Roly-Poly Santas Recipe
I tuck one of these fanciful Santas into every gift cookie tray I make. Theyre a guaranteed hit with kids—young and old. And I like that theyre not too difficult to assemble. —Mrs. Andrew Syer, Oak Ridge, Missouri
I tuck one of these fanciful Santas into every gift cookie tray I make. Theyre a guaranteed hit with kids—young and old. And I like that theyre not too difficult to assemble. —Mrs. Andrew Syer, Oak Ridge, Missouri
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 tablespoon milk
- icing:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- assembly:
- red paste food coloring
- miniature chocolate chips
- 2-1/3 cups confectioners' sugar divided
- 2 tablespoons milk divided
- white nonpareils sugar pearls and red-hot candies
- additional miniature semisweet chocolate chips melted
- Carbohydrate 3.94326250000959 g
- Cholesterol 45.6658493162222 mg
- Fat 23.0054823813374 g
- Fiber 0.211555561489529 g
- Protein 0.757856666802591 g
- Saturated Fat 13.2336470409996 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (41g)
- Sodium 2440.90281233154 mg
- Sugar 3.73170693852006 g
- Trans Fat 1.50010247622724 g
- Calories 224 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add milk and vanilla; mix well. Add flour and mix well. Remove 1-3/4 cups dough; tint red. Shape white dough into 12 balls, 3/4 in. each, and 60 balls, 1/4 in. each. Shape red dough into 12 balls, 1 in. each, and 60 balls, 1/2 in. each.
- Place the 1-in. red balls on two ungreased baking sheets for the body of 12 Santas; flatten to 1/2-in. thickness. Attach 3/4-in. white balls for heads; flatten to 1/2-in. thickness. Attach four 1/2-in. red balls to each Santa for arms and legs. Attach 1/4-in. white balls to ends of arms and legs for hands and feet.
- Shape remaining 1/2-in. red balls into hats. Attach remaining 1/4-in. white balls to tips of hats. Place inverted chocolate chips for eyes and buttons.
- Bake at 325degrees for 12-15 minutes or until set. Cool for 10 minutes; carefully remove from pans to wire racks (cookies will be fragile).
- For icing, combine shortening and vanilla in a small bowl; mix well. Gradually add 1-1/3 cups confectioners' sugar; add 1 tablespoon milk. Gradually add remaining sugar and milk.
- Pipe a band of icing on hat, cuffs at hands and feet, and down the front and at bottom of jacket. Pipe swirls of icing on tip of hat and for beard. Sprinkle nonpareils and sugar pearls over icing on hat and beard. Place a red-hot candy for mouth. Spread melted chocolate for boots. Let stand until set.
- Yield: 1 dozen. Remaining dough may be shaped into balls and baked.
Roly-Poly Santas: A Holiday Baking Tradition
As a busy homemaker, finding time for elaborate holiday baking can feel impossible. But the joy of creating something special for loved ones is a feeling I cherish. That's why I love recipes like these Roly-Poly Santas – they're festive, fun, and surprisingly simple to make. The intricate details might look daunting at first glance, but trust me, with a little patience and a dash of holiday cheer, even a beginner baker can craft these adorable little figures.
These aren't just cookies; they're tiny works of art. The process of rolling and shaping the dough, carefully adding each tiny detail, becomes a meditative exercise. I usually put on some festive music, pour myself a mug of hot cocoa, and let the magic of Christmas baking wash over me. The aroma of sweet vanilla and warm cookies fills my kitchen, creating a comforting atmosphere perfect for spending a quiet afternoon. The kids always love to help with the decorating stage – sprinkling nonpareils and sugar pearls onto the icing is a favourite part of theirs. And let's be honest, the best part about baking cookies is the taste test afterwards.
The recipe itself is straightforward. The dough comes together easily, requiring only common baking ingredients. The key to success lies in making sure your butter is softened and your dough is well-mixed. Don't rush the process – take your time to create smooth, uniform balls of dough. And remember, these cookies are meant to be charmingly imperfect. Don't stress over achieving flawless results; a few wonky Santas only add to their unique character. I think part of the charm is that they're a bit wobbly and uneven. It's what makes them so unique and fun!
Once baked, the Santas are delicate, so handle them with care. The icing stage is my favourite. I like using a piping bag to create precise lines and swirls; it allows me to create really charming little features on each Santa. Again, this is a fun step that the kids can help with. They can certainly use their own imagination with it, too! You can even involve them in choosing the colour scheme! But even without, the combination of colours (red and white) will make them look wonderfully festive.
These cookies truly capture the spirit of the holidays. The anticipation leading up to the baking process; the joy of creating something beautiful; the pleasure of sharing them with loved ones – that is what makes baking these cookies so special to me. They're a small gesture that speaks volumes, spreading joy and warmth to those who receive them. And honestly, who can resist a tiny, sweet Santa Claus, especially one as delicious as these? So put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's embark on a baking adventure filled with holiday cheer and the delightful creation of Roly-Poly Santas.
I always make several extra batches of these because they're so popular. I love to gift them to neighbours, friends, and family. They're also perfect for holiday parties or office gatherings. If there are any cookies left over, I find they stay fresh for several days in an airtight container. They're such a treat to wake up to the following morning!
This recipe is a cherished tradition in our home. Every year, as I reach for the bowl and begin to mix the ingredients, I am filled with warm feelings and memories of Christmases past. And knowing that I'm carrying on a tradition of warmth and festive fun is the true gift that these cookies bring. They're more than just sweets; they are a symbol of the season's spirit.
