Description
This Santa Cookie Recipe with Vanilla Frosting is a festive and delicious treat perfect for holiday celebrations. The soft, buttery cookie dough is flavored with hazelnut liquor and vanilla, then baked to a tender finish. Topped with a smooth vanilla buttercream frosting and decorated with colorful sprinkles or sanding sugar, these cookies capture the spirit of the season with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut liquor (optional)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus an additional 2-4 tablespoons if needed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Vanilla Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- Assorted sprinkles, vanilla sugar, and/or sanding sugar, for decorating
Vanilla Buttercream
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) salted butter, at room temperature
- 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the salted butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the hazelnut liquor (if using), vanilla extract, and the egg, beating until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add an additional 2-4 tablespoons of flour as needed.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into your desired shapes or use cookie cutters. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet with some space between them. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden, being careful not to overbake.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Vanilla Buttercream Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the salted butter until creamy. Add the cream cheese (if using) and continue to beat until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, generously spread the vanilla buttercream frosting on each cookie using a knife or piping bag.
- Decorate: Sprinkle the decorated cookies with assorted sprinkles, vanilla sugar, and/or sanding sugar to add festive flair.
Notes
- For a stronger hazelnut flavor, consider toasting hazelnuts and finely grinding them to mix into the dough.
- Make sure the butter and egg are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- If you prefer a dairy-free frosting, substitute butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives.
- Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To keep cookies fresh longer, freeze unfrosted cookies in a sealed bag and frost after thawing.
