Oh my gosh, you guys – these holiday air fryer snowflake cookies are my absolute favorite thing to make when December rolls around! I stumbled upon this recipe last year when I was desperate for a quick festive treat that wouldn’t heat up my whole kitchen. The first time I pulled those golden snowflakes out of the air fryer, I swear my entire apartment smelled like Christmas magic.
What I love most (besides how ridiculously easy they are) is how perfectly crisp they get in the air fryer – like those fancy bakery cookies but without any fuss. The snowflake shape makes them look so special on holiday platters, and my nieces go crazy for them every time. Trust me, once you try making cookies in your air fryer, you’ll never want to turn on the oven again!
Why You’ll Love These Holiday Air Fryer Snowflake Cookies
Let me count the ways these cookies will become your new holiday tradition:
- They’re crazy fast – From mixing bowl to cooling rack in under 30 minutes? Yes please! No waiting for the oven to preheat.
- That perfect crunch – The air fryer gives them this magical crispy edge while keeping the centers just tender enough.
- Instant holiday cheer – Those delicate snowflake shapes look like you spent hours decorating when really, it’s just one quick press of a cookie cutter.
- No messy cleanup – Unlike traditional baking, there’s no cookie sheets to scrub or flour explosions to wipe up.
Seriously, these might just be the lowest-stress holiday cookies ever invented!
Ingredients for Holiday Air Fryer Snowflake Cookies
Gather these simple ingredients – you probably have most in your pantry already! The magic is in how they come together:
- Dry team: 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled, please!), 1/4 cup powdered sugar (the secret to tenderness), and 1/4 tsp salt (don’t skip – it balances the sweetness)
- Wet wonders: 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened (I leave mine out for exactly 30 minutes – trust me, timing matters!), 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (the good stuff makes a difference)
- The helper: 1 tbsp milk (whole milk gives the best richness, but any works in a pinch)
See? Nothing fancy – just pantry staples transformed into something magical!
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll want to grab before diving in:
- Your trusty air fryer – Any model works, but basket-style ones give you more space for cookies
- A snowflake cookie cutter (mine’s about 2 inches – perfect bite-sized treats!)
- Basic baking tools: mixing bowl, wooden spoon or spatula, and rolling pin
- Optional but helpful: Parchment paper rounds cut to fit your air fryer basket
That’s it! No fancy gadgets needed for these festive cookies.
How to Make Holiday Air Fryer Snowflake Cookies
Okay, let’s get to the fun part! Making these cookies is so simple, you’ll be amazed at how professional they look. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a batch of festive snowflakes in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
First, whisk together your flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a big bowl – I like to sift mine to avoid lumps. Then add that softened butter (remember – 30 minutes on the counter!) and vanilla. Mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Now drizzle in the milk bit by bit until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix! You want it to hold its shape without being tough.
Step 2: Shape and Cut
Roll your dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness – that’s the sweet spot for crisp-yet-tender cookies. Press your snowflake cutter straight down (no twisting!) for clean edges. Save those scraps! Gently gather them up and re-roll once for extra cookies. Pro tip: If the dough gets too soft, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) – this is crucial for even baking! Arrange cookies in a single layer with space between them (I fit about 4-5 at a time). Cook for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn that perfect golden color. No peeking for the first 6 minutes! If your air fryer cooks unevenly, you might need to flip them halfway. Let them cool on a rack – they’ll crisp up as they sit. That’s it – snowflake magic!
Tips for Perfect Holiday Air Fryer Snowflake Cookies
After making dozens of batches (okay, maybe hundreds – they’re addictive!), I’ve learned all the tricks for flawless snowflake cookies every time:
- Chill that dough! If it gets sticky while rolling, wrap it in plastic and pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes. Cold dough holds those intricate snowflake shapes beautifully.
- Rotate your trays if your air fryer has hot spots. I give mine a gentle shake halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Let them cool completely before storing – they’ll crisp up as they sit. I use a wire rack and try (emphasis on try!) not to sneak one before they’re ready.
Oh! And don’t throw out slightly overdone ones – they make amazing cookie crumbles for ice cream toppings!
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Listen, I’m all about sticking to the original recipe – but sometimes you gotta improvise! Here are my favorite ways to mix things up:
- Flour swap: Gluten-free 1-to-1 blend works beautifully (my sister swears by it)
- Flavor twists: Try almond extract instead of vanilla, or add a teaspoon of orange zest for a citrusy kick
- Festive fun: Press colored sugar sprinkles into the dough before air frying – the kids love this!
- Dairy-free? Use vegan butter and almond milk – they work surprisingly well
The best part? These cookies are like a blank snowy canvas – decorate them however your holiday heart desires! If you are looking for other quick holiday treats, check out these air fryer christmas cookies.
Serving and Storing Holiday Air Fryer Snowflake Cookies
These delicate snowflakes deserve a special presentation! I love arranging them on a vintage cake stand with sprigs of fresh rosemary – looks so festive! For storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature (they’ll stay crisp for up to 5 days). Want to revive that just-baked magic? Pop them back in the air fryer at 300°F for 1 minute – good as new!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know what you’re nibbling on – each of these holiday air fryer snowflake cookies comes in at about 90 calories (estimates vary based on your specific ingredients, of course!). Here’s the breakdown per cookie:
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 6g (4g saturated)
- Carbs: 9g
- Sugar: 3g
Not bad for such a festive treat, right? Everything in moderation – though good luck stopping at just one! For more insight into the science behind baking, you can read about bread science.
FAQs About Holiday Air Fryer Snowflake Cookies
Q1. Can I freeze the dough for later?
Absolutely! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then roll and cut as usual. The frozen dough actually holds those snowflake shapes even better!
Q2. How do I prevent the cookies from burning?
The trick is keeping that temperature at 320°F and checking at 8 minutes. If your air fryer runs hot, try lowering to 310°F. And always preheat – cold air fryers can cause uneven cooking. If you are looking for other savory air fryer recipes, try these air fryer crab rangoon.
Q3. Can I make these without a snowflake cutter?
Of course! Any small cookie cutter works, or just slice into squares. The air fryer magic happens regardless of shape. Though I’ll admit – the snowflakes do look extra festive!
Q4. Why did my cookies puff up too much?
Ah, you probably overworked the dough. Mix just until combined – those tiny pockets of butter create lift. Also make sure your baking powder isn’t expired (not that I’d know from experience… ahem).
Share Your Festive Creations
I’d love to see your beautiful snowflake cookies! Tag me @MyHolidayKitchen or use #AirFryerSnowflakes so I can admire your handiwork. Nothing makes me happier than seeing these cookies spread holiday cheer in your homes too!
Print
5-Ingredient Holiday Air Fryer Snowflake Cookies For Blissful Baking
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make festive holiday cookies with your air fryer. These snowflake-shaped treats are crispy, delicious, and perfect for celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Mix flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Add softened butter and vanilla extract. Mix until crumbly.
- Gradually add milk until dough forms.
- Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into snowflake shapes.
- Preheat air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
- Place cookies in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use cookie cutters for uniform shapes.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American