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Halloween Citrus Bourbon Sugar Cookies

These sugar cookies are a festive treat with a twist, featuring a tender crumb and crisp edges. The dough is flavored with vanilla, citrus zest, and a splash of bourbon, then rolled out and cut into fun Halloween shapes. Once baked, they’re perfect for decorating with spooky icing or sprinkles, offering a delightful mix of sweetness, brightness, and a hint of warmth.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 24
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon citrus zest lemon or orange
  • 1 tablespoon bourbon
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch salt

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rolling pin
  • Cookie cutters
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Begin by creaming softened butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl using a whisk or electric mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 3 minutes. This fills the kitchen with a sweet aroma and a soft texture to the mixture.
  2. Add the large egg, vanilla extract, citrus zest, and bourbon to the bowl. Mix until thoroughly combined, and the mixture is smooth and slightly glossy.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding gently until a soft dough forms. It should be cohesive but not sticky.
  4. Divide the dough in half, shape each into a flat disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough relax and makes it easier to roll out.
  5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Remove one chilled dough disc from the fridge and place it on a lightly floured surface.
  6. Use a rolling pin to gently roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness, maintaining an even surface. If the dough becomes sticky, lightly dust with more flour.
  7. Cut out Halloween-themed shapes with cookie cutters, pressing firmly but gently to get clean edges. Transfer the cutouts carefully to the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking, which can make the edges too dark.
  9. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This allows them to firm up and prevents breakage.
  10. Repeat the rolling, cutting, and baking process with the second dough disc. Once completely cooled, decorate with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter to make them spooky and fun for Halloween.
  11. Enjoy these bright, flavorful sugar cookies with a hint of citrus and bourbon, perfect for celebrating the season with a touch of creativity and sweetness.

Notes

Chilling the dough thoroughly is key to achieving crisp edges and clean shapes. Feel free to experiment with different shapes and decorations for a festive touch.