If you’re looking for a cookie that’s as charming as it is delicious, you’re in for a treat with my Snowflake Cookie Recipe. This one is a family favorite — soft, buttery, and with those delicate snowflake edges that make every bite feel like a little winter celebration. I absolutely love how these cookies come out tender yet hold their intricate shapes perfectly, and I can’t wait for you to try making them yourself!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beautiful Design: The six or seven-point snowflake shapes make these cookies look stunning and festive.
- Perfect Texture: Soft, buttery, and tender with just a hint of crisp on the edges.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry to whip these up quickly.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: My kids adore shaping the snowflakes, making this a great family activity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Snowflake Cookie Recipe plays a vital role — from the richness of the butter to the crisp sweetness of powdered sugar — working together to give you that perfect buttery snap and delicate crumb. When shopping, try to use the freshest butter and sift your powdered sugar to avoid lumps.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your dough — gives structure to the cookies.
- Powdered sugar: Adds a fine, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness and helps keep cookies tender.
- Granulated sugar: For a subtle crunch and balanced sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Use softened butter for easy mixing; it’s key for that rich, buttery flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Almond extract (optional): Just a dash adds a lovely nutty aroma — I love it but you can skip if you prefer.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
Variations
I love how versatile the Snowflake Cookie Recipe is — you can easily make it your own with a few tweaks here and there. I often switch up the almond extract for lemon zest for a fresh twist, and sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon when I want a cozy vibe. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite flavors!
- Gluten-Free Version: I tried swapping in a gluten-free flour blend once and it worked well, but the texture is a tad denser — still tasty though!
- Decorated Snowflakes: My family loves adding royal icing and edible glitter for special occasions, turning cookies into little artwork.
- Nut-Free Tweaks: Simply omit the almond extract for those with allergies — the cookies are still perfectly flavorful.
- Seven-Point Snowflakes: For a creative shape, try seven points instead of six — it’s fun for the kids to customize.
How to Make Snowflake Cookie Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by softening your butter to room temperature — this makes mixing much easier. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to cream the softened butter with granulated and powdered sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Watching this texture develop is one of my favorite parts because it really sets the stage for tender cookies.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts
Once your butter and sugars are nicely whipped, add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. Beat until everything is fully combined. The dough will look creamy and smooth, and your kitchen will be smelling amazing.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and salt together. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, mixing on low just until a smooth dough forms. This is crucial — overmixing can make your cookies tough, so pause as soon as it’s combined for the perfect tender crumb.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half and flatten each half into a disc, wrapping tightly in plastic wrap. Pop them in the fridge for at least an hour. Trust me, chilling is the secret to keeping those beautiful snowflake shapes crisp and defined when you bake.
Step 5: Roll Out and Shape Your Snowflakes
On a lightly floured surface, roll one dough disc to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut circles, then gently mark six (or seven if you want to mix it up) evenly spaced points along the edge with a knife or toothpick. Pinch at these points to form delicate snowflake arms. Kids love helping here—it’s a fun way to create festive shapes!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange your snowflake cookies about 2 inches apart — they don’t spread too much, which is lovely. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, or you’ll lose that soft center I adore.
Step 7: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar
Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely. Once cool, dust with powdered sugar for that perfect snowy finish. I like to sift the sugar over gently using a fine mesh sieve — it adds a little magic and sweetness without weighing them down.
Pro Tips for Making Snowflake Cookie Recipe
- Keep Dough Cold: Chilling the dough is an absolute game-changer for shaping clean edges and preventing puffing in the oven.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just enough to combine so the cookies stay tender, not tough.
- Use a Sharp Knife or Toothpick: For the snowflake points, a precise tool helps create distinct shapes that wow.
- Watch the Bake Time Closely: Edges should be lightly golden; a couple extra minutes can make a big difference.
How to Serve Snowflake Cookie Recipe
Garnishes
I always garnish these cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar for that authentic snowy look—it’s simple but makes such a difference. For holidays, I’ve also used a drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkle of edible glitter to add sparkle that really delights the eyes and palate alike.
Side Dishes
Snowflake cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or a velvety hot chocolate — my go-to cozy combo during chilly days. They also work well alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a winter dessert spread that’s sure to impress.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love arranging these cookies on a festive platter lined with evergreen sprigs or dusting powdered sugar to mimic snow on the table. Wrapping them in clear bags tied with ribbon makes for the cutest edible gifts — my friends always look forward to receiving them!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover snowflake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layering parchment paper between them to keep their shape and texture intact. This way, they stay fresh and delicious for about a week, perfect for nibbling over coffee breaks.
Freezing
Freezing these cookies works wonderfully if you want to make a batch ahead for the holidays. I freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container with parchment layers. When thawed, they retain their lovely texture and flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy your snowflake cookies warm, I pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes — enough to soften them slightly without drying them out. This little step brings back that fresh-baked magic every time.
FAQs
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Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before rolling and shaping. Just keep it well wrapped to prevent drying out. This helps deepen the flavor and makes handling the dough easier.
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What’s the best way to create the snowflake points?
I recommend using a small, sharp knife or a toothpick to mark even points around each cookie circle. Then gently pinch each point to form the arms of the snowflake. It’s easier than it sounds and looks so beautiful once baked!
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Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or skip adding extra salt to avoid over-salting. Unsalted butter gives you more control, but salted works in a pinch.
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How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Keeping the dough chilled before baking is key. Also, avoid overworking the dough and make sure not to add too much flour or the cookies might become tough instead of spreading.
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What’s the best way to store decorated snowflake cookies?
Store decorated cookies in a single layer in an airtight container to protect the icing. If you need to stack, separate layers with parchment or wax paper to keep decorations intact.
Final Thoughts
This Snowflake Cookie Recipe holds such a warm spot in my heart — it’s the perfect blend of simple ingredients, beautiful shapes, and cozy flavors that bring family and friends together in the kitchen. Whether you’re making these for a holiday party or just a sweet everyday treat, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. You’ll enjoy the process and, trust me, everyone will go crazy for these charming cookies.
Print
Snowflake Cookie Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightful snowflake-shaped cookies with a tender, buttery texture and a subtle hint of vanilla and almond. Perfectly dusted with powdered sugar for a festive, snowy finish. These charming treats are ideal for holiday gatherings and make a beautiful addition to any cookie platter.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Sugars
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar in a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes. Then add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, beating until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Mix just until a smooth dough forms, making sure not to overmix to maintain the tender texture.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough evenly into two portions. Flatten each into a disc shape, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, which makes rolling and shaping easier.
- Roll and Shape (Six-Point Snowflakes): On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles. Using a knife or toothpick, mark six evenly spaced points around the edge of each circle, then gently pinch at each point to form arms of the snowflake shape.
- Roll and Shape (Seven-Point Snowflakes): For a lovely variation, mark the edges of the dough circles into seven segments instead of six and pinch each segment to create a seven-pointed snowflake shape.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Arrange the shaped cookies about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Take care not to overbake to keep the cookies tender.
- Cool and Dust: Transfer the cookies to wire racks and allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, dust lightly with powdered sugar to give a delightful snowy appearance before serving or storing.
Notes
- Keep the dough chilled and use a light dusting of flour when rolling and shaping to prevent sticking.
- These cookies hold their shape well after baking, making them perfect for decorative purposes.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1.3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
