These festive Christmas sugar cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations. Soft and sweet, they are topped with vibrant royal icing that can be decorated in various festive designs.
This recipe is straightforward and ideal for cookie decorating with family or friends. You can customize the colors and designs of the icing to match your holiday theme.
Creating the Perfect Sugar Cookie Dough
To kick off your cookie-making experience, start by preparing the dough. A simple blend of all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder sets the foundation for your cookies.
In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Incorporate an egg along with vanilla and almond extracts for added flavor. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to form a cohesive dough.
Once combined, divide the dough into two portions, wrap them in plastic, and refrigerate for at least one hour. This chilling step is essential for achieving the right texture and shape during baking.
Rolling and Cutting Your Cookies
After chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about a quarter-inch thickness. This thickness is ideal for maintaining the cookies’ shape while baking.
Using festive cookie cutters, such as stars, trees, and snowflakes, cut out shapes and place them on ungreased baking sheets. Ensure there is enough space between each cookie to allow for even baking.
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they turn a light golden color. Once baked, allow them to cool on wire racks before decorating.
Making Vibrant Royal Icing
The royal icing is what truly brings your cookies to life. In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Beat the mixture until it reaches stiff peaks, which will hold beautifully on your cookies.
Divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to create a variety of shades. This is where you can get creative, matching colors to your holiday theme or personal preference.
Once your icing is ready, transfer it to piping bags or use a small spatula for decorating. The fun part is decorating the cooled cookies with your colorful royal icing.
Decorating Your Festive Cookies
With your cookies cooled and icing prepared, it’s time to unleash your creativity. Use piping bags to outline and fill in your cookie shapes with the royal icing. Consider festive designs like snowflakes, Christmas trees, or stars.
Allow the icing to dry completely before moving or storing the cookies. This drying time is crucial for ensuring that your designs remain intact and vibrant.
Once dried, these cookies will not only taste delightful but also look stunning on any holiday platter.
Setting the Scene for Your Holiday Treats
Presentation plays a significant role in the enjoyment of your Christmas sugar cookies. Arrange your beautifully decorated cookies on a festive platter, showcasing their vibrant colors and intricate designs.
Enhance the festive atmosphere by placing the platter in a cozy setting adorned with twinkling lights and pine branches. This backdrop not only highlights your cookies but also adds to the overall holiday spirit.
Invite family and friends to admire your creation, making it a centerpiece for gatherings or a delightful gift for loved ones.
Enjoying the Festivities
These Christmas sugar cookies are perfect for sharing and enjoying during the holiday season. With each bite, you’ll experience the soft texture of the cookie paired with the sweet, colorful icing.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to bring joy and festive cheer. Gather around with loved ones, and enjoy the delicious results of your baking efforts.
Remember, the joy of baking is not just in the final product but also in the memories created along the way. Happy baking!
Delicious Christmas Cookies with Royal Icing
These sugar cookies are made with a simple dough that rolls out easily and holds its shape when baked. The royal icing adds a beautiful finish and can be used for intricate designs. The recipe yields about 24 cookies.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 6 tablespoons water (adjust as needed)
- Food coloring (various colors for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two balls, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll and Cut: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters and place on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden. Allow cookies to cool on wire racks.
- Make Royal Icing: In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Beat until the icing holds stiff peaks. Divide into bowls and tint with food coloring as desired.
- Decorate: Use piping bags or a small spatula to decorate cooled cookies with royal icing. Allow the icing to dry completely before storing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 22g