Christmas Sugar Cookies with Icing for Festive Joy

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Christmas Sugar Cookies with

Introduction

Christmas Sugar Cookies with icing are a quintessential treat during the holiday season. These delightful cookies are not just delicious but also visually stunning, making them perfect for Christmas parties and family gatherings. Soft and buttery, the cookies are enhanced with spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, paired with a sweet royal icing that adds the finishing touch. This recipe is straightforward, using common ingredients that cater to bakers of all levels. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, you’ll find joy in creating these festive sugar cookies that embody the spirit of Christmas.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sugar Cookies with

There are countless reasons to adore these Christmas sugar cookies with frosting. Firstly, they are incredibly easy to make, allowing even novice bakers to shine. Secondly, the combination of warm spices and sweet icing creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. They are versatile enough to be decorated for any holiday theme, including holiday sugar cookies with sprinkles for a fun twist or festive sugar cookies with icing for a more classic look. Moreover, these cookies are perfect for sharing, making them an ideal choice for holiday gatherings. The recipe yields a generous amount, ensuring there are plenty of cookies for everyone to enjoy. Plus, they stay fresh for days, making them a great treat to have on hand throughout the holiday season. With a prep time of only 30 minutes and a total time of an hour, you can bake them quickly and easily!

Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookies with

Gather these items:

  • 2 ¾ cups all purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ⅔ cup salted butter, room temperature
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon meringue powder
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 5 tablespoons + 1 ½ teaspoons water

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies with Step-by-Step

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set it aside for later.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the all purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg. Stir these together well and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature salted butter with the granulated and brown sugars on medium-high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take a few minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
  5. Step 5: Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixer bowl and mix just until the dough comes together. Avoid over-mixing to prevent a crumbly texture.
  6. Step 6: Immediately transfer the dough onto a clean, floured surface. Roll out the dough to a thickness of ¼ inch. Use cookie cutters to cut out as many shapes as possible. Gather any scraps, reroll, and repeat until all dough is used.
  7. Step 7: Place the cut cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake on the center rack in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the edges are set but cookies are still soft.
  8. Step 8: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 8 minutes so they firm up slightly.
  9. Step 9: Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  10. Step 10: Repeat the baking and cooling process with the remaining dough cutouts.
  11. Step 11: Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, combine the powdered sugar, meringue powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
  12. Step 12: While the mixer runs, gradually add 5 tablespoons plus 1½ teaspoons of water. Whisk for 4 to 5 minutes until the icing is smooth and glossy.
  13. Step 13: Spoon the icing into a piping bag and snip a small hole at the tip to pipe or decorate your cooled cookies as desired.

Christmas Sugar Cookies with Icing for Festive Joy - Christmas Sugar Cookies with - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Sugar Cookies with

Keep these in mind:

  • Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
  • For a unique twist, try adding peppermint flavor to the icing or mix in crushed candy canes for sugar cookies with candy cane pieces.
  • To achieve the best results, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it out.

Best Ways to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookies with

These cookies can be served in various delightful ways:

  • Decorate with colorful edible glitter for a festive touch, making them sugar cookies with colorful edible glitter.
  • Pair them with hot cocoa or eggnog for a cozy holiday treat.
  • Gift them in decorative boxes as traditional sugar cookies for holiday baking or party favors.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Sugar Cookies with

Once your cookies are baked and cooled, it’s essential to store them properly. Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy later, simply thaw at room temperature. Remember, these cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to have festive treats ready whenever you need them!

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Sugar Cookies with

What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Sugar Cookies with?

The secret lies in using room temperature ingredients, particularly the butter, to ensure a smooth and creamy texture. Also, don’t over-mix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Instead, mix just until combined, and roll out the dough to the right thickness for optimal baking.

Can I make Christmas Sugar Cookies with ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. This makes them perfect for easy sugar cookies for Christmas parties.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Sugar Cookies with?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure you measure your ingredients accurately and follow the recipe closely. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, but be cautious not to overdo it. For the best results, make sure your baking sheets are cool before placing the cookies on them.

Variations of Christmas Sugar Cookies with You Can Try

There are many fun variations to explore:

  • Add a splash of almond extract for a different flavor profile in your classic sugar cookies with holiday themes.
  • Incorporate different decorations like sugar cookies decorated with Christmas themes to match your festive spirit.
  • For a seasonal twist, create soft sugar cookies with a vanilla glaze instead of icing.

For more festive recipes, check out Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze or Christmas Black Forest Trifle. If you’re looking for more holiday treats, consider Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls for a delightful breakfast option!

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Christmas Sugar Cookies with

Christmas Sugar Cookies with Icing for Festive Joy


  • Author: basmer
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies with Icing are a festive and flavorful treat perfect for holiday celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups all purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ⅔ cup salted butter, room temperature
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon meringue powder
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 5 tablespoons + 1 ½ teaspoons water

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set it aside for later.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the all purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg. Stir these together well and set aside.
  3. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature salted butter with the granulated and brown sugars on medium-high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take a few minutes.
  4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
  5. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixer bowl and mix just until the dough comes together. Avoid over-mixing to prevent a crumbly texture.
  6. Immediately transfer the dough onto a clean, floured surface. Roll out the dough to a thickness of ¼ inch. Use cookie cutters to cut out as many shapes as possible. Gather any scraps, reroll, and repeat until all dough is used.
  7. Place the cut cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake on the center rack in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the edges are set but cookies are still soft.
  8. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 8 minutes so they firm up slightly.
  9. Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  10. Repeat the baking and cooling process with the remaining dough cutouts.
  11. Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, combine the powdered sugar, meringue powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
  12. While the mixer runs, gradually add 5 tablespoons plus 1½ teaspoons of water. Whisk for 4 to 5 minutes until the icing is smooth and glossy.
  13. Spoon the icing into a piping bag and snip a small hole at the tip to pipe or decorate your cooled cookies as desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Christmas Sugar Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Icing Cookies

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