These adorable caroler cookies are sure to delight everyone! For a fun pop of color in your cookie dough, consider using gel food coloring, such as Wilton’s brand. You can find this coloring paste at many bakeries and kitchen supply stores, making it easy to add a festive touch to your holiday baking. Enjoy creating these charming treats!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup softened butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- Gel food coloring (Wilton brand) in various colors
- Miniature candies for decoration
- Coconut flakes for added texture
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Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the sugar in three additions, mixing well between each addition. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture in three parts, blending until a smooth dough forms.
- Set aside 3/4 cup (180 mL) of the dough for decorating hats, scarves, and earmuffs. Divide the remaining dough into two equal portions. Using a toothpick, add a small amount of gel food coloring to each portion, mixing until the color is uniform. Shape each portion into an 8-inch (20 cm) long roll. Wrap the rolls in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm.
- For the reserved dough, divide it into three portions. Add gel food coloring as desired to create hats, scarves, and earmuffs, mixing until uniform in color. Shape enough pieces for approximately 60 cookies. You can prepare the dough rolls and decorations ahead of time; they will keep in the fridge overnight when wrapped.
- Once chilled, cut the dough rolls into 1/4-inch (5 mm) thick slices. Place half of the cookies on two parchment-lined or greased baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each cookie. Use a straw or toothpick to poke holes for the mouths. Gently place the hats, scarves, and earmuffs on top of the cookies, pressing to adhere.
- Decorate the cookies with miniature candies for eyes and press coconut flakes onto the cookies for hair.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place one baking sheet on the top rack and the other on the bottom shelf. Bake for about 8 minutes or until the cookies are lightly browned, rotating the sheets halfway through for even baking. After baking, let the cookies cool on wire racks for about 1 minute, resealing any mouth holes if needed. Transfer the cookies to the racks to cool completely, and repeat with the remaining dough.
Notes
Makes about 60 cookies.
