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Perfect Clock Countdown Cookies

clock countdown cookies - featured image
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These festive sugar cookies are decorated to look like tiny clocks, perfect for New Year’s Eve or any countdown celebration. Crisp edges, tender centers, and a simple glaze make them easy and fun for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk (whole, skim, or non-dairy)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
  • Edible food markers (black, gold, red)
  • Sprinkles or colored sugar (optional)
  • Mini chocolate chips or pearls (for clock hands)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
  2. Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing on low until a soft dough forms.
  5. Shape dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes (or 15 minutes in the freezer if short on time).
  6. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to ¼ inch thick. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter or glass.
  7. Place cookies 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake cookies for 10–12 minutes, rotating sheet halfway through, until edges are just golden.
  9. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and cool completely before decorating.
  10. For the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until pourable but not runny.
  11. Spread glaze over cooled cookies with a spoon or offset spatula. Let set for 10 minutes.
  12. Use edible markers to draw clock faces. Add sprinkles or mini chocolate chips for clock hands.

Notes

Chill dough for best results. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, use suggested swaps. Decorate cookies only when fully cooled. Prep dough ahead for convenience. If you don’t have edible markers, use melted chocolate or colored icing. Store in airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: New Year's Eve cookies, countdown cookies, festive sugar cookies, decorated cookies, holiday baking, easy sugar cookies, kid-friendly cookies, party treats

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/perfect-clock-countdown-cookies-recipe-for-easy-festive-fun/