Countdown to Midnight with These Delicious Clock Cookies
As the countdown to midnight begins, there’s no better way to mark the occasion than with these fun and festive New Year’s Eve Clock Cookies. Shaped like clocks, these cookies are not just delicious but serve as a creative reminder that the new year is almost here! Adorned with colorful icing, Roman numerals, and a bit of edible glitter, they make the perfect treat to ring in 2024 with style.
These cookies are a playful addition to your New Year’s Eve spread, alongside sparkling cookies and confetti sprinkle cookies. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, you’ll be able to create a batch that will impress your guests and leave everyone eagerly awaiting the stroke of midnight. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Royal Icing (for Decorating):
- 2 large egg whites (or 2 tablespoons of meringue powder)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, for stability)
- Water, as needed (to adjust the consistency)
- Gel food coloring (in various colors)
- Edible glitter (optional)
Instructions:
For the Cookies:
Prepare the dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.Mix dry ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough comes together.Chill the dough:
Divide the dough into two halves, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll out.Roll out and cut the cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a clock-shaped cookie cutter (or any round cutter you have) to cut out your cookie shapes.Bake the cookies:
Place the cut cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
For the Royal Icing:
Whisk the egg whites:
If you’re using egg whites, start by beating them until frothy. Alternatively, you can use meringue powder, following the instructions on the package for the right amount of water to mix in.Add powdered sugar:
Gradually sift in the powdered sugar while continuing to beat. The icing should become thick and glossy.Add lemon juice and cream of tartar:
If desired, add a small amount of lemon juice for flavor and cream of tartar for added stability.Adjust consistency:
Adjust the icing’s consistency based on your decorating needs:- Thicker icing for outlining: Add less water.
- Thinner icing for flooding the cookie: Add water a teaspoon at a time until it smooths out within 10-15 seconds.
Color the icing:
Divide the icing into bowls and add gel food coloring to each bowl to achieve your desired colors.Decorate:
Once the cookies are cooled and the royal icing is ready, use piping bags or squeeze bottles to decorate the cookies. Outline the clock face and add Roman numerals, clock hands, and colorful details. Finish off with a sprinkle of edible glitter for a festive touch.
Cook and Prep Times:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking Pro Tips:
- Chill your dough well: If your dough is too warm, it can become sticky and difficult to work with. Chilling it before rolling ensures cleaner shapes and prevents spreading during baking.
- Use gel food coloring: Gel food coloring works best for achieving vibrant colors in your royal icing, without altering its consistency.
- Work in stages: If you’re making these cookies in a hurry, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it. This way, you can skip the chilling time and just roll it out before baking.
- Drying time for royal icing: Let your decorated cookies dry for at least 4-6 hours before serving or stacking them to avoid smudging.
These New Year’s Eve Clock Cookies are the ultimate way to ring in the new year with a deliciously festive treat. Their clock design serves as a charming reminder of the countdown, while the colorful icing and edible glitter add a magical touch. Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, these cookies will certainly add to the excitement as you wait for the clock to strike midnight. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and bake up a batch to share with your loved ones!