DIY ugly sweaters decorated cookies for Christmas #nationaluglysweaterday #Uglysweater #UglysweaterCookie How to make an …
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DIY Ugly Christmas Sweaters: Decorating Cookies for Holiday Cheer
The holiday season brings joy, laughter, and a dash of creativity to our kitchens. One of the most entertaining trends during this time is the DIY Ugly Christmas Sweater—both in fashion and in cookie form! These whimsical designs are perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or simply indulging in festive fun with friends and family. Here’s how to create your own ugly Christmas sweater cookies that are as delightful to make as they are to eat.
Ingredients and Supplies
Cookie Base
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Royal Icing
- 3 large egg whites or 4 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1 pound powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vanilla extract
Decorations
- Assorted candies (M&M’s, sprinkles, sugar pearls)
- Colorful edible markers
- Food coloring
- Piping bags or zip-top bags (with the corner snipped)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Bake the Cookies
Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg and extracts, then gradually add the dry ingredients. Mix well.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps maintain the shape while baking.
Cut Out Cookie Shapes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use a sweater-shaped cookie cutter (or any fun shape) to cut out the cookies.
- Bake: Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow them to cool completely.
2. Make the Royal Icing
Mix the Icing: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites or meringue powder with water until frothy. Gradually add powdered sugar and lemon juice, mixing until smooth and glossy.
Adjust Consistency: For outlining, the icing should be thick; for flooding, it should be thinner. Add water a little at a time to reach the desired consistency.
- Color the Icing: Divide the icing into bowls and add food coloring to create different colors.
3. Decorate Your Cookies
Outline the Cookies: Use a piping bag to outline the edges of each sweater cookie. Allow the icing to dry for about 15-30 minutes.
Flood the Cookies: Fill in the outline with thinner icing for a smooth finish. Use a toothpick to spread the icing and pop any air bubbles.
- Add Details: Once the base layer is set (after a few hours), unleash your creativity! Add designs like snowflakes, Christmas trees, or even funny words. Use candies, sprinkles, and edible markers to make each cookie unique.
4. Make It an Event
Invite friends and family over for a DIY cookie-decorating party! Set up a “cookie bar” with various icing colors, sprinkles, and decorative candies. Encourage everyone to create their own funky sweater designs and make the event memorable.
Tips for Success
- Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to mix colors and patterns! The uglier, the better.
- Use Parchment Paper: It helps in easy cleanup and ensures your cookies don’t stick.
- Have Fun: Embrace the imperfection of "ugly" cookies! This is about joy and creativity, after all.
Conclusion
Creating DIY ugly Christmas sweater cookies is a fantastic way to spread holiday cheer and collaborate creatively. Whether for a gathering, as gifts, or simply for your own enjoyment, these cookies are sure to bring smiles. So, gather your ingredients, channel your inner artist, and let the holiday baking begin! Happy decorating!
