glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time.
5. Pour half of the glaze into a small shallow bowl—ensure the diameter of the bowl is larger than the largest cookie. Cover the remaining half with plastic wrap to prevent a hard shell from forming on top.
6. Air bubbles may form in the glaze; use a small spoon to stir slowly through the glaze to eliminate them.
7. Using a toothpick, add a drop of food coloring to the glaze and swirl it through. Begin with a tiny amount (gel food coloring is potent) and avoid over-mixing to prevent the glaze from turning into a solid color.
8. To glaze a cookie, have a second bowl next to the bowl with the glaze.
9. Hold the cookie by the edges and turn it upside down. Dip the top of the cookie into the glaze, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Lift the cookie straight up out of the glaze and hold it above the second bowl, allowing the excess glaze to drip off (about 5-10 seconds). Once the glaze stops dripping, flip the cookie over and place it on a cooling rack.
10. Allow the glaze to dry completely before storing the cookies in an airtight container. It is best to let the cookies dry for 12-24 hours before storing.
Notes
Timing for Chilling:
– Refrigerating the dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to cut into shapes and resulting in neater edges when baked.
Consistency of Icing:
– Achieving the right consistency for the glaze is key to prevent it from dripping too much off the cookies yet still able to coat them evenly.
Food Coloring:
– Using gel food coloring is recommended as it provides vibrant colors without altering the icing’s consistency significantly.
Storage Tips:
– Once the glaze is dried, store the cookies in a cool, dry place to keep them fresh.
Cook techniques
Butter Creaming
Incorporate air into the butter by beating it with sugar, making the mixture lighter and fluffier. This technique is essential for creating a light texture in cookies.
Egg Incorporation
Add eggs into the batter after the butter mixture is creamed. This step enhances the cookie’s moisture and binding properties.
Flour Mixing
Combine the dry ingredients (flour and salt) and add them to the wet mixture all at once. Mix on low speed to prevent gluten formation, which can make cookies tough.
Dough Chilling
Refrigerate the shaped dough for at least two hours to firm it up. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Baking Technique
Bake the cookies at 350°F until the edges turn golden. This temperature allows for an even bake and helps achieve a slightly crisp edge with a soft center.
Icing Preparation
Mix powdered sugar with corn syrup and water to create a smooth glaze. Adjust the consistency by adding more liquid or sugar, as needed.
Glazing Cookies
Dip the cookies into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. This technique ensures an even coating without flooding the cookie.
Drying Time
Let the icing dry completely, ideally for 12-24 hours, before storing the cookies. This step helps maintain the texture and prevents sticking.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but it will alter the flavor slightly. If using salted butter, consider reducing the amount of added salt in the recipe.
What can I use if I don’t have almond extract?
You can substitute with more vanilla extract or other flavorings like hazelnut or lemon extract.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for edges that are just starting to turn golden brown. The centers may still look slightly underbaked; they will firm up as they cool.
How can I store the cookies after decorating?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, ensuring the icing is completely dry to avoid smudging.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling the dough helps prevent excessive spreading and allows for better shape retention during baking.
Conclusion
These delicious cookies, enhanced with almond and citrus zest, are perfect for any occasion. The glossy icing adds an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful finish, making them not just tasty but visually appealing as well. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful treats!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Combine the base cookie recipe with 1 cup of chocolate chips for a classic favorite.
Red Velvet Cookies
Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and red gel food coloring for a festive twist.
Cranberry Almond Cookies
Fold in 1 cup of dried cranberries to the dough and top with slivered almonds for a seasonal flavor.
Matcha Iced Cookies
Incorporate 1 tablespoon of matcha powder into the dough for a striking green cookie, and use a simple glaze.
Peanut Butter Cookies
Replace half of the butter with peanut butter for a rich, nutty flavor and top with crushed peanuts.
Spiced Snickerdoodles
Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dough and roll in cinnamon sugar before baking.
Cookie Sandwiches
Fill baked cookies with your favorite frosting or jam to create delightful cookie sandwiches.
Citrus Icing Variations
Experiment using lemon or orange juice in the icing for a refreshing citrus flavor.
Nutty Cookies
Add chopped walnuts, pecans or hazelnuts into the dough for added texture and taste.
Seasonal Themed Cookies
Use cookie cutters shaped like seasonal symbols—hearts for Valentine’s Day or trees for Christmas—for festive celebrations.
