15 Decorated Christmas Cookie Recipes With Royal Icing

festive royal iced cookies

Classic Sugar Cookies With Royal Icing

holiday decorated sugar cookies

Classic sugar cookies with royal icing are a timeless holiday treat that combines a buttery, sweet base with a beautifully decorated sugary top. These cookies are perfect for holiday festivities and are a fun activity for families, especially when decorating with creative icing designs.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
All-purpose flour 3 ½ cups
Baking powder 1 teaspoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Unsalted butter (softened) 1 cup
Granulated sugar 1 ½ cups
Egg 1
Vanilla extract 2 teaspoons
Royal icing (ready-made or homemade) As needed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. The dough should come together in a ball.
  4. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal halves, flatten each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours. This helps the dough firm up for easier rolling.
  5. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is chilling.
  6. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them onto ungreased baking sheets.
  7. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
  8. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
  9. Decorate with Royal Icing: Once the cookies are completely cool, use royal icing to decorate them as desired. You can pipe outlines and fill in areas for colorful designs. Allow the icing to set completely before serving or storing the cookies.
  10. Store: Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer preservation.

Enjoy your beautifully decorated classic sugar cookies with royal icing this holiday season!

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Festive Gingerbread Men

holiday classic spiced cookies

Festive Gingerbread Men are a charming and flavorful holiday classic that brings warmth and cheer to any celebration. These spiced cookies boast a rich flavor from ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, making them a delightful treat for both kids and adults. They are fun to decorate as well, allowing for creative expressions in icing colors and designs!

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
All-purpose flour 3 ¼ cups
Ground ginger 1 tablespoon
Ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon
Ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon
Baking soda 1 teaspoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Unsalted butter (softened) ½ cup
Brown sugar (packed) 1 cup
Molasses ¾ cup
Egg 1
Royal icing (for decorating) As needed

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes using a mixer.
  3. Add Molasses and Egg: Beat in the molasses and egg into the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
  5. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each portion into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This helps with rolling out the dough.
  6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough chills.
  7. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, take one disk of dough and roll it out to about ¼-inch thickness. Use gingerbread man-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies and place them on ungreased baking sheets.
  8. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm. Be careful not to overbake; the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
  9. Cool Completely: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
  10. Decorate: Once the cookies have cooled completely, use royal icing to decorate them as desired. You can create fun designs like buttons, eyes, and scarves!
  11. Store: Store the gingerbread men in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Enjoy the festive spirit!
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Elegant Snowflake Cookies

elegant winter themed cookies

Elegant Snowflake Cookies are beautiful, delicate treats that add a touch of winter wonder to any holiday gathering. These sugar cookies are adorned with royal icing and can be customized in various ways, making them perfect for both gifting and decorating your festive table. Their crisp edges and tender centers ensure they are a delightful treat for everyone.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
All-purpose flour 3 cups
Baking powder 1 teaspoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Unsalted butter (softened) 1 cup
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Egg 1 large
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Almond extract ½ teaspoon
Powdered sugar (for icing) 2 cups
Milk (for icing) 2 tablespoons
Food coloring (optional) As needed

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add Egg and Extracts: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
  5. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This will make it easier to roll out.
  6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is chilling.
  7. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use snowflake-shaped cookie cutters to cut out your cookies and place them on ungreased baking sheets.
  8. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
  9. Make Royal Icing: In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and milk. Mix until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed. If you want colored icing, add food coloring.
  10. Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, use the royal icing to decorate your cookies as desired. Let the icing set completely before serving or storing.

Enjoy your Elegant Snowflake Cookies as a delightful addition to your holiday festivities!

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Adorable Reindeer Treats

festive reindeer shaped cookies

Adorable Reindeer Treats are a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season! These delightful cookies shaped like reindeer are not only cute but also delicious, making them perfect for kids and adults alike. Decorated with simple icing and edible eyes, they are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face during holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
All-purpose flour 2 ½ cups
Baking soda 1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Unsalted butter (softened) ½ cup
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Brown sugar ½ cup
Egg 1 large
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Edible eyes (or chocolate chips) As needed
Pretzels (for antlers) As needed
Red candy or M&M’s (for nose) As needed
Royal icing (for decorating) As needed

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set it aside.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
  5. Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then flatten them slightly to form oval shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Chill the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to chill the dough. This helps keep the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
  7. Preheat the Oven: While the cookies are chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  8. Bake the Cookies: Once chilled, bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
  9. Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, use royal icing to attach the pretzel pieces to the top of each cookie as antlers. Then, place the edible eyes and red candy for the nose to complete the adorable reindeer faces.
  10. Enjoy: Allow the decorations to set for a bit, then serve and enjoy your cute and delicious Adorable Reindeer Treats!
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Merry Christmas Tree Cookies

festive decorated christmas cookies

Merry Christmas Tree Cookies are a festive and delightful treat that embodies the spirit of the holiday season. These charming cookies are shaped like Christmas trees and are a fantastic canvas for decorations, allowing creativity to flourish. With green icing resembling pine needles and colorful candies mimicking ornaments, these cookies are sure to add a whimsical touch to your holiday celebrations!

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
All-purpose flour 2 ½ cups
Baking powder 1 teaspoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Unsalted butter (softened) 1 cup
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Brown sugar ½ cup
Eggs 2 large
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Green icing (for decorating) As needed
Assorted candies (for decorations) As needed

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until a dough forms and is well incorporated.
  5. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step will help the dough hold its shape when baking.
  6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough chills.
  7. Roll and Cut the Dough: Once chilled, take the dough out of the refrigerator. On a floured surface, roll it out to about ¼ inch thick. Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
  9. Decorate: Once the cookies are cool, use the green icing to cover each cookie. Add the assorted candies as ornaments and decorations on the tree to create fun and festive designs.
  10. Enjoy: Serve and enjoy your Merry Christmas Tree Cookies as a delightful addition to your holiday festivities!
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Cute Santa Hat Cookies

festive santa hat cookies

Cute Santa Hat Cookies are a fun and festive treat that will bring joy to any holiday gathering. These charming cookies feature a red and white design that resembles Santa’s iconic hat, making them a perfect addition to your Christmas cookie platter. They’re not only delicious but also a delightful project to do with family or friends during the holiday season!

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
All-purpose flour 2 ½ cups
Baking powder 1 teaspoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Unsalted butter (softened) 1 cup
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Brown sugar ½ cup
Eggs 1 large
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Red icing (for decorating) As needed
White icing (for decorating) As needed
Mini marshmallows As needed

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set the dry mixture aside.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and well combined, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg along with the vanilla extract until everything is smooth and incorporated.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the prepared dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until a dough forms and is fully combined.
  5. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This will help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
  6. Preheat the Oven: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Roll and Cut the Dough: After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Roll it out on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out the cookies, then reshape them into triangles to create the Santa hat look. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Decorate: Once the cookies are cool, use the red icing to outline and fill the shape of the Santa hats. Allow the icing to set slightly before placing a mini marshmallow at the tip of each hat and outlining the base of the hat with the white icing to mimic the fluffy trim.
  10. Enjoy: Let the decorations dry completely before serving these adorable Cute Santa Hat Cookies at your holiday event!
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Nutcracker Soldier Cookies

festive cookie decorating fun

Nutcracker Soldier Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday cookie collection, perfect for festive gatherings or as gifts. These cookies are not only charming but can also be fun to decorate, allowing for creativity as you bring these little soldier figures to life with colorful icing and decorations.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
All-purpose flour 2 ½ cups
Baking powder 1 teaspoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Unsalted butter (softened) 1 cup
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Brown sugar ½ cup
Egg 1 large
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Royal icing (for decorating) As needed
Food coloring As needed
Sprinkles As needed

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk the mixture together and set it aside.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms and all ingredients are combined.
  5. Chill Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This will help the cookies keep their shape while baking.
  6. Preheat the Oven: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Roll and Cut the Dough: After chilling, roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use a nutcracker-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Decorate: Once the cookies have cooled, use royal icing to decorate the soldier figures. Use different food coloring and sprinkles to add festive flair to your Nutcracker Soldier Cookies. Allow the icing to set before serving or packaging the cookies.
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Delicate Ornament Cookies

elegant holiday ornament cookies

Delicate Ornament Cookies are exquisite little treats that capture the spirit of the holiday season. These cookies are shaped like traditional ornaments and are perfect for hanging on a festive tree or gifting to friends and family. With their buttery flavor and elegant decorations, these cookies will not only please your taste buds but also enhance the holiday spirit in your home.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
All-purpose flour 3 cups
Baking powder 1 teaspoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Unsalted butter (softened) 1 cup
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Egg 1 large
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Royal icing (for decorating) As needed
Food coloring As needed
Edible glitter As needed
Optional: Cookie cutters (ornament shapes) As needed

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside as you work on the wet ingredients.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Once the butter and sugar mixture is fluffy, add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms and all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  5. Chill Dough: Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
  6. Preheat the Oven: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Roll Out the Dough: After chilling, roll the dough out on a floured surface to a thickness of about ¼ inch. Use shaped cookie cutters to cut out ornament shapes and transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cooled, use royal icing to decorate them. You can add food coloring, edible glitter, and creative designs to make each cookie unique and festive.
  10. Display or Gift: These Delicate Ornament Cookies can be hung on the tree with a ribbon or beautifully packaged as gifts for your loved ones. Enjoy the holiday spirit!
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Warm Spiced Molasses Cookies

spiced holiday molasses cookies

Warm Spiced Molasses Cookies are a classic holiday treat that brings an aromatic blend of spices to your kitchen. These soft and chewy cookies are rich in flavor, thanks to the sweet molasses, warming ginger, and a touch of cinnamon and cloves. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, they are sure to become a favorite during the festive season.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
All-purpose flour 2 ¾ cups
Baking soda 1 teaspoon
Ground ginger 2 teaspoons
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Ground cloves ½ teaspoon
Salt ¼ teaspoon
Unsalted butter (softened) ¾ cup
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Brown sugar (packed) 1 cup
Molasses ¼ cup
Egg 1 large
Granulated sugar (for rolling) As needed

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set this bowl aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and well-combined (about 2-3 minutes).
  4. Add Molasses and Egg: Mix in the molasses and egg to the butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated.
  5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. Chilling will make the dough easier to handle and help the cookies keep their shape.
  7. Form the Cookies: After chilling, scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
  8. Place on Baking Sheets: Arrange the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
  9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly cracked. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
  10. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Warm Spiced Molasses Cookies with a cup of tea or hot cocoa!
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Whimsical Penguin Cookies

adorable holiday penguin treats

Whimsical Penguin Cookies are an adorable and fun holiday treat that will delight both kids and adults alike. These cookies feature a cute penguin design, perfect for adding a festive touch to your cookie platter. With a soft vanilla-flavored base and simple decorating techniques, these charming cookies are not only tasty but also a wonderful activity to bring family together during the holiday season.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
All-purpose flour 3 cups
Baking powder 1 teaspoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Unsalted butter (softened) 1 cup
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Egg 1 large
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Black icing or chocolate chips For decoration
White icing For decoration
Orange icing or an orange candy For beak

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until fully combined.
  5. Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Be sure to mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  6. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This will help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
  7. Shape the Cookies: After chilling, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and shape them into rounded ovals on the prepared baking sheets. Create a slight point at one end for the penguin’s head.
  8. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  9. Decorate the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, use black icing or melted chocolate chips to create the penguin’s body. Add white icing for the belly and orange icing or small orange candies for the beak.
  10. Let the Icing Set: Allow the decorated cookies to set at room temperature before serving.

Enjoy your delightful Whimsical Penguin Cookies, bringing a smile to everyone during this festive season!

Charming Holly Leaf Cookies

festive holly leaf cookies

Charming Holly Leaf Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter, embodying the spirit of Christmas with their vibrant green color and festive design. These cookies offer a sweet almond flavor and are perfect for decorating with red icing berries to resemble holly leaves, making them a fun and cheerful treat for family gatherings and cookie exchanges during the holiday season.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
All-purpose flour 2 ½ cups
Baking powder 1 teaspoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Unsalted butter (softened) 1 cup
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Egg 1 large
Almond extract 1 teaspoon
Green food coloring A few drops
Red icing For decoration

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt; set this aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg and almond extract, mixing until well combined.
  5. Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
  6. Add Color: Incorporate a few drops of green food coloring to the dough until you achieve your desired shade of green.
  7. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
  8. Shape the Cookies: Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use a holly leaf cookie cutter to cut out shapes, placing them on the prepared baking sheets.
  9. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
  10. Decorate: Once the cookies are fully cooled, pipe or spread red icing in the shape of berries on the cookies to add a festive touch.

Enjoy your Charming Holly Leaf Cookies as a delightful treat during the holiday season!

Glittering Star Cookies

festive sparkling star cookies

Glittering Star Cookies are a spectacular and festive treat to brighten your holiday celebrations. These buttery cookies are not only delicious but also beautifully adorned with sparkling sugar, making them a perfect centerpiece for any cookie platter. The star shape adds a magical touch, embodying the joy and wonder of the Christmas season.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
All-purpose flour 2 ½ cups
Baking powder 1 teaspoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Unsalted butter (softened) 1 cup
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Egg 1 large
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Silver or colored sugar For decoration

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining several baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together to ensure there are no lumps and then set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until everything is well combined.
  5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender cookies.
  6. Chill the Dough: Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help it firm up and make it easier to roll out.
  7. Roll and Cut Shapes: Once chilled, take the dough out of the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
  8. Add Decoration: Sprinkle the cut-out cookies generously with silver or colored sugar before baking for that extra sparkle.
  9. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are just starting to turn golden around the edges. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, arrange your Glittering Star Cookies on a festive platter and enjoy the seasonal cheer they bring!

These delightful cookies are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering!

Playful Elf Cookies

whimsical holiday baking treat

Playful Elf Cookies are delightful, festive creations that bring a touch of whimsy to your holiday baking. These charming cookies are soft and chewy, decorated with vibrant colors and whimsical designs that resemble cheerful little elves. Perfect for family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a fun project to enjoy with kids, these cookies are sure to be a hit during the Christmas season.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
All-purpose flour 2 ½ cups
Baking powder 1 teaspoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Unsalted butter (softened) 1 cup
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Egg 1 large
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Green food coloring A few drops
Red food coloring A few drops
Edible glitter or sprinkles For decoration
Candy eyes As needed
M&Ms or other candy (for hats) For decoration

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line several baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing until fully blended.
  5. Color the Dough: Divide the dough evenly into two bowls. Add a few drops of green food coloring to one bowl and a few drops of red food coloring to the other, mixing each until the colors are uniformly distributed.
  6. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
  7. Chill the Dough: Wrap each colored dough separately in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.
  8. Roll and Shape: Take the chilled dough out of the refrigerator. Roll pieces of the green dough into small balls and slightly flatten them to form the elf’s body. For the red dough, create smaller balls for the elf’s hat, then taper the top into a cone shape.
  9. Assemble and Decorate: Place the green body on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Top with the red hat, pressing gently to adhere. Add candy eyes and a small piece of M&M for decoration. You can also sprinkle edible glitter on top for an extra festive touch.
  10. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden.
  11. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Arrange your Playful Elf Cookies on a festive platter and enjoy the smiles they bring during the holiday season!

Frosty Snowman Cookies

frosty snowman holiday cookies

Frosty Snowman Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter. These charming treats are not only visually appealing, resembling jolly snowmen, but they also offer a deliciously sweet flavor with a soft, chewy texture. Perfect for holiday parties, cookie decorating activities, or simply enjoying with your loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face during the festive season.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
All-purpose flour 2 ½ cups
Baking soda 1 teaspoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Unsalted butter (softened) ¾ cup
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Brown sugar ½ cup
Egg 1 large
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Almond extract ½ teaspoon
Powdered sugar 2 cups
Milk 2 tablespoons
Mini chocolate chips For decoration
Orange candy coating or fondant For noses
Black icing or edible marker For eyes and buttons

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until the mixture is well combined.
  5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
  6. Shape Cookies: Use your hands to shape the dough into balls (about 1-2 tablespoons each). Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  7. Flatten and Bake: Carefully flatten the tops of the dough balls slightly. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
  8. Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
  9. Decorate: Once the cookies are cooled, prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar and milk until you reach a smooth consistency. Dip the tops of each cookie in the icing to create a snow-covered effect. Decorate with mini chocolate chips for eyes, an orange candy piece or fondant for the nose, and use black icing or an edible marker to draw buttons.
  10. Enjoy: Let the icing set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Frosty Snowman Cookies with family and friends!

Joyful Bell-shaped Cookies

festive bell shaped cookies

Joyful Bell-shaped Cookies are a delightful and festive treat perfect for Christmas celebrations. These charming cookies embody the spirit of the season with their lovely bell shape and vibrant decorations. Soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, they are ideal for sharing at holiday gatherings or as gifts for friends and family.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
All-purpose flour 2 ½ cups
Baking powder 1 teaspoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Unsalted butter (softened) 1 cup
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Egg 1 large
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Almond extract ½ teaspoon
Powdered sugar 2 cups
Milk 2 tablespoons
Colored sprinkles For decoration
Food coloring (optional) For icing

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and light in color, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is well incorporated.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. Roll Out Dough: Divide the dough into two equal balls and flatten each into a disk. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to make the dough easier to handle.
  7. Cut Out Cookies: Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use a bell-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Do not overbake, as you want the cookies to remain soft.
  9. Cool Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Decorate: Once cooled, prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar with milk until you achieve a smooth consistency. If desired, tint the icing with food coloring. Use a piping bag or a spatula to decorate the cookies and finish with colored sprinkles for a festive touch.
  11. Enjoy: Allow the icing to set before serving or packing these delightful Joyful Bell-shaped Cookies. Enjoy the sweetness with family and friends!

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Hi! I’m Emily. I’m a cozy‑kitchen tinkerer turning everyday ingredients into crave‑worthy plates—quick sizzles, bright flavors, and zero fuss, always with a smile. Playlist on, whisk in hand, I chase comfort that tastes a little sparkly and a lot homemade—playful, practical, and unapologetically delicious.