Irresistible Christmas Ale Sugar Cookies with Spiced Buttercream Frosting: A Holiday Must-Bake
Get ready to elevate your holiday baking with these incredibly soft and chewy Christmas Ale Sugar Cookies, generously topped with a rich, spiced buttercream frosting. These aren’t just any festive treats; they’re a unique indulgence that marries the comforting flavors of a classic sugar cookie with the nuanced notes of your favorite Christmas ale. Santa will definitely be adding these to his nice list, and so will every beer lover!
The holiday season inevitably ushers in a cascade of sweet treats, and frankly, I find it impossible to resist. This annual confectionery journey typically kicks into high gear around December, marking the unofficial start of “cookie season.” While I might begin my own recipe testing in November, there’s something truly special about savoring someone else’s homemade holiday cookies – that’s when it truly feels official!
And yes, perhaps I’m feeling a little “puffy around the edges” from all the deliciousness. But hey, diets are for after the New Year, aren’t they? Especially when confronted with a batch of these glorious Christmas ale cookies. Seriously, they are astonishingly good – quite possibly the best sugar cookies I’ve ever had the pleasure of baking (and devouring).
The temptation is real, and the self-control is, well, negligible when these gems are around. I’m convinced I’ll gain at least ten pounds purely from cookie consumption this holiday season. But honestly? They’re so incredibly delicious, I find myself not caring one bit. Every bite is pure, unadulterated holiday bliss, making every extra pound entirely worth it.
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Essential Tools for Baking Success
Having the right tools is paramount to achieving baking perfection, and this recipe is no exception. While you don’t need a professional kitchen setup, a few key items will make your cookie-making experience smoother and more enjoyable, ultimately contributing to that perfect soft and chewy texture.
- **Measuring Cups:** My absolute favorite is the Pyrex 3-Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set. These sturdy, clear glass cups are versatile for both wet and dry ingredients, easy to clean, and built to last. Accurate measurements are crucial in baking, and these make it a breeze.
- **Mixing Bowls:** A set of reliable mixing bowls is an absolute must for combining your cookie batter and whipping up that decadent frosting. Stainless steel or glass options are excellent choices for their durability and ease of cleaning. Different sizes are helpful for different stages of the recipe.
- **Baking Pans:** Invest in a sturdy half sheet baking pan. A heavy-gauge aluminum pan will conduct heat evenly, ensuring your cookies bake uniformly and achieve that desirable golden-brown edge without burning. Line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy release and cleanup.
I truly mean it when I say these cookies are nothing short of magical. They boast an incredibly soft texture and a deeply satisfying chewiness that sets them apart from typical sugar cookies. I believe they might just be among the finest cookies I’ve ever created. Their secret lies not only in the perfect balance of ingredients but also in a subtle, yet profound, infusion of Christmas ale.
The Magic of Christmas Ale in Cookies
These aren’t your average thin, crispy sugar cookies. Oh no. These are the wonderfully puffy kind – soft, thick, and delightfully chewy. The classic sugar cookie flavor is beautifully enhanced by a clever addition of Christmas ale, specifically Rogue Ales’ Santa’s Private Reserve. The beer introduces a subtle depth, with malty undertones and hints of festive spices that truly transform the cookie experience.
The spiced buttercream frosting isn’t just an afterthought; it’s a crucial component that amplifies the beer’s unique flavor profile even further. The warm spices in the buttercream, like cinnamon, perfectly complement the holiday ale, creating a harmonious blend that makes these cookies an absolute dream for any beer enthusiast. And let’s be honest, if that beer enthusiast happens to be you, it’s perfectly acceptable to bake an entire batch and keep them all to yourself. (Can you tell I was an only child?)
The beer, when incorporated into the cookie dough, undergoes a beautiful transformation during baking. Its subtle nuances infuse the cookies with a distinct, appealing flavor that isn’t overpowering but undeniably present. When you pair one of these extraordinary cookies with a glass of Santa’s Private Reserve, you’ll discover a level of beer-infused bliss that might just make you swoon.
Despite their gourmet taste, these cookies are surprisingly simple to make, leaving you ample time to gather your ingredients and whip up a batch (or two!) before Christmas. Just be sure to hide them from any curious elves – and especially from Santa. These “bad boys” will disappear in a flash on Christmas Eve!
Baking Tips for the Best Christmas Ale Sugar Cookies
- **Softened Butter is Key:** Ensure your butter is properly softened for both the cookies and the frosting. This allows it to cream smoothly with the sugar, creating a light and airy base for your dough and a fluffy frosting.
- **Don’t Overmix:** Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookies instead of the desired soft and chewy texture.
- **Chilling the Dough:** Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling for 20 minutes helps firm up the dough, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and ensuring they maintain their delightful puffiness.
- **Evenly Sized Balls:** Use a cookie scoop or your hands to roll uniform 1-inch balls of dough. This ensures consistent baking times for all your cookies.
- **Perfect Baking Time:** Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges. The centers might still look a little soft, but they will set as they cool. Overbaking is the enemy of a chewy cookie!
- **Cool Completely Before Frosting:** This is crucial! Applying frosting to warm cookies will result in a melted, messy frosting. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Crafting the Spiced Buttercream Frosting
The spiced buttercream is the crowning glory of these cookies. It’s rich, creamy, and perfectly seasoned to complement the Christmas ale. To achieve the best consistency:
- **Sift Confectioners’ Sugar:** Sifting your confectioners’ sugar removes lumps, ensuring a super smooth and silky frosting.
- **Gradual Milk Addition:** Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. You might need slightly more or less depending on the humidity and how soft your butter is.
- **Whip Until Fluffy:** Beat the frosting ingredients until they are not just combined, but light and fluffy. This incorporates air, giving the buttercream a delightful texture that melts in your mouth.
- **Embrace the Spices:** The ground cinnamon is a fantastic match for the Christmas ale. Feel free to experiment with a tiny pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an even more complex holiday flavor.
Have a baker in your life you want to shop for? Here’s my baking favorites gift guide!
Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these Christmas Ale Sugar Cookies with Spiced Buttercream Frosting are guaranteed to bring cheer. Their unique flavor profile, combining the malty, spiced notes of a festive ale with a classic, comforting sugar cookie, makes them an unforgettable holiday delight.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Rogue Ales. As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!
Christmas Ale Sugar Cookies with Spiced Buttercream Frosting
equipment
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Half Sheet Pan
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Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
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Pyrex Prepware Measuring Cups
ingredients
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup Rogue Ales Santa’s Private Reserve or other Christmas ale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp cornstarch
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar sifted
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp milk or more, as needed for consistency
- Optional: holiday sprinkles
instructions
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until they are fully combined into the butter mixture. Gradually add the Christmas ale and continue to beat until everything is well-incorporated.
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In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cornstarch. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer, beating on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
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Scoop out the dough into 1-inch balls using a small cookie scoop or by hand. Place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Chill the cookie dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. This step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much and ensures a soft, thick texture.
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While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the oven is preheated, bake the chilled cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear set but still soft. Do not overbake for optimal chewiness. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
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Prepare the Spiced Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the sifted confectioners’ sugar, softened unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until light and fluffy. Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth, creamy, and spreadable consistency. Frost the cooled cookies generously and, if desired, top with festive holiday sprinkles for an extra touch of cheer. Serve and enjoy!