Save A delightful fusion of Hanukkah and Christmas traditions, these buttery twisted cookies are vibrantly colored and perfect for sharing during the holiday season. The cookies combine classic sugar cookie dough tinted in blue and red green, making them both festive and fun.
The first time I made these festive cookies, my kitchen filled with laughter as everyone picked their favorite colors to twist together. Now, it's a holiday tradition my loved ones look forward to all year.
Ingredients
- Dough: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened
- Dough: 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- Dough: 1 large egg
- Dough: 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Dough: 3 cups (375 g) all purpose flour
- Dough: 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Dough: 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Coloring: Blue gel food coloring
- Coloring: Red gel food coloring
- Coloring: Green gel food coloring
- Decoration (optional): Sprinkles (blue, silver, red, green, gold)
- Decoration (optional): Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla:
- Add the egg and vanilla extract mixing until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour baking powder and salt.
- Mix Dry into Wet:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Divide and Color Dough:
- Divide the dough equally into three portions. Tint one portion with blue food coloring the second with red and the third with green. Knead each portion until the color is evenly distributed.
- Chill Dough:
- Wrap each colored dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare Baking Sheets:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape Cookies:
- Break off small pieces (about 1 tablespoon each) from two different colored doughs. Roll each piece into a rope about 5 inches (12 cm) long. Twist the two ropes together and gently press the ends to seal. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough alternating color combinations.
- Add Decorations:
- If desired sprinkle cookies with festive sprinkles before baking.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10 12 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Cool:
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Save My kids love making these cookies and twisting the colorful ropes together. It always brings us closer during the holiday baking season creating festive treats we gift to friends and neighbors.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls electric mixer measuring cups and spoons plastic wrap baking sheets parchment paper and a wire rack make this recipe easy and fun for everyone.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat egg and milk due to butter. Decorations may contain traces of nuts. Always check decoration labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie has about 105 calories 5 g fat 14 g carbohydrates and 1 g protein.
Save Bake a batch and share the joy of both Hanukkah and Christmas with these colorful cookies. They are guaranteed to make any holiday table a little brighter.
Recipe FAQ
- → What gives these cookies their festive look?
Colorful gel food coloring is kneaded into the dough, creating vibrant blue, red, and green twists for a cheerful presentation.
- → Can I use other colors for different occasions?
Absolutely! Choose any food coloring combinations to match themes for various holidays or celebrations.
- → How do I ensure even twisting of dough strands?
Roll each colored dough into equal ropes, gently twist together, and pinch the ends to seal for neat, uniform cookies.
- → Is this treat suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the cookies contain no meat or gelatin, making them perfect for a vegetarian diet. Always check decoration ingredients for allergens.
- → How should I store these cookies?
Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to one week.
- → Can almond extract be added?
Yes, a little almond extract gives a subtle nutty flavor for variation, but be aware of nut allergen concerns with decorations.