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
Scale
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
