Chanukah Symbol Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: Jewish

Festive Chanukah symbol cookies combine buttery sweetness with simple vanilla flavor, perfect for holiday celebrations and sharing with family and friends.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 to 2 1/4 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, beat butter, sugar, egg, milk, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
  2. Add dry ingredients, beating until blended.
  3. Divide dough into 2 equal portions.
  4. Wrap and refrigerate until firm, 1 hour or longer.
  5. Prior to baking, allow dough to stand at room temperature until soft enough to roll.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, try substituting half the butter with cream cheese. If you need a dairy-free option, use margarine and a non-dairy milk. To add a hint of spice, consider incorporating a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing, and don't skip refrigerating the dough, as it helps maintain the cookies' shape while baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Chanukah Symbol Cookies with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a delightful treat. They make a great addition to holiday cookie platters, alongside other favorites like Bobalky (A Slovak Christmas Eve Specialty). For an extra festive touch, consider decorating them with icing or sprinkles that reflect the holiday spirit.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag, where they can last for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chanukah Symbol Cookies contains roughly 454 calories, with 7g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (43% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 848mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).

454 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.7g 13% DV
Total Fat 10.1g 13% DV
Carbs 79.3g 29% DV
Fiber 2.9g 10% DV
Sugar 24.6g 49% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 848.5mg 37% DV
Potassium 458.6mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 87.9mg 29% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 112.9mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 29.6mg 33% DV
Vitamin D 0.9mcg 4% DV
Calcium 554mg 43% DV
Iron 4.5mg 25% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to check that it contains xanthan gum, which helps improve the texture. Keep in mind that the cookies may have a slightly different texture, but they will still be delicious.

How can I make the cookies more festive?

To make your cookies more festive, try adding food coloring to your dough or icing to create vibrant designs. You can also use cookie cutters in various holiday shapes, such as dreidels or menorahs, to celebrate Chanukah in a fun way.

What can I do if the dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to roll out, sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface and on the dough itself to help with handling. Alternatively, you can chill the dough for a bit longer, as this will firm it up and make it easier to work with.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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