Countdown to Delicious: Midnight Clock Sugar Cookies Recipe
These Midnight Clock Sugar Cookies are a delightful way to ring in the New Year! Shaped like clocks, they symbolize the countdown to midnight, bringing a festive and whimsical touch to your celebrations. Beautifully decorated with black icing and white clock hands, these cookies are not only delicious but also serve as an eye-catching centerpiece for your dessert table. Pair them with sparkling cookies or champagne-inspired treats, and you’ll have a spread that’s as celebratory as it is scrumptious.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Royal Icing:
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons meringue powder
5-6 tablespoons warm water
Gel food coloring (black and white)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Cut and Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Use a round cookie cutter to cut out clock-shaped cookies.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
3. Make the Royal Icing:
In a large bowl, sift the powdered sugar and mix with the meringue powder.
Add 5 tablespoons of warm water and beat on low speed until the mixture is smooth. Gradually increase the speed and beat for 7-10 minutes until stiff peaks form.
If the icing is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of warm water. Divide into separate bowls and tint with black and white gel food coloring as needed.
4. Decorate the Cookies:
Use black royal icing to flood the entire surface of each cookie and let it dry completely.
Pipe white icing to create the clock hands and numbers. Use a steady hand or a stencil for precision.
Optional: Brush the edges with edible gold dust for a luxurious touch.
Allow the icing to set before serving or packaging the cookies.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling time)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Decoration Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Baking Pro Tips
Chill the Dough: This prevents the cookies from spreading and helps retain their clock shape.
Use a Turntable: When decorating, a turntable can help achieve smoother, even designs.
Test the Icing: Make sure your royal icing is the right consistency for flooding and detailing.
Plan Ahead: Decorate the cookies a day in advance to give the icing ample time to set.
Midnight Clock Sugar Cookies are the ultimate New Year’s Eve treat, combining festive charm with delectable flavor. Perfect for a dessert table or as party favors, these cookies are sure to impress your guests and set the tone for a fantastic year ahead. Pair them with other sparkling or champagne-inspired desserts for a truly celebratory spread.