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Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing
The holidays bring joy, laughter, and memories we hold dear. As winter’s chill hints at the season’s start, one tradition shines brightly: the Christmas sugar cookie. These treats, with their bright icing and fun designs, turn any event into a special moment.
Join me, Sally from Sally’s Baking Addiction, on a fun journey to make perfect Christmas sugar cookies. We’ll use a special recipe and easy steps. You’ll learn how to make cookies that wow everyone and become the highlight of your holiday.
Key Takeaways On Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing
- Discover the benefits of making homemade Christmas sugar cookies
- Learn what makes this recipe stand out from the rest
- Understand the essential ingredients and tools needed for successful baking
- Explore professional decorating techniques to elevate your cookie creations
- Uncover storage and shelf-life tips to ensure your cookies stay fresh and delicious
Why These Christmas Sugar Cookies with Easy Icing Recipe Are Perfect for Holiday Baking
Baking Christmas sugar cookies is a beloved holiday tradition. It brings joy and nostalgia to homes across America. Sally’s Baking Addiction has crafted a recipe that makes these treats perfect for your holiday baking.
Benefits of Making Homemade Sugar Cookies
Homemade Christmas treats have many advantages over store-bought ones. They are fresher and of higher quality. You can also customize the flavors and decorations to your liking.
Baking these cookies at home lets you involve your loved ones. It creates lasting memories and strengthens baking traditions.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Sally’s Baking Addiction’s Christmas Sugar Cookie recipe is special. It has a perfect balance of butter, sugar, and vanilla. This results in a rich, buttery cookie that melts in your mouth.
The recipe also includes a simple icing. This ensures a smooth, glossy finish that complements the sweet cookie base. You can decorate them with vibrant colors or keep them classic. Either way, they will impress your family and friends.
“These Christmas sugar cookies are a must-make for the holiday season. This recipe is simple to make, and the outcome is absolutely delightful.”
Indulge in the joy of baking traditions this Christmas season. Sally’s Baking Addiction’s Christmas Sugar Cookie recipe is exceptional. From the perfect texture to the endless decorating possibilities, these treats are a true delight for all to enjoy.
Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing Recipe
Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 Large egg
- 1 tbsp Vanilla extract
- 1/2 tbsp Almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 tbsp Baking powder
- 1/4 tbsp Salt
For the Icing:
- 2 cups Powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp Milk
- 1/2 tbsp Vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a different container, stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
Chill the Dough:
- Roll the dough into a jelly-like consistency, cover with plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll and Cut:
- Roll out the chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and arrange them on baking pans.
Bake:
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden. Cool on a wire rack.
Prepare Icing:
- In a bowl, together. add the powdered sugar, the milk and the vanilla extract and whisk everything Divide and color with food coloring if desired.
Decorate:
- Once cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe icing on top and add sprinkles.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need For Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing Recipe
To make delicious and beautiful Christmas sugar cookies, you’ll need the proper tools. From baking basics to decorating essentials, having the right tools makes decorating fun and easy.
Must-Have Baking Tools
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need a few different sizes to accommodate your cookie dough and icing preparations.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: A powerful mixer is required to properly cream the butter and sugar.
- Rolling pin: A sturdy rolling pin will help you achieve the perfect even thickness for your cookie dough.
- Cookie cutters: Purchase a variety of festive holiday cookie cutter shapes.
- Baking sheets: Use high-quality, light-colored baking sheets to ensure even baking.
- Silicone baking mats or parchment paper create a nonstick surface for your cookies.
Decorating Equipment Essentials
To make your Christmas sugar cookies look great, you need some special tools:
- Piping bags: Various sizes of piping bags are necessary for applying icing details.
- Piping tips: An assortment of piping tips will allow you to create different icing designs.
- Food coloring: Gel-based food coloring is best for tinting your royal icing.
- Sprinkles and edible decorations: Add a festive touch with a variety of sprinkles, sugars, and other edible embellishments.
Storage Containers
Keeping your Christmas sugar cookies decorated with royal icing fresh is important. Use airtight containers or tins to keep them fresh for longer.
| Container Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Plastic Airtight Containers | Prevent cookies from drying out and maintain freshness |
| Tin Boxes or Cookie Tins | Provide an elegant presentation for gifting or display |
| Freezer-Safe Bags or Containers | Allow for long-term storage and freezing of cookies |
Christmas Sugar Cookies Decorated with Royal Icing
This holiday season, elevate your festive treats with royal icing on Christmas sugar cookies. This icing adds a professional touch and lets you show off your creativity. You can create a variety of designs and techniques.
Royal icing is great for cookie decorating because it’s smooth and hardens into a glossy finish. You may create complicated patterns, piped motifs, and simple decorations. It turns your sugar cookies into true works of art.
Mastering the Art of Royal Icing
Starting with royal icing is easy. The trick is to get the right consistency. With practice, you’ll be piping, flooding, and decorating like a pro. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Start with a basic royal icing recipe, adjusting the consistency as needed by adding more powdered sugar or water.
- Explore different piping techniques, such as outlining, flooding, and creating intricate designs with a piping bag and various tips.
- Experiment with food coloring to create vibrant, festive colors for your cookies.
Endless Design Possibilities
The beauty of decorating with royal icing is that there are unlimited possibilities. You may create traditional snowflakes, Christmas trees, wacky decorations, and Santa Claus figurines. Allow your imagination to flourish as you create one-of-a-kind and visually gorgeous holiday sweets that will surprise your family and friends.
Remember that the secret to good royal icing embellishments is to be patient and enjoy the process. With a little practice, you’ll be able to make professional-looking royal icing cookies that will be the highlight of your Christmas festivities.
Baking Instructions and Time Guidelines For Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing Recipe
Making the perfect iced sugar cookies is a fun part of holiday culinary traditions. To get great results, just follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
- Roll out the cooled cookie dough to a 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out shapes with your favorite holiday-themed cookie cutters.
- Carefully place the formed cookies on the baking pans, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Avoid overbaking the cookies because they will become dry and crumbly.
- Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Following these guidelines will result in perfectly baked iced sugar cookies. They’re sure to make your family and friends happy this holiday season.
| Oven Temperature | Baking Time | Cooling Time |
|---|---|---|
| 350°F (177°C) | 8 to 10 minutes | 5 minutes on baking sheet, then transfer to wire rack |
“The secret to perfectly baked frosted sugar cookies is in the temperature and timing. Follow these steps to become a Christmas baking expert in no time!”
Making the Perfect Royal Icing For Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing Recipe
Royal icing is essential when decorating your Christmas sugar cookies. This icing makes your cookies look amazing and lets you get creative with cookie decorating.
Consistency Tips
Getting the right royal icing consistency is important. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to flow well. Here are a few tips to perfect it:
- Begin with a basic royal icing recipe, then add water or powdered sugar to achieve the desired consistency.
- To test the frosting, use a toothpick or a knife. It should form a ribbon-like trail when drizzled back into the bowl.
- To make a thinner frosting, use additional water; for a thicker icing, add powdered sugar.
Coloring Techniques
Coloring your royal icing allows you to be especially creative. Whether you prefer classic hues or something different, here’s how to do it:
- Divide your royal icing into separate bowls for each color you want.
- Tint the icing with food coloring or gel-based pigments, beginning with a few drops and gradually increasing the amount.
- Stir the icing well to make sure the color is even, and adjust the consistency if needed.
- Experiment with different color combinations to make your Christmas sugar cookies stand out.
With the appropriate consistency and colors, you can transform your Christmas sugar cookies into stunning treats. Enjoy the fun of cookie decorating and show off your creativity.
Professional Decorating Techniques For Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing Recipe
Take your Christmas cookie decorating to the next level with these expert tips. Whether for a holiday party or as a gift, these techniques will transform your cookies into Instagram-worthy treats.
Piping with Royal Icing
Piping royal icing is essential for detailed designs. Fill a piping bag with royal icing and use different tips to make contours and patterns. Before you decorate your final batch of cookies, test them out.
Flooding Technique
For a glossy finish, try flooding. Thin out the royal icing with water until it flows. Use a piping bag to fill the cookies, then shake gently for even coverage. Let them dry before adding more decorations.
Creating Detailed Designs
Enhance your cookies with hand-painted designs. Mix food coloring gels with water or luster dust for patterns. For the best results, use a little brush and apply slowly.
| Decorating Technique | Difficulty Level | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Piping with Royal Icing | Intermediate | Detailed borders, outlines, and patterns |
| Flooding Technique | Beginner | Smooth, glossy coverage |
| Detailed Designs | Advanced | Intricate, hand-painted motifs |
With practice and patience, your Christmas sugar cookies can become edible art. Try these tips to amaze your loved ones with festive treats.
Storage and Shelf Life Tips for Christmas Sugar Cookies with Easy Icing
Keeping your homemade Christmas goodies and culinary gifts fresh is essential. It assures that they deliver happiness to your loved ones. We’ll go over how to store and freeze your holiday baked goods to keep them beautiful.
Proper Storage Methods
Once you’ve finished decorating your Christmas treats, it’s time to store them properly. Here are some tips:
- Cookies should be kept in an airtight jar at room temperature. Stay away from sunlight or heat.
- To absorb moisture, use paper towels or parchment paper. This prevents cookies from sticking together.
- Use parchment or wax paper to separate different cookies. This stops flavors from mixing.
- To ensure the best taste, consume your Christmas treats within 5-7 days.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing is great for enjoying your edible gifts longer. Here’s how to freeze them:
- Place cooled cookies on a baking sheet and freeze for 2-3 hours.
- Put the frozen cookies in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Remove air well.
- Your christmas treats can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thaw cookies at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before eating.
By using these easy storage and freezing tips, your homemade christmas treats and edible gifts will stay fresh. They’ll be ready to impress your family and friends all holiday season.
Common Troubleshooting Tips for Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing Recipe
Baking iced sugar cookies for the holidays can be fun, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, you might face some common problems. Don’t worry, we have some helpful hints to make your holiday baking a success.
Cookies Spreading Too Much
If your iced sugar cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This firms up the butter and keeps the cookies in shape. You can also add a bit more flour to make the dough sturdier.
Dough Is Too Sticky
If your dough is too soft and sticks to everything, it’s too sticky. Dust the surface with more flour or chill the dough for 15-20 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out.
Cookies Losing Their Shape
To keep your iced sugar cookies in shape, chill the cutout shapes on a baking sheet before baking. This helps the dough firm up and keeps its festive shape.
Icing Consistency Issues
If your royal icing is too thick or too thin, adjust it by adding water or powdered sugar. Remember, the humidity and temperature in your kitchen can change the icing’s consistency. You might need to make small adjustments as you go.
By remembering these tips, you’ll be on your way to making beautiful and tasty iced sugar cookies. They’ll surely impress your family and friends this holiday season.
Gift Packaging Ideas for Christmas Cookies
Make your homemade Christmas sugar cookies stand out with thoughtful packaging. Whether you’re giving them to friends, family, or coworkers, the right look can make them stand out. Check out these creative ideas and shipping tips to keep your festive cookies perfect.
Creative Presentation Ideas
Display your cookies in decorative tins, jars, or boxes. For a touch of holiday flair, add a festive ribbon, a personalized tag, or fresh greenery. For a rustic vibe, use a wooden crate or a burlap-lined basket. If you’re crafty, try making your own cookie boxes or bags with patterned paper or fabric.
Shipping Tips
When mailing your Christmas cookies, package them well to avoid damage. Use tissue paper or packing material between layers and don’t stack cookies on top of each other. Choose a strong, insulated box or container for protection. Always follow shipping guidelines, such as selecting a reputable carrier and labeling the package as “perishable.”
FAQ On Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing Recipe
What makes these Christmas sugar cookies special?
This recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction is perfect for the holidays. The dough is easy to work with. The cookies bake beautifully, and the royal icing decorations make them look professional.
What are the essential ingredients for cookie dough?
For the dough, you’ll need flour, baking powder, salt, butter, sugar, an egg, and vanilla extract. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is key for great taste and texture.
What kitchen tools and equipment are required?
A hand or stand mixer, a rolling pin, cookie cutters, baking sheets, and parchment paper are all required. Decorating requires a piping bag, tips, food coloring, and airtight containers.
How do I create the perfect royal icing for decorating?
To make royal icing, mix confectioners’ sugar, meringue powder, and water. The icing should be just right – not too thick or too thin. Use gel food coloring to color it.
What advanced decorating techniques can I try?
For a more professional appearance, try piping outlines, flooding centers, and creating patterns. Adding sprinkles or other decorations can also improve the appearance of your cookies.
How do I properly store the decorated cookies?
Keep decorated cookies in airtight containers at room temperature for up to a week. Baked cookies can stay frozen for up to three months.
What are some common troubleshooting tips?
If the cookies spread excessively, chill the dough longer before baking. For royal icing issues, adjust the consistency. If cookies are too hard, bake them for a shorter time next time.
How can I package the cookies for gifting?
Get creative with packaging! Use clear treat boxes, tins, or cellophane bags. Add a festive ribbon or tag for a special touch. When shipping cookies, use sturdy containers and cushion them well.
Did You Try Our Recipe?
gluten-free flour??
Hi, Linda. I really enjoy your recipes! Could I substitute gluten-free flour in this? I’d want to make these for my celiac pal. Thank you. 🙂
I love this recipe!
Your recipes are always a success. I baked these cookies yesterday as well as today.
