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Description
A recipe for classic Christmas sugar cookies decorated with royal icing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Royal Icing:
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out desired Christmas shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the royal icing: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and meringue powder.
- Add water and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed until combined, then increase speed to medium-high and beat for 5-7 minutes, until stiff peaks form.
- If desired, divide icing into bowls and tint with food coloring.
- Transfer icing to piping bags or squeeze bottles.
- Decorate cooled cookies as desired. Let icing dry completely before stacking or serving.
Notes
- For flooding cookies, thin the royal icing with a little more water until it reaches a pourable consistency.
- Ensure cookies are completely cool before decorating to prevent icing from melting.
- Royal icing dries hard, making it ideal for stacking and shipping cookies.
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg