Family Treat
Christmas Painted Cookies
Gathering with loved ones during the holiday season brings joy and cherished moments. One delightful tradition that stands out is painting Christmas cookies with family. Unlike the overly sweet confections often associated with the festive season, these cookies offer a unique twist. Crafted from a simple yet delicious shortbread recipe, these treats strike the perfect balance, providing a delightful canvas for creative expression. Join us as we dive into the heartwarming experience of decorating these not-so-sweet delights, making memories that last a lifetime. Let’s unwrap the magic of this family treat and discover the joy of painting Christmas cookies together.
Tasty family treat for the holidays
The timeless joy of painting Christmas cookies transcends generational boundaries, becoming a beloved tradition for our family over three generations. From grandparents to grandchildren, this family treat brings people of all ages together, fostering a sense of connection and shared joy.
As the scent of freshly baked shortbread cookies fills the air, laughter and conversation flow effortlessly, creating a space for everyone to participate, regardless of artistic expertise. This simple yet meaningful tradition serves as a bridge between past and present, with parents sharing childhood anecdotes and grandparents passing down the art of cookie decorating. In a world often filled with digital distractions, this family treat offers a precious opportunity to connect, create, and savor the sweetness of togetherness, creating lasting memories that echo through the years.
This treat is perfect for a Christmas Holiday dessert board! or just to munch on!
Check out the video on Tiktok!
Other family treat ideas can be found on my blog!
Ingredients
- 1 Cup (1/2 lb) butter at room temperature
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Large Egg
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 3 cups all-purpose flour + 1 cup for dusting cookie cutters
- 4-6 egg yolks
- 4-6 food dye colors
- 4-6 small bowls
- Cookie cutters
- Paint brushes
- Cookie sheets
How to
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Then, cut butter into chunks into a mixer. Add sugar and beat on high until fluffy.
- Add one egg and vanilla and beat until mixed.
- Next add 3 cups of flour slowly and beat on low until dough is mixed. It should turn into a ball texture
- Then, divide dough in half, shape into balls. (If you want to use the dough later, it can be placed in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days). Flatten each into a round flat cake.
- One at a time, roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thick.
- Flour each cookie cutter and cut out the cookies. Leave the cookie cutters in the dough until all cookie cutters have been placed.
- Carefully, remove the cookie cutters with a spatula and place them on cookie sheets. Remove the cookie cutters once the cookies are on the cookie sheet.
- Place one egg yolk per bowl and add about 4 drops of food dye to each egg yolk. Use a fork to mix together.
- Add small paint brushes to the bowls and paint the surface of the cookies with the colored egg yolk.
- Bake in the 325 degree oven until cookies are golden on the bottom and easily removable with a spatula. This takes about 12-16 minutes depending on your oven.
- After sitting on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, transfer to a wire rack to cool.
- Store in airtight container for up to a week or freeze to store longer.
Fun activity for the whole family
Christmas Shortbread Painted Cookies
Equipment
- 2-4 Cookie Sheets
- 4-6 Paint Brushes Small watercolor brushes
- Cookie Cutters
- 1 Mixer
- 4-6 Small Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Salted Butter Room Temperature
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Large Egg
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 3 cups All Purpose Flour Extra for dusting cookie cutters
- 4-6 Egg Yolks
- 4-6 Food Dye Colors
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Then, cut butter into chunks into a mixer. Add sugar and beat on high until fluffy.
- Add one egg and vanilla and beat until mixed.
- Add 3 cups of flour slowly and beat on low until dough is mixed. It should turn into a ball texture
- Then, divide dough in half, shape into balls. (If you want to use the dough later, it can be placed in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days). Flatten each into a round flat cake.
- One at a time, roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thick.
- Flour each cookie cutter and cut out the cookies. Leave the cookie cutters in the dough until all cookie cutters have been placed.
- Carefully, remove the cookie cutters with a spatula and place them on cookie sheets. Remove the cookie cutters once the cookies are on the cookie sheet.
- Place one egg yolk per bowl and add about 4 drops of food dye to each egg yolk. Use a fork to mix together.
- Add small paint brushes to the bowls and paint the surface of the cookies with the colored egg yolk.
- Bake in the 325 degree oven until cookies are golden on the bottom and easily removable with a spatula. This takes about 12-16 minutes depending on your oven.
- After sitting on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, transfer to a wire rack to cool.
- Store in airtight container for up to a week or freeze to store longer.