Christmas cookies with royal icing are a delightful holiday tradition that transforms your kitchen into a festive wonderland. With their sweet flavors and charming decorations, these cookies not only taste amazing but also bring joy to any gathering. The combination of crisp edges and a soft center, topped with glossy royal icing, makes them a favorite for cookie lovers of all ages. As you bake them, the warm scents of vanilla and almond fill the air, evoking the spirit of the season and creating a perfect moment to share with family and friends.
Why Make This Christmas Cookies with Royal Icing
These Christmas cookies with royal icing are perfect for holiday celebrations. Not only do they look stunning, but they also offer an excellent opportunity to join in the festive spirit. Decorating cookies becomes a fun activity for both kids and adults, allowing you to express creativity with colors and patterns. Plus, they make great gifts or party favors that your loved ones will appreciate. The royal icing adds a beautiful finish that hardens perfectly, making these cookies not just tasty bites but also works of art.
How to Make Christmas Cookies with Royal Icing
Making these Christmas cookies is straightforward and enjoyable. By following just a few simple steps, you’ll create delicious cookies that are perfect for decorating. From mixing the dough to baking and finally icing them, this process is an excellent way to bring family together during the holidays.
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 egg whites
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Food coloring (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and baking powder together.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place them onto ungreased baking pans.
- Flatten each ball lightly with a glass, and if you like, sprinkle colored sugar on top for added decoration.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven until the edges are lightly golden.
- For the royal icing, beat the egg whites together with lemon juice in a bowl. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the icing holds stiff peaks.
- Let the baked cookies cool completely, then decorate them with the royal icing as desired.
Nutritional Information
Per cookie (approximately 1 cookie about 30g):
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 45mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
How to Serve Christmas Cookies with Royal Icing
These cookies shine at any gathering! Serve them on a festive platter as a centerpiece for your holiday table or make them a part of your cookie swap. For a cozy night in, enjoy them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa while watching holiday movies with loved ones. Adding sprinkles or themed decorations based on the occasion can elevate their presentation.
How to Store Christmas Cookies with Royal Icing
To keep your Christmas cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies without icing; they can hold their quality for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature, decorate with royal icing, and serve.
Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Cookies with Royal Icing
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- When mixing the dough, avoid overworking it to keep your cookies tender.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes if it’s too soft to handle.
- Experiment with various food colorings in your royal icing to create vibrant designs.
- Use piping bags for decorating to achieve more intricate designs.
Delicious Variations
- Spiced Version: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and nutmeg to the flour mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Chocolate Twist: Substitute 1 cup of flour with cocoa powder for chocolate cookies.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest in the royal icing for an extra burst of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can work, butter provides a richer flavor and better texture for these cookies.What if I don’t have egg whites for the royal icing?
You can use meringue powder instead of egg whites. Mix about 2 tablespoons of meringue powder with 2 tablespoons of water to replace 2 egg whites.How can I achieve different consistencies in royal icing?
For outlining, use thicker icing, and for flooding, thin it with a tiny bit of water until it drizzles off a spoon smoothly without holding peaks.
Conclusion
Creating Christmas cookies with royal icing not only fills your home with festive aromas and flavors, but it also brings joy to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re decorating them for family or gifting them to friends, these cookies are sure to be a hit. So, gather the ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and bring some holiday cheer into your kitchen. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your cookie creations with us—we’d love to hear how they turned out!
Christmas Cookies with Royal Icing
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and baking powder together.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place them onto ungreased baking pans.
- Flatten each ball lightly with a glass, and sprinkle colored sugar on top if desired.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven until the edges are lightly golden.
- Beat the egg whites together with lemon juice in a bowl.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the icing holds stiff peaks.
- Let the baked cookies cool completely, then decorate them with the royal icing as desired.