Festive Green Sugar Cookies Recipe
If there’s a way to make the holidays (or honestly, any celebration) even more joyful, it’s by sharing a plate of Festive Green Sugar Cookies. These buttery, soft-baked treats are every bit as fun as they are delicious — tender on the inside, sparkly on top, and colored a cheerful green that lights up every cookie platter. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, or just because, these cookies bring a pop of color and pure happiness to your table. Let’s get ready to make some magic with Festive Green Sugar Cookies!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be delighted by how beautifully the flavors and colors come together with just a handful of pantry staples and a pinch of food coloring. Each ingredient not only builds the classic sugar cookie taste but also creates that signature soft texture and vibrant green look.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of our cookies, giving them structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking soda & baking powder: These leaveners make sure your sugar cookies puff up just enough while staying soft.
- Salt: A little bit brings out all the other flavors, preventing your cookies from being one-note sweet.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Essential for richness and that melt-in-your-mouth quality; make sure it’s at room temperature so it creams properly.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and gives that classic sugar cookie bite.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth; it’s a must for that homey cookie aroma.
- Almond extract (optional): For a subtle, sophisticated twist that makes these Festive Green Sugar Cookies unforgettable. Use more if you love that almond note!
- Green food coloring: The star for that bold, merry color. Add a drop at a time to control the shade.
- Green sanding sugar or sprinkles (for topping): The finishing touch for sparkle and extra crunch.
How to Make Festive Green Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Gear
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This quick step means your cookies won’t stick, and clean-up is a breeze — giving you more time to enjoy the fun parts of baking.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This not only blends everything evenly but ensures that each cookie will rise just right, with a delightful tender bite.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy — it takes about 2–3 minutes. You’re aiming for a creamy, airy mixture, which gives your Festive Green Sugar Cookies their heavenly soft centers.
Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts
Crack in the egg, then pour in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if you’re using it). Mix until everything is fully incorporated. You’ll notice the dough turning glossy and smooth, ready for the next burst of color.
Step 5: Color with Green Food Coloring
Now for the fun! Add green food coloring, just a couple of drops at a time, mixing as you go until you’ve reached your perfect festive hue. The color should be vibrant and even — just looking at it will make you smile!
Step 6: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the green mixture, mixing until you have a soft, smooth dough. Don’t overmix — stop as soon as the flour is mostly blended in. Your dough should feel light but hold together beautifully.
Step 7: Scoop and Shape
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them gently between your palms to make balls. Each one will bake up round and picture-perfect, ready for that signature sugar sparkle.
Step 8: Dazzle with Sanding Sugar
Roll each dough ball generously in green sanding sugar or green sprinkles, coating them well. Set them about 2 inches apart on your baking sheets — this lets them spread just enough without sticking together.
Step 9: Flatten & Bake
Gently press each cookie ball down with the bottom of a glass to flatten slightly. Bake in your preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers are still soft. They shouldn’t look brown; you want that bold green to shine.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This short rest keeps them extra soft and chewy in the middle. As they cool, the crunch from the sugar on top gets even more irresistible!
How to Serve Festive Green Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
A flourish of powdered sugar, an extra sprinkle of edible glitter, or even a drizzle of white chocolate can turn these Festive Green Sugar Cookies into truly showstopping treats. You could also use shaped sprinkles or top each one with a single candy for a fun surprise.
Side Dishes
These cookies are magical alongside a mug of hot cocoa, a cup of spiced tea, or a tall glass of cold milk. They pair especially well with vanilla or peppermint ice cream for a double dose of festive flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them high on a tiered platter for a holiday dessert table, wrap a few in cellophane with a ribbon for cheerful party favors, or arrange them with other holiday cookies in a colorful tin for an unforgettable homemade gift. The vivid green makes any assortment look extra special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After they have cooled completely, store your Festive Green Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and tasty for up to a week — though chances are, they’ll disappear much sooner.
Freezing
These cookies are fantastic for making ahead! Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. You can also freeze shaped, unbaked dough balls; just thaw, roll in sanding sugar, flatten, and bake fresh.
Reheating
If you love a warm cookie, just pop a couple in the microwave for 10–12 seconds. They’ll taste as if they came right out of the oven, with the centers turning extra soft and the sugar topping sparkling again.
FAQs
How can I get the best green color for my Festive Green Sugar Cookies?
For the brightest hue, use a gel food coloring rather than liquid — it’s more concentrated, so you get vivid green without thinning your dough. Add color gradually, mixing well to ensure even coverage.
Can I make Festive Green Sugar Cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can swap in your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Just check that your baking soda, baking powder, and sprinkles are also gluten-free for a safe, equally delicious treat.
Can I add other flavors to these cookies?
Definitely! Play around with citrus zests (like lemon or lime), swap almond extract for peppermint, or add a splash of coconut extract for a tropical twist. The festive green base is wonderfully customizable.
Why do my sugar cookies turn out dry?
This is usually caused by overbaking or adding too much flour. Take the cookies out as soon as the edges are just set, and be sure to measure flour using the spoon-and-level method for perfect results.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe easily doubles for a bigger batch — perfect for parties, cookie swaps, or gifting. Just be sure to mix the dough thoroughly so the color and flavor distribute evenly.
Final Thoughts
Baking a batch of Festive Green Sugar Cookies isn’t just about the cookie jar; it’s about brightening up every gathering and creating warm, joyful memories around the table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying this for the first time, you’ll fall in love with their cheerful color and classic sugar cookie taste. Grab your apron and let’s bring a little more festivity into every day!
Print
Festive Green Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Festive Green Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat for any special occasion. With a hint of almond and a burst of bright green color, these cookies are perfect for Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, or any festive gathering. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they are sure to be a hit with friends and family.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Green food coloring
- 1/4 cup green sanding sugar or sprinkles (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Combine wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Add green food coloring to achieve the desired shade.
- Mix the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, coat in green sugar or sprinkles, and place on baking sheets. Flatten each cookie with the bottom of a glass. Bake for 8–10 minutes.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies freeze well, making them perfect for storing and enjoying later.
- For a more pronounced almond flavor, increase the almond extract to 1 teaspoon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
