Winter means putting on layers of clothing to go outside and taking off some of those layers when you are inside. Sweaters are so important that we have memorialized them by throwing “Ugly Christmas Sweater” parties this time of the year. Making cookies shaped like sweaters is my homage to this time-honored — dare I say “required” — article of winter clothing.
P.S.: Never shy away from the “puffy” look that results from wearing so many layers. Being warm trumps looking svelte!
“I love winter because it means wearing sweaters — as many as you need in order to reach a body temperature best described as ‘warm and toasty.’ ” Kasha
Sweaters can be homey and practical or they can rise to the level of making a fashion statement. These cute and butter-y Christmas sweater cookies fulfill all the requirements by being delicious and fashionable. An added bonus is that they pay tribute to the most beloved icons of the season: Santa Claus, reindeer, and Christmas trees. I find they are best when you add a cup of hot cocoa (with double marshmallows) and Christmas carols. This combination invariably makes for the perfect holiday treat.
Cookie specifics
Gluten-Free Soft Sugar Cookies. This cookie has an abundance of vanilla extract (a whole tablespoon!) and a soft texture due to the addition of cream cheese. They are cut a little thicker than the average cutout cookies, which makes every bite an experience of melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness.
Shapes
Sweater shape: I have several sweater cookie cutters of various shapes. Each has its own personality. I chose this one because of its squatty appearance. It made me smile because wearing layers of sweaters always make me feel like the Pillsbury Doughboy.
Sizes
My collection of sweater cookie cutters ranges from large (4 inches) to small (2 inches). The squatty sweater shape I used for these sweaters measures 3½" wide by 2½" high. It turned out to be the perfect size!
Cookie Recipes from This Talented Cookie Artist
Gluten-Free Soft Sugar Cookies. Original recipe from Let Them Eat Gluten-free Cake. Kim’s sugar cookie recipe is delicious and versatile. She gives 8 different Christmas cookies that can be made with this basic dough, from cutout cookies to rolled cookies to bar cookies.
Icing & Frostings
Glaze for Piping: This glaze/icing dries hard enough that you can stack or package the cookies without damaging the embellishments. I often use it exclusively or in combination with Royal Icing.
Glaze for Piping Recipe
Decorative Embellishments
Wilton Reindeer and Santa Royal Icing Decorations and Christmas Tree Decorations: Using these pre-made royal icing decorations made decorating these cookies a quick and easy task. The facial expressions are very cute and they made these sweaters come alive.
Cookies
Gluten-Free Soft Sugar Cookies: butter, cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, gluten- free flour blend, salt
Icing & Decorative Embellishments
Glaze for Piping: sugar, water, corn syrup, vanilla extract)
Plate, Box or Bag?
Festive Christmas Plate. I took these sweater cookies to a gathering of family and friends and they were displayed on Christmas plates, of which I have many! I also mailed some to family and those were packed in a box...see next paragraph.
Mailing. Of course, I mailed a few dozen cookies to my family and friends throughout the U.S. I sent them Priority Mail through the U.S. Post Office. I used the boxes provided by the Post Office and lots of bubble wrap. I know the packages are appreciated when they arrive because of the texts I get with all those smiling faces and grateful comments. Merry Christmas!
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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