Delicious Christmas Sugar Cookies with Easy Royal Icing Recipe

Introduction

Ever wondered how to create those perfectly festive Christmas sugar cookies that look professionally decorated but are still easy enough for home bakers? Many people think that decorating sugar cookies with royal icing is difficult or requires advanced skills, but that’s far from true. With a little guidance and a simple recipe, you can make beautiful, delicious treats that are perfect for holiday celebrations. This post will walk you through a detailed, easy-to-follow recipe for Christmas sugar cookies with an easy royal icing recipe that even beginners can master. Let’s dive into a fun and tasty holiday baking adventure!

Ingredients List

To create these delightful Christmas sugar cookies with royal icing, gather the following ingredients. Here’s the exact list along with some great substitution tips to accommodate different dietary needs or preferences.

For the Sugar Cookies:

– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free)
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (use plant-based butter for dairy-free)
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for healthier alternative)
– 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (ensure it’s alcohol-free for kids)

For the Easy Royal Icing:

– 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
– 2 tablespoons meringue powder (can use egg whites for fresh royal icing)
– 5-6 tablespoons water (adjust for consistency)
– Food coloring gels (natural options available for a chemical-free approach)

Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Total Time: Approx. 1 hour including cooling and decorating

Baking sugar cookies is as much about the aroma filling your kitchen as the look and taste of the final product. You’ll find that once you mix the dough and roll it out, delightful anticipation builds while the cookies bake to a light golden perfection. Then comes the fun—the icing, which lets you get creative with colors and designs, making this recipe perfect for kids and adults alike.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.

Chef’s Tip: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling to make it easier to handle and to prevent spreading during baking.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Cookies

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters—like stars, trees, and snowflakes—to cut shapes. Place the cutouts on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Chef’s Tip: If dough becomes too sticky while rolling, dust with a little more flour or chill again briefly.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Keep a close eye to avoid over-browning, which can affect both taste and texture.

Step 4: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. This prevents sogginess and gives you a perfect canvas for the royal icing.

Step 5: Mix the Royal Icing

In a medium bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add water slowly and beat on low speed until the icing is glossy and smooth. Adjust the water to get your preferred consistency—stiffer for outlining, thinner for flooding. Divide into small bowls for coloring.

Chef’s Tip: Use a toothpick to slowly lower colors into icing to avoid over-coloring and achieve perfect shades.

Step 6: Decorate the Cookies

Use piping bags or squeeze bottles to outline the cookies first with stiff icing, then flood the center with thinner icing. Decorate with sprinkles or edible glitter before the icing sets.

Chef’s Tip: Let layers of royal icing dry completely before adding additional details to prevent colors from bleeding.

Nutritional Information

Enjoying these Christmas sugar cookies is a treat, especially when made homemade! Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per cookie (based on standard size):

– Calories: 150-170 kcal
– Carbohydrates: 25g
– Sugars: 15g
– Fat: 6g
– Saturated Fat: 3.5g
– Protein: 1.5g
– Sodium: 70mg

Keep in mind, icing adds extra sugars and calories, so moderation is key for health-conscious bakers.

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to enhance the nutrition of your festive cookies, consider these swaps:

– Use whole wheat pastry flour or oat flour for added fiber.
– Replace granulated sugar with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey (adjust wet ingredients accordingly).
– Opt for unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt to replace some butter for lower fat content.
– Use aquafaba or flax eggs for vegan-friendly, cholesterol-free alternatives.
– Choose natural food dyes from beet juice, turmeric, or spirulina instead of artificial colorings.

These substitutions keep the holiday joy but make the cookies better aligned with your wellness goals.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Christmas sugar cookie presentation with creative ideas:

– Serve on a festive platter alongside hot cocoa with marshmallows.
– Use cookies as edible gift tags on holiday wrapped presents.
– Pair with peppermint tea or mulled wine for an adult gathering.
– Incorporate fresh cranberries or orange zest into homemade whipped cream for a luxurious dip.

Seasonal garnishes like crushed candy canes or chopped toasted nuts also add texture and an irresistible aroma.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your sugar cookies and royal icing shine:

– Overmixing dough: Leads to tough cookies instead of soft, melt-in-your-mouth bites.
– Rolling dough too thin or thick: Thin cookies burn easily, thick ones aren’t crisp enough.
– Not chilling dough: Warm dough spreads too much, ruining the shapes.
– Adding too much water to icing: Results in runny icing that won’t set correctly.
– Skipping separation of icing batches: Different consistencies are crucial for outlining and flooding.

Following these tips guarantees baking success and gorgeous results!

Storing Tips

To keep your Christmas sugar cookies fresh and flavorful:

– Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
– Separate layers with parchment or wax paper to avoid sticking.
– Royal icing cookies can last up to a week when stored properly.
– For longer storage, freeze baked cookies (without icing) in a single layer wrapped tightly in plastic, then thaw before decorating.
– Avoid refrigeration after icing to prevent moisture buildup and sogginess.

Conclusion

Mastering sugar cookies and royal icing is easier than you think, especially with this simple recipe and expert tips. Now you’re equipped to bake, decorate, and share the joy of festive cookies that impress family and friends alike. Ready to start your holiday baking? Share your creations and questions in the comments or subscribe to our newsletter for more festive recipes!

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FAQs

1. Can I prepare the cookie dough in advance?
Yes! Dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling out.

2. How do I fix royal icing that is too thick or too runny?
Add water a drop at a time to thin or sift in powdered sugar to thicken. Mix well and test consistency on parchment.

3. Can I use store-bought royal icing instead?
Absolutely, but homemade royal icing tastes fresher and offers better control over texture and decorating fun.

4. How long does royal icing take to dry?
Outlining dries in about 15-30 minutes. Flooded areas require 4-6 hours or overnight for a hard finish.

5. What if my cookies spread too much during baking?
Make sure dough is chilled, use accurate measurements, and avoid overmixing butter and sugar. Rolling dough evenly helps too.

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For more delightful holiday treats, check out our Classic Gingerbread Cookies Recipe and Easy Holiday Baking Tips to make your kitchen the heart of seasonal celebrations!