Making decorated sugar cookies without using a lot of artificial ingredients can be both delicious and healthier. Here's a recipe and some tips to achieve this:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (you can use organic cane sugar or coconut sugar as alternatives)
- 1 large egg (free-range or organic, if possible)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (you can also use whole wheat flour or a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Natural food coloring (you can find plant-based or vegetable-derived options)
- Homemade icing (recipe below)
Instructions:
Cream the butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step.
Add the wet ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but try not to overdo it.
Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two or three equal parts and form each part into a flat disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) until the dough is firm.
Roll out the dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Cut out the shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies for about 8-10 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Be careful not to overbake.
Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Homemade Icing:
For the icing, you can create a simple glaze using natural ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar (you can make your own by blending organic cane sugar until fine)
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option)
- Natural food coloring (if desired)
- Natural extracts for flavor (such as almond or lemon extract)
Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until you achieve a smooth consistency. Add more milk if it's too thick or more powdered sugar if it's too runny.
If you want to add color, stir in a small amount of natural food coloring until you achieve your desired hue.
To add flavor, mix in a drop or two of natural extract. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Once your cookies are completely cooled, use a spoon or a piping bag to decorate them with the icing. You can create intricate designs or simply spread a thin layer over the cookies.
Let the icing dry and set before storing or serving the cookies.
By using natural ingredients and alternatives, you can still enjoy delicious and beautifully decorated sugar cookies without relying on artificial additives. It's a great way to make treats that are not only tasty but also a bit healthier.