Holiday Cookies of the Winter Solstice are a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to the coldest time of the year. Each bite is a reminder of family traditions and the comforting flavors of the season. These cookies, with a hint of zesty lemon and the rich taste of butter, are perfect for sharing with friends and loved ones. The icing on top adds a sweet finish that makes them an irresistible holiday favorite.
What Goes into These Holiday Cookies of the Winter Solstice
To make your own delicious Holiday Cookies of the Winter Solstice, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (312g)
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt (2.5g)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (227g)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
- 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (5ml)
- 4 large egg yolks
- Powdered sugar for icing
- Fresh lemon juice for icing
Step-by-Step Holiday Cookies of the Winter Solstice Recipe
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Begin by mixing the flour and salt in a medium bowl. Set it aside.
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In a large mixer bowl, cream the butter on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
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Mix in the lemon zest and vanilla extract, followed by the egg yolks until just combined.
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Reduce the mixer speed to low, and slowly add the flour mixture. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
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Divide the dough in half. Roll each half into a log about 10 inches long (approximately 25 cm) and 1 3/4 inches in diameter (approximately 4.5 cm).
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Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and chill until firm, at least 1 hour.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Once chilled, unwrap the dough and slice each log into 1/4-inch thick rounds (about 0.6 cm).
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Bake the cookies until they are set and just lightly browned around the edges, about 14-16 minutes.
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Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Remember to use fresh parchment paper for the next log.
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For the icing, mix powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle the icing over the cookies and then sprinkle with decorations if desired.
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Allow the icing to dry for about 10 minutes before storing the cookies in an airtight container.
Serve & Enjoy Holiday Cookies of the Winter Solstice
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. Arrange them on a festive platter, and consider pairing them with hot chocolate or eggnog. They also make wonderful gifts when placed in decorative tins.
Helpful Tricks for Holiday Cookies of the Winter Solstice
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Chilling the Dough: For the best results, don’t skip the chilling step. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
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Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different zests like orange or lime for a twist on the traditional flavor.
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Dough Storage: If you want to make the dough ahead of time, it can be frozen. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing.
Holiday Cookies of the Winter Solstice FAQs
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: Yes, but you might want to reduce or skip the added salt to adjust the flavors.
Q: How should I store these cookies?
A: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Q: Can I substitute the lemon juice in the icing?
A: Yes, you can use any fruit juice you like, such as orange or lime, for a different flavor.
Try making these delightful Holiday Cookies of the Winter Solstice with your friends and family this season. They’re sure to be a hit, bringing smiles and sweet memories to your celebrations!