Striped Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for a fun and visually stunning treat to brighten up your dessert table, look no further than this Striped Sugar Cookies Recipe. These delightful cookies boast vibrant stripes of color nestled in a tender, buttery bite that melts in your mouth. The combination of simple ingredients transformed into a feast for the eyes and palate makes every step of this recipe a joy from start to finish. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a cheerful homemade cookie, this striped sugar cookie recipe is bound to bring smiles and a touch of whimsy to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple yet essential ingredients come together to create these gorgeous striped sugar cookies. Each item plays a crucial role, from the soft all-purpose flour that gives structure to the dough, to the mellow butter providing richness, and the pops of food coloring adding joyful hues.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The foundation of the dough, giving your cookies that tender crumb.
• Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps your cookies rise just enough for a soft texture without spreading too much.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, softened): Adds richness and ensures a wonderfully soft, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their crisp edges.
• Large egg (1): Binds the dough and adds moisture for tenderness.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Food coloring (2–3 colors): Your chance to get creative — these colors give the stripes their beautiful, eye-catching appeal.
• Milk (1 tablespoon, as needed): Used sparingly to adjust dough consistency for perfect rolling and shaping.

How to Make Striped Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Begin by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures that the leavening agent and seasoning are evenly distributed, which is key for even texture and flavor in your striped sugar cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial because it aerates the butter, giving your cookies a tender texture and helping them bake evenly.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. These ingredients add moisture and enhance the cookie’s richness and aroma, which makes every bite irresistibly comforting.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. If you find the dough is too stiff to work with, add milk one teaspoon at a time until you achieve a pliable but firm consistency perfect for rolling and shaping.

Step 5: Divide and Color the Dough

Divide the dough evenly into 2 or 3 portions depending on the number of colors you’d like in your stripes. Tint each portion with your chosen food color(s), kneading thoroughly until the color is evenly distributed. This is where your cookies start to take on their charming personality.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Flatten each colored dough portion into rectangles, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes. This chilling step firms the dough, making it easier to roll out and slice without losing those vibrant edges.

Step 7: Roll and Layer the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll each chilled, colored dough into rectangles about 1/4 inch thick and of equal size. Stack these colored layers on top of each other, gently pressing to adhere, then trim the edges for neat, clean stripes.

Step 8: Slice into Strips

Slice the stacked dough into thin strips approximately 1/4 inch thick. These strips showcase your beautifully crafted stripes that will make your cookies stand out once baked.

Step 9: Prepare for Baking

Place the cookie strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart to allow for slight spreading. Chill the strips in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes; this step helps maintain their shape and crisp edges during baking.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just set and showing a light golden color. Cool the cookies on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Get ready to admire those radiant stripes and enjoy a perfect balance of buttery sweetness!

How to Serve Striped Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these striped sugar cookies are stunning on their own, adding a simple garnish like a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of white chocolate can elevate them even more. Sprinkling a few edible glitter flakes or colorful sugar crystals adds flair and sparkle, making them festive and fun.

Side Dishes

Pair your striped sugar cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea or coffee for a classic combo that never fails. For brunch or party settings, they also complement fruit platters, soft cheeses, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream, turning your treat into an indulgent mini-dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress your guests, arrange the cookies in rainbow patterns or alternate stripes by color on a pretty platter. You can also stack them in clear jars tied with ribbons as adorable gifts or party favors. For holiday parties, incorporate themed colors to match the season and create a festive vibe at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your striped sugar cookies fresh and crisp by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay deliciously fresh for up to one week, making them perfect to bake in advance if you want to spread out your preparation time.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them after they have completely cooled. Wrap the cookies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag to prevent freezer burn. When properly stored, they can keep well for up to 3 months without losing their flavor or texture.

Reheating

To refresh your cookies after refrigeration or freezing, let them come to room temperature naturally, or warm them very briefly in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. This gentle reheating revives their softness and buttery aroma without overbaking.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring or should I use gel colors?

Gel food coloring is preferred because it provides vibrant hues without altering the dough’s consistency, but regular liquid food coloring works if you adjust with a bit less milk to keep the dough from becoming too soft.

How thick should I roll the dough before slicing?

Rolling the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness is ideal for achieving the perfect balance between crispy edges and a tender center in your striped sugar cookies.

Can I make the striped dough ahead of time and bake later?

Absolutely! After rolling and stacking the dough, wrap it tightly and keep it chilled for up to two days before slicing and baking. This flexibility makes it easy to plan ahead for events.

What if my cookies spread too much during baking?

Make sure your dough is well chilled before slicing and baking, and avoid using too much milk in the dough. Also, spacing cookies an inch apart on the sheet helps prevent them from merging.

Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this striped sugar cookies recipe uses only vegetarian-friendly ingredients, making it a sweet treat everyone can enjoy.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly joyful about bringing color and creativity into baking, and this Striped Sugar Cookies Recipe does just that with every stripe and bite. Whether you’re baking with friends, prepping for a celebration, or simply treating yourself, these cookies offer a little slice of colorful happiness you won’t want to miss. So roll up your sleeves, pick your favorite colors, and make some magic happen in your kitchen today!

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