There’s just something magical about making Christmas cookies, especially when it comes to decorating them with royal icing! The process fills your kitchen with the warm, sweet aroma of baking, and the excitement builds as you gather your favorite cookie cutters and colorful icing. I remember as a kid, my family would turn the kitchen into a holiday cookie factory, and the laughter was as plentiful as the flour we spilled. The unique blend of buttery cookies, a hint of vanilla and almond, and that glossy, sugary icing transforms simple treats into festive masterpieces that bring everyone joy. Trust me, once you start decorating, you won’t want to stop—each cookie becomes a canvas for your creativity, and they taste even better when shared with loved ones during the holidays!
Ingredients for Christmas Cookies Royal Icing
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming!)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (this adds a delightful nutty flavor)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted to avoid lumps)
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder (this helps stabilize the icing)
- 1/2 cup water (or as needed, adjust for desired consistency)
How to Prepare Christmas Cookies Royal Icing
Preparing the Cookie Dough
First things first, let’s get that cookie dough ready! In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt until it’s all combined. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. It’s so satisfying! Then, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until everything is just combined. Now, here’s the fun part: gradually mix in your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Don’t rush this step; take your time to blend it well. If the dough feels a bit sticky, don’t worry! You can wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out later!
Baking the Cookies
Now that your dough is ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness, and use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. You want to avoid overbaking, so keep an eye on them! Once they’re done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Trust me, allowing them to cool completely is crucial before you start decorating—else, the icing will just melt right off!
Making the Royal Icing
Alright, let’s whip up that royal icing! In a medium bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder. Gradually add in the water, mixing until you reach a smooth, glossy consistency. You want it to be thick enough to hold its shape but not too runny. A good test is to lift your mixing spoon; the icing should fall back into the bowl and form a ribbon that holds for a few seconds before disappearing. If it’s too thick, just add a tiny bit more water. Once you’ve got the perfect consistency, it’s time to get creative! Use piping bags or squeeze bottles to decorate your cooled cookies, and don’t forget to have fun with it! Each cookie is your canvas—let your imagination run wild!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas cookies turn out perfectly, here are some tried-and-true tips! First, store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer—trust me, they won’t last long with all that deliciousness around! If you want to add a splash of color to your royal icing, just a few drops of food coloring can go a long way. Mix it in until you achieve your desired shade, and don’t be afraid to get creative! One crucial step is to let the icing dry completely before stacking your cookies. This usually takes a few hours, but it’s worth the wait—you don’t want your beautiful designs to smudge! Finally, if you’re planning to decorate ahead of time, these cookies freeze beautifully. Just make sure they’re fully cooled and iced before freezing, and you’ll have festive treats ready whenever you need them!
Nutritional Information
These delightful Christmas cookies are a treat you can enjoy without too much guilt! Each cookie contains approximately 150 calories, with about 6 grams of fat and 10 grams of sugar. You’ll also get around 2 grams of protein and 22 grams of carbohydrates per cookie. Keep in mind that these nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. So, go ahead and indulge a little, especially during the festive season!
FAQ about Christmas Cookies Royal Icing
Got questions about making these festive Christmas cookies with royal icing? You’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries that might help you out. First off, how do I store my cookies? It’s super important to keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They’ll last about a week at room temperature, but trust me, they’ll probably be gone way before that!
Next, many of you might wonder about the icing consistency. You want it thick enough to hold its shape but still smooth enough to pipe easily. If your icing is too runny, just add a bit more sifted powdered sugar; if it’s too thick, add a few drops of water until you achieve that perfect creamy texture.
And what if you don’t have meringue powder? No worries! You can substitute it with egg whites, but be sure to use pasteurized ones for safety. Remember, baking is all about having fun, so feel free to experiment with flavors and colors. I can’t wait to see your beautiful creations!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Christmas cookies recipe with royal icing is a crowd-pleaser, and here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for it!
- Easy Preparation: The steps are straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels—no fancy techniques required!
- Festive Appeal: Decorate with colorful icing to create stunning cookies that look as good as they taste—ideal for holiday gatherings!
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with flavors and colors in both the cookies and icing to make them truly your own.
- Fun for Everyone: Involve friends and family in the decorating process for a delightful bonding experience in the kitchen!
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack these beauties in festive boxes and share the joy of homemade treats with loved ones.
Trust me, once you make them, you’ll want to whip up a batch every holiday season!
Serving Suggestions
These delightful Christmas cookies are perfect for any festive occasion! They make a wonderful addition to holiday parties, cookie swaps, or family gatherings. Imagine serving them alongside a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a classic glass of eggnog—now that’s a holiday treat! If you’re feeling extra festive, why not pair them with a rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream? The combination of flavors will have everyone smiling!
These cookies also shine during a cozy movie night or as a sweet snack while wrapping presents. They’re great for gifting too! Just pack them in a beautiful tin or box, and you’ll have a homemade gift that’s sure to spread holiday cheer. Trust me, sharing these cookies will make your heart (and theirs) a little warmer!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious Christmas cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. Just make sure they’re fully cooled and iced before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. There’s no need to reheat; they’re delightful served straight from the container!
Print
Christmas Cookies Royal Icing: 5 Sweet Secrets Unveiled
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas cookies decorated with royal icing.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1/2 cup water (or as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract to the butter mixture.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
- Roll out the dough and cut out desired shapes.
- Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes.
- Let cool completely before decorating.
- In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water to make royal icing.
- Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing as desired.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use food coloring for icing if desired.
- Allow icing to dry completely before stacking cookies.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: christmas cookies, royal icing, holiday treats
