Mittens vs. Gloves
I recently discovered that mittens are warmer than gloves. Apparently, mittens allow your fingers to snuggle together and provide warmth to each other. On the other hand, when you wear gloves, it’s each finger for itself. I also think that mitten cookies are easier to decorate than glove-shaped cookies. There’s nothing cuter than mittens, right? Gloves just can’t compete with mittens in the “cuteness” department. Think about it!
“Scarves, mittens, and hats are a great way to express your personality in the cold weather.” Brad Goreski
P.S. I may make glove cutout cookies at some point in the future. I always like a challenge and making a glove cute might be something I’m willing to tackle. However, finding a glove cookie cutter may be a problem...unless I’m willing to settle for a Micky Mouse hand. I’ll think about it while I eat a few more mitten cookies. Happy Christmas!
Cookie specifics
Soft Sugar Cookies. This cookie has a subtle hint of almond extract and a chewy, soft texture. They are cut a little thicker than the average cutout cookies, which makes every bite an experience of chewy perfection.
Shape
mitten shape cookie cutter
Size
Size of the cookie cutter is 2½ to 3 inches — my favorite size for decorating and eating!
Cookie Recipe from This Talented Cookie Artists
Soft Sugar Cookies. Original recipe from The Food Charlatan.
Icing & Frostings
Glaze for Piping: This glaze/icing dries hard enough that you can stack or package the cookies without damaging the embellishments. I used it to add the “knit” designs to the mittens. Royal icing was used to add the holly berries and leaves.
Glaze for Piping Recipe
Homemade Fondant: I covered the mittens with homemade fondant. It is made from melting marshmallows with a little water and adding confectioners’ sugar to make a stiff dough. I always mix it with a high-quality white chocolate to make a tasty covering for my cookies. It can be rolled and embossed to make a pretty pattern or left smooth for a blank canvas ready for embellishments. (Store-bought fondant is quite frankly inedible. But homemade fondant is really delicious.)
Cookies
Soft Sugar Cookies: flour, butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, almond extract, pure vanilla extract, salt
Icing & Decorative Embellishments
Royal Icing: confectioners’ sugar, egg whites, corn syrup, pure vanilla extract or almond extract, cream of tartar, food coloring
Glaze for Piping: sugar, water, corn syrup, food coloring (optional), various extracts for flavoring (vanilla, almond, lemon, raspberry, etc.)
Homemade Fondant: sugar, corn syrup, cornstarch, gelatin, water, vanilla extract, food coloring (optional)
Plate, Box or Bag?
Paper Plate. To gift my cookies locally, I arranged them on a sturdy Christmas paper plate and wrapped the whole thing in clear plastic wrap. This is a safe way to get them from my house to my neighbor’s houses.
Box. For several people, I packaged the cookies in a cardboard bakery box with a clear window on top that made the contents visible to anyone who wants to peek. I was able to fit 18 2½ x 3 inche cookies in each box.
Bags. Since I was mailing the bulk of these mittens to family and friends far away, I wrapped them individually in clear, food-safe bags, secured with a twist tie. This made the cookies stackable without causing damage to the decorations.
Mailing. I mailed the through the U.S. Post Office. I used the sturdy boxes provided by the Post Office and lots of bubble wrap. I know the packages were appreciated when they arrived because of the texts I got with all those smiling emojis.
What I’ve learned...
These cookies were made with the best ingredients I could find and baked in a small batch of two dozen. I’ve experimented with less expensive ingredients, but have come to the conclusion that flavor is best when I use the best. Why spend all this time baking and decorating if taste and texture are just so-so? Decorating the cookies takes time, but it’s an enjoyable process for me and I know that those who receive them appreciate that. Life is just better when you can share something you love with someone you love. Don’t you agree?
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