Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ⅓ cups butter (softened)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ⅔ cup white sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon red food coloring (or as needed)
• ¼ teaspoon green food coloring (or as needed)

Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake your cookies, giving them the perfect texture and color.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures they are evenly distributed, which helps the cookies bake uniformly.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In another large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with both the brown sugar and white sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process is crucial for creating a smooth, airy texture in your cookies. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Once the butter and sugar mixture is creamed, add the beaten eggs and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined, ensuring everything is fully incorporated.
5. Divide the Dough and Add Food Coloring: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add the red food coloring to one portion and the green food coloring to the other, stirring until each dough portion is fully colored. Adjust the amount of food coloring depending on how vibrant you want the colors to be. If you prefer more intense color, you can add a little extra food coloring.
6. Combine the Dry Ingredients with the Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until fully combined. You can do this in two or three additions. The dough will be stiff, but that’s okay—it’s what will give the cookies their perfect texture.
7. Shape the Dough: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. You can flatten them slightly with your hands, or you can press them gently with a fork to create a crisscross pattern if desired. For an even more festive touch, roll the dough balls in extra sugar before baking to give them a beautiful, sparkly exterior.
8. Bake the Cookies: Arrange the shaped dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary based on the size of the dough balls and the exact temperature of your oven.
9. Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these colorful, festive treats with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa, or pack them up in a festive tin to share with friends and family.

Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 10-12 minutes

Total Time:

• 25-27 minutes (including cooling time)

Servings:

• Approximately 24 cookies (depending on the size of the dough balls)

Calories (per cookie):

• Approximately 150-170 kcal (This is an estimate and can vary based on the size of the cookies.)

Explanation of the Recipe:

Sugar cookies have stood the test of time because of their simple ingredients and versatility. This particular version, with its colorful addition of red and green food coloring, brings the classic sugar cookie into the realm of holiday cheer. The soft, buttery texture of the cookie is paired with the slight crunch from the sugar on the outside, making them irresistible.

What makes this recipe timeless is its simplicity. You don’t need complex ingredients or hours of preparation to create a cookie that’s delicious and perfect for any occasion. The flavors of vanilla, butter, and sugar are universally loved, making this a go-to recipe for many families around the world. Furthermore, sugar cookies offer endless customization possibilities—from adding sprinkles or different color combinations to shaping the dough into festive designs. This flexibility ensures that they will always be relevant, no matter the season or event.

Nutrition Facts (per cookie):

• Calories: 150-170 kcal
• Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 1g
• Vitamin A: 5% of the daily value
• Calcium: 1% of the daily value
• Iron: 2% of the daily value

FAQs:

Can I use a different type of food coloring? Yes, you can use gel food coloring, liquid food coloring, or even natural colorants like beet juice for red and spinach juice for green, though the results may vary in intensity.

Can I make these cookies in advance? Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, shape it into dough balls, and freeze them. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight from the freezer into the oven (you may need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time).

Can I decorate these cookies with icing or sprinkles? Absolutely! These sugar cookies are a great base for any additional decorations. You can top them with royal icing, colored sprinkles, or even edible glitter to enhance their festive appearance.

Tips on How to Make the Best Sugar Cookies:

1. Use softened butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the perfect texture. Cold butter can cause the dough to be too stiff.
2. Chill the dough if needed: If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before shaping. This will help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
3. Don’t overbake: Sugar cookies bake quickly, so keep a close eye on them. They should be lightly golden at the edges, but still soft in the center.
4. Customize the flavors: If you like, you can add a bit of almond extract or citrus zest to the dough for a unique flavor twist.

Storage Tips:

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze the baked cookies in a single layer and then transfer them to a zip-top bag once frozen. They’ll last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Conclusion:

Festive Red and Green Sugar Cookies are a fun, simple, and delicious way to add color and cheer to any occasion. With their soft, buttery texture, sweet flavor, and vibrant colors, they’re sure to become a favorite for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or just a special treat for yourself. This recipe is not only easy to make but also provides endless opportunities for creativity, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday event or just because, these sugar cookies are sure to bring joy and a bit of sweetness to your day.