I've just discovered store-bought sugar cookie dough, and it's incredible! With the holiday season here, I have come up with 14 ways to enhance the flavor of refrigerator cookie dough. It's easy to use, tastes delicious, and can be used as a base for various cookies.
To begin, let the sugar cookie dough stand for 10 to 15 minutes, then break it up and put it in a plastic bag or a bowl. It's best to mix the add-ins into the dough by hand.
Basic Instructions
First, mix the ingredients (of choice) well with a refrigerated sugar cookie dough. Next, roll the dough into balls measuring one tablespoon each, and place them around 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. This will result in a flat, 2-inch cookie. Bake for approximately 12 minutes in a preheated 350-degree oven. Once done, allow them to cool on wire racks.
Get ready for some mouth-watering fun!
Below are some of the most delicious cookie variations that will impress your taste buds.
1. CRANBERRY ORANGE: Add the zest of one large orange, 1 teaspoon orange extract, and 2/3 cup dried cranberries to the dough.
2. RUM SNAPS: Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 ½ teaspoons rum flavoring, and ½ cup finely chopped toasted walnuts to the dough. Roll in confectioners’ sugar after shaping and before baking.
3. CHOCOLATE-DIPPED PEANUT-BUTTER SANDWICH: Make 2-inch sugar cookies and let cool. For filling, mix ¾ cup peanut butter with ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar. Spread the flat side of half the cookies with 1 rounded teaspoon; top with the remaining cookies to form a sandwich. Refrigerate until firm. Meanwhile, melt 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips with 4 teaspoons of vegetable oil. Dip cookies halfway into chocolate; let excess drain off. Place cookies on waxed paper-lined cookie sheets and refrigerate to set.
4. CHERRY-CHOCOLATE CHIP: 2/3 cup dried cherries and 2/3 cup bittersweet chocolate chips.
5. GINGER DOODLES: 1 teaspoon ground ginger and ¼ teaspoon cloves. Roll balls in sugar mixed with cinnamon before baking.
6. MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP: 2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips and 1 ½ teaspoons peppermint extract.
7. FROSTED MAPLE WALNUT: 2/3 cup of finely chopped toasted walnuts and 1 ½ teaspoon of maple flavoring. After the cookies have cooled, ice with store-bought vanilla frosting mixed with maple syrup. Sprinkle with more chopped nuts.
8. CHIPS OFF THE BLOCK: 2/3 cup each of peanut butter chips and chocolate chips.
9. MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP: 2/3 cup chocolate chips and 1 ½ teaspoons peppermint extract.
10. CINNAMON RAISIN OATMEAL: 2/3 cup raisins, 1/3 cup instant oats and 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon.
11. FUN-FETTI: Roll balls in multicolored sprinkles before baking.
12. KISSING COOKIES: After the dough is rolled into a ball, push an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss candy into the center before baking.
13. M&MS AND PEANUT: 2/3 cup coarsely chopped peanuts and 2/3 cup plain or peanut-butter M&Ms.
14. CHAI SWEETS: 1 teaspoon cardamom, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon cloves, ¼ teaspoon of white pepper, and 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream. Roll in sugar before baking.
Get into the festive spirit by creating a delightful array of baking treats using simple sugar cookie dough. With various flavors and ingredients added, the possibilities are endless. From classic vanilla and chocolate to more adventurous options like citrus zest and spices, experimenting with different flavors adds a unique touch to your holiday baking. It will provide a delightful surprise for your taste buds.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your favorite ingredients, and let your creativity flow. Infuse your sugar cookie dough with a dash of flavor and create the perfect festive treat.