Christmas Sugar Cookies are a classic holiday treat that can be decorated in endless ways to bring festive cheer to your dessert table. These buttery, soft cookies hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect for using cookie cutters in fun holiday shapes like Christmas trees, stars, or snowflakes. Topped with smooth royal icing and festive decorations, these cookies are perfect for gift-giving, cookie swaps, or enjoying with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Royal Icing:
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 5-6 tablespoons water
- Gel food coloring (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite Christmas-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cookies cool, prepare the royal icing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add 5 tablespoons of water and beat on medium speed until stiff peaks form. If the icing is too thick, add more water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Divide the icing into bowls and add gel food coloring if desired.
Decorate the cooled cookies with the royal icing, using a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off. You can also add sprinkles or edible decorations while the icing is still wet. Allow the icing to set completely before storing the cookies.
These cookies are perfect for any holiday gathering and can be customized with different shapes and colors to match your festive theme. The buttery cookie base pairs perfectly with the sweet royal icing, creating a delicious and visually stunning treat.
Storage: Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to 2 months, thawing it in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
FAQs:
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance. Store it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Can I freeze the cookies? Yes, baked undecorated cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Decorate them after thawing.
- What can I use if I don’t have meringue powder? You can use pasteurized egg whites instead of meringue powder for the royal icing. Use about 2 large egg whites in place of the powder.
- How do I prevent the cookies from spreading? Be sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before cutting out shapes to help the cookies retain their shape during baking.
Conclusion: Christmas Sugar Cookies are the perfect holiday treat, combining a delicious buttery flavor with festive decorations that bring holiday cheer to your table. Whether you’re baking with family or giving them as gifts, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone!
