Christmas Cookies
Delightful festive cookies decorated with royal icing, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour A staple that brings structure and lightness.
- 1 tsp baking powder Helps the cookies rise to perfect fluffy heights.
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt Balances the sweetness for a well-rounded flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature Adds richness and a tender crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the dough, making it irresistible.
- 1 large egg, room temperature Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Infuses the cookies with a warm, comforting aroma.
- 1 Tbsp heavy cream or whole milk Contributes a hint of creaminess.
Royal Icing Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted Creates the perfect blank canvas for decoration.
- 1 egg white or 2 Tbsp meringue powder + 2–3 Tbsp water Key for achieving glossy icing.
- Food coloring gels (red, green, blue, optional) Brings your cookies to life with festive hues.
- Sanding sugar or sprinkles, for decorating Adds that delightful crunch and sparkle.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure an even bake.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and sea salt, making sure there are no lumps.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and heavy cream; mix until the dough is smooth and completely blended.
- Gradually add the flour mixture until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.
- Chill the dough wrapped in plastic wrap for 20-30 minutes.
Baking
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut shapes using cookie cutters.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are just set.
- Cool the cookies on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes before decorating.
Decorating
- For the icing, whisk powdered sugar with the egg white until glossy and smooth.
- Decorate cookies with royal icing and additional decorations while they are still wet.
Notes
Chill the dough to help retain cookie shape during baking. Experiment with flavored extracts for unique variations.