Description
These adorable Christmas Present Cookies turn a classic sugar-cookie dough into irresistible edible gifts. Each cookie is shaped like a tiny wrapped present, complete with colourful piped “ribbons,” sprinkle bows and festive decorations. They’re perfect for cookie exchanges, gifting, party trays, or simply adding holiday cheer to your table. With their buttery flavour and crisp edges, they’re as delicious as they are beautiful — and simple enough for beginner decorators.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
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1 cup (≈ 225 g) unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup (≈ 150 g) granulated sugar
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Zest of 1 small orange or ½ lemon (optional, for subtle flavour)
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1 large egg, room temperature
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 ¼ cups (≈ 280 g) all-purpose flour
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½ tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
For the Decoration
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Royal icing or sugar-cookie icing (divided into colours)
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Gel food colouring (red, green, gold, silver, etc.)
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Tiny sprinkle bows or edible pearls
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Optional: edible glitter for sparkle
Instructions
1. Make the Cookie Dough
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Preheat oven to 350°F (≈175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
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Beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
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Add egg, vanilla, and optional citrus zest; beat until smooth.
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In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt.
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Add dry ingredients to wet on low speed until just combined (don’t over-mix).
2. Chill & Roll Out
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Shape dough into a disk, wrap and chill ~30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
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Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to ⅛ inch (3 mm) thickness.
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Cut squares using a 2½″ (6 cm) cutter.
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Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared sheets.
3. Bake
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Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are just turning golden.
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Cool on the sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Decorate to Look Like Presents
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Divide icing into bowls and tint with gel colours (red, green, gold, silver).
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Pipe horizontal and vertical lines to mimic wrapped ribbon.
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Pipe bows on top or add sprinkle bows/pearls.
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Add edible glitter before icing sets (optional).
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Allow icing to dry 2–3 hours before packaging.
5. Serve & Share
Arrange on a festive platter, or box them as edible gifts. Perfect for parties, gifting or cookie trays.
Notes
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Softened butter + room-temperature egg create a smooth dough that rolls easily.
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Chill the dough to prevent spreading — essential for clean, sharp present shapes.
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Decorate only when cookies are fully cooled.
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Adjust icing consistency:
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Too thick → add a drop of water
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Too thin → add more powdered sugar
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Store decorated cookies at room temperature; refrigeration may cause colours to bleed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 140kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg