Celebrate the holiday season with these festive and beautifully decorated sugar cookies! These classic cookies are buttery, tender, and perfectly sweet, making them ideal for decorating with colorful royal icing and sprinkles. Whether you’re baking for a party, a gift, or simply to enjoy with your loved ones, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Royal Icing:
- 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 large egg whites or 2 tablespoons meringue powder mixed with 4 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
- Food coloring (gel works best)
- Sprinkles or edible decorations
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half, flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness.
- Use festive cookie cutters (stars, trees, ornaments, etc.) to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 3: Make the Royal Icing
- In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, egg whites (or meringue powder mixture), and vanilla until smooth. The icing should hold stiff peaks.
- Divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring as desired.
- Thin the icing with water (a few drops at a time) for flooding consistency, or leave it thick for piping.
Step 4: Decorate
- Use piping bags or squeeze bottles to decorate the cookies with royal icing.
- Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or other decorations while the icing is still wet.
- Let the decorated cookies dry for 1-2 hours at room temperature or until the icing sets completely.
Tips for Success
- Chill the cookie dough thoroughly to prevent the cookies from spreading during baking.
- Keep your royal icing covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out while you work.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues without altering the icing consistency.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
These sugar cookies are not only delicious but also a fun, creative activity for the whole family. Decorate them with your favorite designs and colors to match the holiday spirit. Pack them as gifts or serve them at holiday gatherings to share the joy of the season.