Flower Cookies Recipe
If you’ve been searching for a delightful treat that feels like a sweet, blossoming garden on your plate, look no further than this Flower Cookies Recipe. These charming, buttery cookies are perfect for brightening up any occasion with their delicate floral shapes and sprinkle of colored sanding sugar or edible flowers. They’re as much fun to make as they are to share, combining simple ingredients into a tender and lightly crisp cookie that captures the essence of spring in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Flower Cookies Recipe are straightforward yet essential, each playing a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the soft butter lending richness to the hint of almond extract adding subtle depth, every item contributes to making these cookies irresistibly good.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure to hold your flower shapes perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift to keep the cookies tender but not fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the dough.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies while creating a delicate crunch.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough and gives moisture for softness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Introduces warm, cozy notes essential to classic cookie flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional): Adds a subtle floral hint that complements the cookie’s shape and theme.
- Colored sanding sugar or edible flowers: For that magical finishing touch and eye-catching presentation.
How to Make Flower Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Begin by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for achieving a smooth dough and uniform texture in your Flower Cookies Recipe.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process takes about 2 to 3 minutes and is essential for creating that tender crumb and slight crunch in your cookies.
Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and if you like, the almond extract. These ingredients bring moisture and those beautiful aromatic notes that make the Flower Cookies Recipe such a treat to bake and enjoy.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients to Form Dough
Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Don’t overwork the dough to keep your cookies tender and perfectly shaped.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half and shape each into a disc. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling makes the dough easier to roll and cut, ensuring your flower cookie shapes come out clean and crisp.
Step 6: Cut and Decorate Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use flower-shaped cookie cutters to cut out your cookies. Transfer them to the baking sheets and decorate with colored sanding sugar or gently press edible flowers into the tops for a real floral pop.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake your flower cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, watching for golden edges as your cue. Remove from the oven and cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time lets them set beautifully without breaking.
How to Serve Flower Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies already look stunning with sanding sugar or edible flowers, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate can turn these treats into true conversation starters. The key is to complement the delicate floral design without overpowering it.
Side Dishes
Flower cookies pair wonderfully with mild beverages that don’t overshadow their sweet, buttery charm. Think of a mild green tea or a lightly brewed chamomile—it’s like a mini garden party with every bite and sip.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Flower Cookies Recipe on a tiered cake stand or nestle them in a basket lined with pastel-colored tissue paper for an enchanting presentation. For special occasions, consider packaging them in clear boxes tied with twine and a fresh flower for a personal, handmade gift that anyone would adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your flower cookies have fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, making them a wonderful treat to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies for longer storage. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature to bring back that fresh-baked flavor and texture.
Reheating
If you like your Flower Cookies Recipe slightly warm, pop them in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This will revive their buttery softness without making them too hot or melty.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract in this Flower Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have almond extract or prefer not to use it, you can simply omit it or replace it with an extra half teaspoon of vanilla extract. The cookies will still be deliciously fragrant and tender.
How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Chilling the dough thoroughly is key to preventing spreading. Make sure the dough is well chilled before rolling and cutting, and avoid using melted butter in the recipe, as softened but still cool butter helps maintain cookie shape.
Can I add dried lavender or rose petals to the cookie dough?
Yes! Adding dried culinary lavender or rose petals is a beautiful way to amplify the floral theme. Gently fold them into the dough during mixing, but don’t use too many to avoid overpowering the flavor.
Are these cookies gluten-free or can I make them gluten-free?
This Flower Cookies Recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, try substituting with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but be prepared for a slightly different texture and possibly some adjustments to the resting time.
How long do these flower cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will remain fresh for up to a week. Beyond that, they may start to lose their crispness and freshness, but reheating slightly can bring back some of their original charm.
Final Thoughts
I simply can’t encourage you enough to give this Flower Cookies Recipe a try. They’re not only delicious and beautiful but also a joy to bake and share. Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or just want a sweet pick-me-up, these cookies bring a little sunshine and joy into any day. So gather your ingredients and get ready to fill your kitchen with the sweet scent of buttery, floral goodness!
Print
Flower Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delicate Flower Cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, decorated with colorful sanding sugar or beautiful edible flowers perfect for springtime celebrations and special occasions. The soft, buttery dough is flavored with vanilla and almond extract, then cut into charming floral shapes that bake to a perfect golden edge.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Decorations
- Colored sanding sugar or edible flowers for decorating
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes—this step incorporates air for a tender cookie.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and if desired, almond extract until thoroughly combined to add flavor complexity.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms without overworking it to keep cookies tender.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up the dough for easier rolling and better shape retention.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and cleanup.
- Roll and Cut Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use flower-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies and place them spaced on the prepared baking sheets.
- Decorate Cookies: Sprinkle colored sanding sugar or gently press edible flowers onto the tops of the cookies to add a beautiful, decorative touch.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden color, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, chill it longer to make handling easier.
- For a lovely floral twist, consider incorporating dried culinary lavender or rose petals directly into the dough.
- These cookies hold their shapes extremely well, making them ideal for detailed decorating projects.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chill time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
