Christmas Sugar Cookie Pie
Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year where twinkling lights blanket our neighborhoods and the scent of freshly baked goodies wafts through the air, mingling with the chill of winter. One of my fondest memories is gathering with family around the kitchen island, flour dusting our hair and laughter filling the air as we decorated sugar cookies. These evenings were steeped in love and warmth, echoing with the joy of togetherness. But as much as I adore traditional sugar cookies, I’ve taken a twist on this classic. Enter: the Christmas Sugar Cookie Pie!
This recipe combines the nostalgia of soft, buttery sugar cookies with the convenience of a single pie. No more rolling out dough or perfectly cutting out shapes—this pie is all about ease, flavor, and holiday cheer. It’s festive, it’s sweet, and trust me, it’ll become a staple on your holiday table. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this delightful dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: you invite friends and family over to celebrate the season, and instead of the usual desserts, you present them with a beautiful pie that tastes just like their favorite sugar cookies! This Christmas Sugar Cookie Pie provides all the nostalgia of sugar cookies in a new, fun form. It saves time on busy nights, and it tastes like something you’d find at a charming café, all while being made with love right in your own kitchen.
What truly makes this pie worth trying is its versatility. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings, office parties, or just a weeknight treat with a cup of hot cocoa. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up—who doesn’t love that? Just mix, pour, and bake. Ah, the joy of simple baking during a busy holiday season makes my heart sing!
What It Tastes Like
Let’s talk about flavor. This pie is a treat for the senses—the crust is buttery and slightly crisp, just like a cookie, while the filling is soft and chewy with little bursts of sweetness. Imagine taking that first warm bite; it’s like a hug from your most cherished holiday memories. The subtle flavors of vanilla and just a hint of nutmeg dance on your palate, reminiscent of freshly baked cookies cooling on a windowsill.
Each slice is a delightful balance of sweet and buttery notes, making it perfect for pairing with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of icing, which adds another layer of that holiday cheer. Yes, this pie will become a new favorite on your holiday dessert table, bringing warmth and comfort to every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your pie, giving it that lovely texture and stability.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds a creamy richness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness, sweetness, and more sweetness—just what the holidays call for!
- 1 large egg: This helps bind everything together and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A dash of nostalgia—because what’s a sugar cookie without vanilla?
- ½ teaspoon almond extract: Adds a unique flavor twist that enriches the overall taste of the pie.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Makes everything light and fluffy, giving it that perfect cookie consistency.
- ½ teaspoon salt: To balance the sweetness; don’t skip on this!
- Optional Additions:
- 1 cup of sprinkles: For fun festive flair!
- Zest of half an orange: A bright, zesty note for those who love a citrus twist.
- Special Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar: A light dusting on top makes everything more festive.
- Whipped cream: A dollop on each slice adds an extra special touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to create sweet memories? Let’s get baking!
- Preheat your oven: First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). We want it nice and toasty for our pie.
- Mix the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This might take about 2-3 minutes. Don’t rush this step—it’s where the magic happens!
- Add the egg and extracts: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is combined.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. If you’re adding optional sprinkles, now’s the time to mix them in!
- Pour and spread: Grease a 9-inch pie pan, and pour your cookie batter into it. Use a spatula to evenly spread the batter across the bottom and up the sides.
- Bake: Pop it in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is set. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, trust me!
- Cool down: Allow the pie to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or add whipped cream right before serving. Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up!
Recipe Variations
If you’re craving a twist on this classic, try these variations:
- Chocolate Chip Christmas Sugar Cookie Pie: Stir in a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich treat that will please all chocolate lovers!
- Peanut Butter Sugar Cookie Pie: Replace half of the butter with creamy peanut butter for a nutty flavor that will be a delightful surprise!
- Fruit-Filled Variation: Spread a layer of your favorite fruit preserves over the bottom of the pie pan before adding the batter for a fruity surprise!
Serving & Storage Tips
To keep your Christmas Sugar Cookie Pie fresh, simply store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate it for a week if you prefer your pie chilled. But let’s be real—this pie is likely to disappear much faster than that!
Got leftovers? Consider making delicious ice cream sandwiches! Slice the pie into squares, scoop some ice cream between two pieces, and you have dessert 2.0!
Helpful Tips
Let’s talk about a few helpful hints to ensure your pie turns out perfectly:
- Don’t overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the pie tough, and we want it soft and chewy!
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps everything combine more seamlessly and gives your pie a better texture.
- Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary. Check on your pie a few minutes early; you want it just golden, not overly browned.
Special Equipment
While you can bake this pie with just basic kitchen tools, here are a few equipment pieces that can make your life easier:
- Mixing bowls: Having a good set of mixing bowls will help you keep your wet and dry ingredients separate before combining them.
- Spatula: A sturdy spatula is a baker’s best friend for spreading the batter evenly and ensuring nothing gets left behind!
- Pie pan: A good pie pan ensures an even bake. Using a glass one allows you to monitor the browning as it bakes.
FAQ
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the pie a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container once it’s cooled, and decorate it right before serving to keep it looking fresh.
Can I freeze the Christmas Sugar Cookie Pie?
You can, indeed! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It should be good for up to a month. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to serve again.
How can I make this pie gluten-free?
Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute that includes xanthan gum for structure.
What can I serve with the pie?
This pie pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a cup of warm spiced cider. Get creative with your toppings, and don’t be afraid to get a little festive with sprinkles!
Conclusion
I hope this Christmas Sugar Cookie Pie brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has mine. With its simple preparation and nostalgic flavors, it’s the perfect dessert for holiday gatherings and cozy nights in. Next time you find yourself buzzing around the kitchen, remember this pie; it’s ideal for sharing with loved ones or even just enjoying solo in your favorite pajamas after the rush of the day has settled.
So, have fun with it! Whether you choose to decorate it with sprinkles or simply dust it with powdered sugar, this pie will surely become a cherished holiday tradition. I can’t wait to hear all about your versions or any creative twists you come up with—feel free to share in the comments below. Happy baking!
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Delicious Christmas Sugar Cookie Pie A MustTry Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in this festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Piethe perfect sweet treat for holiday gatherings Bake share and delight your loved ones
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies in the form of a pie, perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
