The holidays are just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by baking some delicious Christmas sugar cookies with royal icing? This easy recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike, and will have your house smelling amazing in no time. So, grab your apron and let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and mix until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two pieces, and shape each piece into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Royal Icing Ingredients
- 2 large egg whites
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Food coloring (optional)
Royal Icing Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy.
- Add the powdered sugar and lemon juice, and mix until well combined and smooth.
- If using food coloring, divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to achieve desired colors.
- Transfer the icing to piping bags or ziplock bags with the corner snipped off, and decorate the cooled cookies as desired.
- Let the icing dry completely before storing or serving the cookies.
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Total fat: 6g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Total sugars: 8g
Protein: 1g
Cooking Time
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Baking time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
- Piping bags or ziplock bags
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas sugar cookies with royal icing are perfect for serving at holiday parties, or for giving as gifts to friends and family. They can be served alongside other holiday treats like hot cocoa, eggnog, or mulled wine.
Variations and Substitutions
You can customize these Christmas sugar cookies with royal icing by using different cookie cutter shapes, or by adding different flavors to the dough, such as almond extract, lemon zest, or cinnamon. You can also swap out the royal icing for a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Storage
Store these Christmas sugar cookies with royal icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the cookies (without the icing) for up to 3 months.
Tips and Notes
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. This will help ensure a light and fluffy dough.
- Chilling the dough for at least 1 hour will help it hold its shape when baked.
- Let the cookies cool completely before decorating them with royal icing.
- If the royal icing is too thick, add a little water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- You can use a toothpick or a small paintbrush to help spread the royal icing evenly over the cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough and icing ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough and icing up to 3 days ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. Let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
We recommend using unsalted butter for this recipe, as margarine can affect the texture and flavor of the cookies. However, if you do use margarine, make sure it is a baking margarine with a high fat content.
We do not recommend freezing the cookies with the royal icing, as the moisture in the icing can cause the cookies to become soggy when thawed.
These easy Christmas sugar cookies with royal icing are a perfect holiday treat that the whole family can enjoy. The recipe is simple and straightforward, and the cookies are deliciously buttery and sweet. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday party or just for yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit. So, grab your apron and get baking!