When the holidays roll around, I always find myself reminiscing about the simple joys of childhood, especially the delicious treats that would light up our gatherings. That’s when I whip up a batch of Classic Hundreds and Thousands Biscuits. These delightful cookies are a nostalgic nod to my youth, with their buttery vanilla shortbread base adorned with glossy pink royal icing and a sprinkle of colorful nonpareils. The first bite transports me back to festive celebrations, laughter, and warm memories shared with family and friends. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, these biscuits make for an irresistible treat and are perfect for sharing during any joyful occasion. Dive into this classic New Zealand recipe, and let the magic of childhood flavors fill your kitchen!

Why Choose Hundreds and Thousands Biscuits?

Nostalgic Treat: These biscuits evoke cherished memories, making them perfect for family gatherings or festive celebrations.
Simple to Make: With basic ingredients and straightforward steps, baking these cookies requires minimal effort, even for beginners.
Delightful Presentation: The vibrant royal icing topped with nonpareil sprinkles creates visually stunning treats that will catch everyone’s eye.
Versatility: Perfect for any occasion, they can be customized with different colors and flavors to suit your event.
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for festive cookie platters, these biscuits are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, making them a hit among kids and adults alike!

Try these delicious cookies and relive the magic of your childhood with every bite!

Hundreds and Thousands Biscuits Ingredients

For the Biscuit Base

All-purpose flour - Provides structure and texture for the biscuits.
Unsalted butter - Adds richness and a delightful buttery flavor; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Powdered sugar - Delivers sweetness; can be substituted with confectioners’ sugar.
Vanilla extract - Enhances the flavor; opt for pure vanilla for the best aroma and taste.

For the Royal Icing

Egg whites - Essential for stabilizing the royal icing and achieving a glossy finish; can be swapped with meringue powder for a vegetarian alternative.
Cream of tartar - Helps stabilize the egg whites and provides a smooth texture to the royal icing.

For the Topping

Nonpareil sprinkles - These colorful decorations bring a festive touch and delightful crunch; choose a mix of colors for added vibrancy.

This classic recipe for Hundreds and Thousands Biscuits brings nostalgia to your kitchen with every delightful bite!

How to Make Hundreds and Thousands Biscuits

Prepare Dough: Cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and vanilla extract until a soft dough forms that's easy to handle.
Shape Cookies: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out your favorite shapes and place them on a baking sheet.
Chill: Once all cookies are cut out, chill them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step helps the biscuits keep their shape while baking.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until they’re lightly golden. Once done, remove them from the oven and cool them on a wire rack.
Make Royal Icing: In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar until you achieve a thick icing consistency that’s glossy and smooth.
Ice Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, dip the tops in the royal icing, ensuring an even coat. Immediately sprinkle colorful nonpareils over the icing for a festive look.
Set: Allow the iced cookies to sit at room temperature until the royal icing hardens completely, which usually takes about 1-2 hours.

Optional: Decorate with themed colored sprinkles for special occasions!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Hundreds and Thousands Biscuits are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by rolling it into logs, wrapping in plastic wrap, and refrigerating. When you're ready to bake, simply slice the logs into rounds and proceed with chilling and baking. Moreover, you can make the royal icing ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just be sure to give it a good whisk before using to restore its consistency. This way, you’ll have delicious, fresh-tasting biscuits ready with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings!

Expert Tips for Hundreds and Thousands Biscuits

Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your unsalted butter is at room temperature. This helps create a fluffy texture when creaming with sugar, leading to better cookies.
Chill the Cookie Shapes: Don't skip chilling the cut-out cookies before baking. It prevents spreading and helps maintain those lovely shapes during baking.
Perfect Royal Icing: Use your royal icing immediately for the best results. If it thickens too much, just add a few drops of water to restore consistency before icing your cookies.
Colorful Sprinkles: To keep the colors from bleeding into the icing, enjoy your Hundreds and Thousands Biscuits within a few hours of decorating. This ensures they look as good as they taste!
Storage Tips: Store the iced biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness, but plan to eat them within 3 days for maximum freshness.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to try different extracts or sprinkle colors to customize batches for various celebrations and holidays.

Hundreds and Thousands Biscuits Variations

Explore creative twists on this classic recipe that will delight your taste buds and elevate your baking game.

Almond Extract: Swap out the vanilla for almond extract to impart a lovely nutty aroma and flavor that beautifully complements the buttery base.
Chocolate Drizzle: After icing, drizzle melted chocolate over the sprinkles for an indulgent layer and a rich flavor contrast that is simply divine.
Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus kick, brightening up the cookies with a burst of flavor.
Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and a dairy-free royal icing alternative to create a delightful batch that everyone can enjoy, without sacrificing taste.
Spiced Biscuits: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or ginger into the dough for a warm, aromatic twist, perfect for the cozy holiday season.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the dough for an extra crunch that adds texture and flavor to each bite.
Flavored Sprinkles: Swap traditional nonpareils for themed or flavored sprinkles to match various holidays or celebrations, creating a fun visual effect.
Mini Cookies: Use a smaller cookie cutter to create bite-sized versions that are perfect for sharing and nibbling, making them a fun treat any time!

How to Store and Freeze Hundreds and Thousands Biscuits

Room Temperature: Store the iced biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and crispness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling out and baking.
Icing Storage: If you have leftover royal icing, keep it in a sealed container at room temperature. Use within 24 hours for the best consistency when icing additional cookies.
Reheating: If the cookies lose some texture after storage, refresh them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to crisp them up again.

What to Serve with Hundreds and Thousands Biscuits?

These delightful cookies are perfect for any gathering, pairing wonderfully with a variety of treats and drinks that will tantalize your taste buds.

Warm Milk: This comforting beverage complements the sweet and buttery flavors of the biscuits, making for a cozy snack time.
Fruit Salad: A fresh and vibrant fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the sweetness of the cookies and providing a burst of flavor.
Rich Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a rich cup of hot chocolate. Its creamy texture and deep chocolate notes pair beautifully with the sweet vanilla cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these biscuits alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to elevate your dessert experience. The mix of temperatures and textures is divine!
Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses offers a savory contrast to the sweet cookies, creating a well-rounded offering for visitors.
Holiday Punch: A fruity holiday punch adds a splash of festivity and pairs well with the colorful nature of the biscuits, making it a perfect accompaniment.
Coffee or Tea: Both drinks serve as cozy companions that enhance the rich flavors of the biscuits and are perfect for afternoon tea.
Homemade Marshmallows: For a whimsical touch, serve these biscuits with homemade marshmallows, creating a delightful experience of flavors and textures.

Hundreds and Thousands Biscuits Recipe FAQs

What type of flour should I use for Hundreds and Thousands Biscuits?
Absolutely! All-purpose flour is ideal for these biscuits as it provides the perfect structure and texture. I recommend using a high-quality brand for the best results.

How should I store the cookies after making them?
For optimal freshness, store your iced Hundreds and Thousands Biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will help maintain their delightful crispness!

Can I freeze the unbaked cookie dough?
Yes, you can! Wrap the unbaked dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out and cutting your shapes!

What should I do if my royal icing is too thick?
If your royal icing ends up too thick while icing the cookies, don’t worry! Just add a few drops of water, mixing until you reach the desired consistency. Aim for a smooth yet spreadable texture that coats without dripping too much.

Are there any common allergies to consider for this recipe?
Yes, keep in mind that this recipe contains gluten (from flour) and eggs (for royal icing). If you’re catering to those with allergies, consider using gluten-free flour and meringue powder instead of egg whites to create a safe, tasty experience for everyone.

How long does royal icing last once made?
Royal icing is best used immediately, but if you have leftovers, store it in a sealed container to prevent it from drying out. Use it within 24 hours for optimal results when icing additional cookies.