Geode Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Geode cookies are a dazzling treat that combine the classic sweetness of sugar cookies with sparkling sugar crystals resembling natural geodes. With vibrant colors and a crunchy candy center, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Gel food coloring (various colors)
• 1 cup sugar crystals or rock candy

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to combine fully.
4. Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Step 5: Divide the dough into separate bowls, adding gel food coloring to each to create your desired shades.
6. Step 6: Scoop small amounts of each colored dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Press sugar crystals or rock candy on top of each cookie before baking to create the geode effect.
7. Step 7: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips & Variations

• Use a small ice cream scoop or spoon to keep your cookie sizes consistent for even baking.
• Mix different colored doughs gently for a marbled geode look.
• Swap rock candy with coarse sanding sugar if preferred for a different crystal texture.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To maintain the sparkle of the sugar crystals, avoid stacking cookies directly on top of each other. Reheat briefly in a low oven if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is recommended because it provides vibrant color without changing the dough’s consistency. Liquid food coloring can make the dough too wet and sticky.

How do I prevent the sugar crystals from melting too much in the oven?

Press the sugar crystals gently on top of the dough just before baking and avoid using very high oven temperatures. Baking at 350°F allows the crystals to soften slightly but retain their sparkle and texture.

Geode Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 64 reviews

Geode Cookies are vibrant, jewel-inspired treats bursting with colorful swirls and sparkling sugar crystals that mimic the look of natural geodes. These visually stunning cookies combine a classic buttery sugar cookie base with artistic gel food coloring and crunchy sugar crystals or rock candy, making them perfect for gifting or special occasions.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs

Decorative

• Gel food coloring (various colors)
• 1 cup sugar crystals or rock candy

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color; this typically takes about 3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed.
3. Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure proper emulsification and a smooth dough.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agent throughout the flour.
5. Mix Dry with Wet: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined to prevent overworking the dough, which can result in tough cookies.
6. Color the Dough: Divide the cookie dough into separate bowls. Add gel food coloring to each portion to create various desired colors, kneading gently if needed to evenly distribute the color.
7. Shape and Decorate: Scoop small portions of the colored dough onto the lined baking sheets. Press sugar crystals or pieces of rock candy onto the top of each dough ball to resemble the crystalline structure of geodes.
8. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and lightly golden, taking care not to overbake so the centers remain soft.
9. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, ensuring the sugar crystals harden and the cookies set perfectly.

Notes

• Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to avoid altering the dough consistency.
• Press the sugar crystals firmly but gently to ensure they adhere during baking.
• Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
• Rock candy can create larger, chunkier crystals for a dramatic geode effect.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain crispness of sugar crystals.

Keywords: Geode Cookies, sugar cookies, colorful cookies, rock candy cookies, festive cookies, baking, dessert