The Ultimate Christmas Cookie Recipe: buttery Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

Whether you are baking cookies for Santa to eat when he comes to visit, or cookies to snack on while watching your favorite Christmas movie, there is something magical about baking during the holiday season. The warm smell of them cooking in the oven filling the house, Christmas music playing in the background, and the joyful fun of decorating the cookies once they are done cooking, is all part of a timeless Christmas tradition to do each year.

Here is a classic Christmas cookie recipe that never fails: Buttery Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing. Perfect for gifting, sharing or just indulging with a mig of hot cocoa.

Ingredients (For the Sugar Cookies)

- 2 ¾ cups all- purpose flour

- 1 tsp baking powder

- ½ tsp salt

- 1 cup unsalted butter

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 1 large egg

- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

- ½ tsp almond extract

Ingredients (for the Royal Icing)

- 3 cups powdered sugar

- 2 tbsp meringue power

- 5-6 tbsp water

- Food coloring

- Sparkles and decorations

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Beat until all is combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough is formed. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Roll and Cut

Preheat your oven to 350 F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use your favorite holiday cookie cutters to cut out fun holiday shapes. Place cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake

Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown. Once taken out, let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to rack to cool completely.

Step 4: make the Icing

Combine powdered sugar and meringue powder, then add water at a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Decorate

Get creative and start decorating your cookies. Divide your icing and tint with different colors of food coloring. Decorate your cookies using piping bags, knives and as much sprinkles as your heart desires.

Baking Christmas cookies is more than just a sweet treat, it's about creating lasting memories with the people you love. Whether you are baking with your kids, hosting a cookie decorating night with friends or having a date night, don't worry about making them look perfect. The beauty of this easy and simple recipe is anyone can try it out and what matters most is the joy you pour into the process.

So tie your apron, roll out the dough, and let the holiday spirit fill your home. I hope this recipe brings a little warmth into your kitchen and holiday season.

Happy baking and happy holidays.