There’s something magical about ringing in the New Year with a plate of these fireworks frosted sugar cookies. I’ve been making them every December 31st since my kids were little; their eyes still light up when they see those colorful bursts of frosting on the counter! These aren’t just cookies; they’re edible celebrations that capture all the excitement of midnight in one sweet bite. The secret? A buttery sugar cookie base that holds its shape perfectly, topped with vibrant royal icing that pipes like a dream. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your New Year’s tradition too.
Why You’ll Love These New Year Fireworks Frosted Sugar Cookies
Oh, where do I even begin? These cookies are my absolute go-to for New Year’s celebrations, and here’s why you’ll adore them too:
- Instant holiday spirit: The colorful firework designs make your dessert table look like a midnight sky (without the loud bangs!)
- Foolproof dough: My tested recipe won’t spread or lose its shape, so your fireworks stay crisp and clear
- Kid-friendly fun: Little hands love helping decorate with sprinkles; messy fingers mean happy memories
- Make-ahead magic: The dough freezes beautifully, and frosted cookies stay fresh for days (if they last that long!)
- Total crowd-pleaser: That perfect balance of buttery cookie and sweet frosting disappears faster than the ball drop in Times Square
Seriously, one batch of these and you’ll be the star of every New Year’s party from now on!
Ingredients for New Year Fireworks Frosted Sugar Cookies
Gather these simple ingredients, and you probably have most in your pantry already! I’ve listed everything exactly how you’ll need it, because precision matters with sugar cookies. (Trust me, I learned the hard way when my first batch spread into sad little puddles!)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Spoon and level it, don’t scoop! This prevents dense cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Softened to that perfect “finger dent” stage, not melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Regular white sugar gives that classic sweet crunch
- 1 large egg: Room temperature blends better, just set it out with the butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Pure vanilla makes all the difference; skip the imitation stuff
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness. I use fine sea salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar: For that smooth, pipeable frosting
- 2 tbsp milk: Whole milk works best, but any will do in a pinch
- Food coloring gel: Gel works better than liquid for vibrant colors
- Edible glitter/sprinkles: Because fireworks should sparkle, right?
See? Nothing fancy, just quality basics treated right. Now let’s make some cookie magic!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry, you won’t need any fancy gadgets for these cookies! Here’s what I always pull out of my kitchen:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar a breeze
- Large mixing bowl: For bringing all that doughy goodness together
- Rolling pin: My wooden one’s covered in flour stains, a well-loved tool!
- Firework-shaped cookie cutters: Stars, bursts, get creative with shapes!
- Piping bags & tips: Small round tip (#3) works best for firework designs
- Baking sheets: Light-colored ones prevent over-browning
That’s it! Now let’s get baking.
How to Make New Year Fireworks Frosted Sugar Cookies
Okay, let’s dive into the fun part! I’ve broken this down into easy steps because nothing’s worse than cookie stress during the holidays. Follow along, and you’ll have gorgeous firework cookies in no time.
Preparing the Dough
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Now, grab that softened butter (remember, finger-dent soft, not melty!) and granulated sugar. Cream them together in your mixer for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is crucial; it creates tiny air pockets that make your cookies tender.
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla until just combined. Here’s my trick: scrape down the bowl sides halfway through to ensure everything mixes evenly. Now, gradually add your flour and salt mixture on low speed. Mix just until the dough comes together; overmixing makes tough cookies. If the dough feels sticky (which can happen in humid weather), wrap it in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
Shaping and Baking the Cookies
Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin, but don’t go overboard! Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Too thin, and they’ll burn; too thick, and they won’t crisp up nicely. Press your firework cookie cutters firmly straight down, no twisting! Twisting seals the edges and prevents proper rising.
Place the shapes on parchment-lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges just start turning golden. They’ll look underdone in the center, but that’s perfect; they’ll firm up as they cool. Let them rest on the sheet for 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Making the Frosting
While cookies cool, whip up the frosting. Sift your powdered sugar first. I know it’s an extra step, but it prevents lumps! Whisk it with milk until smooth. The consistency should be like thick glue; if it ribbons off the whisk and holds its shape for a few seconds before dissolving back in, you’ve nailed it.
Now the fun part: divide into bowls and add gel food coloring. I love doing a rainbow of colors, vibrant blues, purples, and golds really scream “New Year’s Eve!” Gel colors give bold hues without thinning the frosting.
Decorating the Cookies
Fit your piping bag with a small round tip (#3) and fill with frosting. Pipe firework bursts starting from the center outward, think sun rays! Work quickly before the frosting crusts over, then shower with sprinkles or edible glitter. Pro tip: Hold your sprinkle jar high above the cookies and shake gently for even distribution. Let the frosting set completely before stacking (about 2 hours).
See? Not scary at all! Now you’re ready to ring in the New Year with the sweetest edible fireworks around.
Tips for Perfect New Year Fireworks Frosted Sugar Cookies
After making these cookies every New Year for a decade, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks that’ll guarantee your fireworks cookies shine brighter than Times Square!
- Chill stubborn dough: If your dough feels sticky after mixing, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This prevents spreading and keeps those firework edges crisp.
- Rotate your pans: Halfway through baking, switch your cookie sheets from top to bottom rack for even browning. My oven’s always hotter in the back!
- Cool completely: Resist decorating warm cookies; the frosting will melt into sad puddles. I wait at least an hour, sometimes longer.
- Thin frosting carefully: If your icing’s too thick, add milk drop by drop. Too thin? More powdered sugar. You want it to hold peaks but still pipe smoothly.
- Store smart: Layer frosted cookies between parchment in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days (though they never last that long in my house!).
Follow these simple tips, and your cookies will be the star of every New Year’s celebration! If you’re looking for other great appetizers for your party, check out some ideas over at Family Tastes.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Oh, the fun you can have with these cookies! Over the years, I’ve experimented with all sorts of twists on this recipe. Here are my favorite ways to mix things up:
- Gluten-free magic: Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free blend. My niece’s celiac diagnosis led me to this discovery, and no one can tell the difference!
- Dairy-free delight: Use plant-based butter and almond milk if needed. Just watch the dough consistency; sometimes you’ll need an extra tablespoon of flour.
- Color explosions: Try ombré frosting by piping concentric circles of different shades. Or go monochromatic with all gold for a classy champagne effect.
- Flavor twists: Add 1/2 tsp almond extract to the dough or lemon zest to the frosting for a bright surprise.
- Texture play: Mix in 1/4 cup finely chopped nuts or coconut to the dough for extra crunch.
The beauty of this recipe? It’s like a blank canvas waiting for your creative touch! For more festive appetizer ideas, consider these sparkling cheese and fruit boards.
Serving and Storing New Year Fireworks Frosted Sugar Cookies
Nothing beats serving these cookies fresh from the decorating table! Arrange them on a festive platter. I love using a black serving tray to make those colorful fireworks really pop. They’re perfect with sparkling cider for kids or champagne for grown-up New Year’s toasts. For leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!), store them in an airtight container with parchment between layers. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days at room temperature. Just hide them from my husband, who thinks the cookie jar is his personal midnight snack stash!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what’s in these celebratory treats! Keep in mind these are estimates; your exact numbers might vary depending on brands and how generously you frost those fireworks. Each cookie (about 2.5 inches wide) contains roughly:
- 120 calories: Perfect for a sweet midnight bite!
- 10g sugar: That New Year’s sparkle comes at a cost
- 5g fat: Thank that glorious butter for the rich flavor
- 18g carbs: All the better to fuel your celebrations
Remember, it’s New Year’s Eve, calories don’t count when the clock strikes twelve! (At least that’s what I tell myself.)
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve gotten so many great questions about these cookies over the years! Here are the ones that pop up most often:
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Just wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap, then pop it in a freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to bake. I always stash an extra batch of dough in December for last-minute holiday guests!
Q: How long do the frosted cookies stay fresh?
In an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll stay delicious for about 5 days. The frosting actually helps keep them moist! Just be sure to separate layers with parchment so the designs don’t smudge.
Q: My icing is too runny, help!
We’ve all been there! Just add more sifted powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it thickens. If it’s too thick, a few drops of milk will loosen it up. The perfect consistency should ribbon off your spoon.
Q: Can I make these without special cookie cutters?
Of course! Use a knife to cut star shapes or simple circles. Get creative, I’ve even used a shot glass as a cutter in a pinch. The fireworks magic is really in the frosting anyway! If you are looking for other easy holiday treats, these cheddar herb breadsticks are a great savory option.
I’d love to see your cookie creations! Snap a photo of your edible fireworks and tag me on Instagram. Nothing makes me happier than seeing your holiday baking triumphs. Leave a comment below if you tried any fun variations, and don’t forget to rate the recipe so others can find this sweet New Year’s tradition too. Here’s to delicious celebrations! If you need more inspiration for your New Year’s spread, check out this recipe for lucky black-eyed pea dip with cornbread stars.
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Magical New Year Fireworks Frosted Sugar Cookies: 5-Star Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the New Year with these festive frosted sugar cookies shaped like fireworks. Perfect for parties or as a sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: for the base
- 1 cup unsalted butter: softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar: for sweetness
- 1 large egg: binds the dough
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: for flavor
- 1/2 tsp salt: balances sweetness
- 2 cups powdered sugar: for frosting
- 2 tbsp milk: thins the frosting
- Food coloring: optional for decoration
- Sprinkles: optional for extra sparkle
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla, mix well.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mix until dough forms.
- Roll dough and cut into firework shapes.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool cookies completely before frosting.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk to make frosting.
- Decorate with food coloring and sprinkles.
Notes
- Chill dough for 30 minutes if too sticky.
- Use cookie cutters for uniform shapes.
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg