As the year winds down and you prepare to celebrate with loved ones, why not add a touch of sweet elegance to your New Year’s Eve festivities? These Champagne Bottle Cookies are a fun and easy way to bring some extra sparkle to your dessert table. Shaped like iconic champagne bottles, these cookies are perfect for ringing in the new year and will definitely be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The added details and a shiny, iced surface give these cookies a celebratory glamour that’s perfect for the occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for something unique to bring to a gathering, these cookies are sure to make an impact!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Royal icing (recipe below)
- Edible glitter or gold sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
- Assorted colorful sprinkles (optional)
For the Royal Icing:
- 3 egg whites (or 2 tablespoons meringue powder)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tsp water (for adjusting consistency)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough comes together.
2. Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough into two portions, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and makes rolling out easier.
3. Shape the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a champagne bottle-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your cookies. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart.
4. Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Make the Royal Icing:
To make the royal icing, beat the egg whites (or meringue powder) with powdered sugar and cream of tartar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add vanilla extract and beat on medium speed for about 5 minutes, until stiff peaks form. If the icing is too thick, add a little water, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, pipeable consistency. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar.
For decorating, divide the icing into smaller bowls and color with food coloring, if desired.
6. Decorate the Cookies:
Once the cookies are cool, pipe the royal icing onto each cookie to resemble champagne bottles. Use different piping tips to create the bottle neck, label, and decorative details. Add edible glitter or gold sprinkles to make your cookies look festive and glamorous. Feel free to use colorful sprinkles for extra fun and sparkle.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the icing has set, arrange the champagne bottle cookies on your dessert table. They’re now ready to add a fun and delicious touch to your New Year’s celebration!
Cook & Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (excluding dough chilling time)
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling and decorating)
Baking Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps prevent the dough from spreading too much while baking, ensuring your cookies hold their shape.
- Use Royal Icing: For the best decorative effect, royal icing is ideal because it hardens perfectly, allowing you to create intricate details on your cookies.
- Add Sparkle: If you want extra glam, add edible glitter to your royal icing before it sets. It’ll give your cookies a shimmering, champagne-like finish!
These Champagne Bottle Cookies are a delightful and creative way to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Not only do they look amazing, but they also taste just as good as they look! With simple ingredients and fun decorating options, they’re a perfect baking project for all ages. Whether you’re counting down to midnight with a treat in hand or simply looking to add a little sparkle to your party, these cookies are sure to be a hit. So grab your cookie cutters and get ready to bake up some festive fun this holiday season!