Christmas Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing: 5 Sweet Secrets

Name: Christmas Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing: 5 Sweet Secrets
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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

By:

Christina R. Jones

May 30, 2025

Christmas Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

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Ah, Christmas sugar cookies with royal icing! They’re a holiday tradition in my home and a true delight to make. The smell of warm, buttery cookies fills the air, and I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia as I gather my family around the kitchen. I remember the excitement in my kids’ eyes as we roll out the dough, cut it into festive shapes, and prepare to decorate. It’s a magical process! As we whip up the royal icing, laughter echoes, and the kitchen turns into a creative workshop. My favorite part? Watching everyone unleash their inner artist with colorful icing and sprinkles! These cookies aren’t just a treat; they’re a canvas for our holiday spirit. Trust me, once you try making these Christmas sugar cookies with royal icing, you’ll find yourself looking forward to this sweet tradition year after year, just like I do!

Christmas Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing - detail 1

Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

Gather these simple ingredients to create your festive Christmas sugar cookies with royal icing:

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 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups powdered sugar
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature, and don’t skip on the fresh extracts—they really bring the flavor to life! Gather everything together, and we’ll be ready to bake some delightful cookies!

How to Prepare Christmas Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

Preparing the Cookie Dough

Let’s dive into making the cookie dough! Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In it, whisk together the 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. This combo is essential for that perfect rise and texture. Now, in another bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar until it becomes light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. It’s so satisfying to see that creamy mix come together!

Next, beat in your large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract. The extracts are what make these cookies sing with flavor! Gradually blend in your dry ingredients into this buttery goodness, mixing until just combined. I love using my hands to finish mixing; it feels more personal! Once you have a smooth dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Baking the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)—trust me, you want your cookies to bake in a hot oven! While it warms up, line your ungreased cookie sheets with parchment paper. Now, take your chilled dough out of the fridge and roll rounded teaspoonfuls into balls. Place them spaced out on the cookie sheets and flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass. This gives them that classic cookie shape. Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are just turning golden. Once done, let those lovely cookies cool on wire racks. The aroma in your kitchen will be heavenly!

Making Royal Icing

Now for the fun part—making the royal icing! In a mixing bowl, beat 2 egg whites and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice until frothy. Then, gradually add in the 3 cups of powdered sugar. I like to do this slowly to avoid a sugary cloud! Keep mixing until the icing is smooth and shiny, reaching a consistency that holds peaks—this is key for decorating. If it’s too thick, add a drop of water; if it’s too runny, just add a bit more powdered sugar until it’s just right.

Decorating the Cookies

Time to unleash your creativity! Once your cookies are completely cool, it’s decorating time. You can use piping bags for more detailed designs or simply spread the royal icing with a spatula for a smooth finish. I love to mix in some food coloring to create vibrant hues for the holidays! You can even use a toothpick to create swirls and patterns. Don’t forget to sprinkle on some edible glitter or colored sugar for that extra festive touch! Allow the icing to dry completely before stacking or packing them up, so they stay beautiful and intact.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Spirit: These Christmas sugar cookies with royal icing bring the holiday cheer right into your kitchen! Decorate them with your loved ones for a fun bonding experience.
Delicious Flavor: The buttery sweetness of the cookies combined with the smooth, sweet royal icing creates a taste that’s hard to resist. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Easy to Follow: With clear instructions and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. You don’t need to be a pro to create these delightful treats!
Perfect for Gatherings: These cookies make a stunning centerpiece for any holiday gathering or cookie exchange. Everyone will love admiring (and eating!) your beautiful creations.
Customizable Designs: The decorating possibilities are endless! Use different colors and techniques to make each cookie unique, reflecting your personal style and creativity.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Christmas sugar cookies with royal icing turn out perfectly every time, I’ve gathered some tried-and-true tips that I swear by!

Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients make a world of difference! Opt for real butter, pure vanilla extract, and fresh eggs. They enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies, making them taste just like they came from a bakery.
Chill Your Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s crucial for keeping your cookies from spreading too much while baking. If you find the dough getting warm while you work, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.
Measure Accurately: Baking is more of a science than an art, so make sure to measure your flour properly. Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
Store Properly: Once your cookies are decorated and the icing has dried completely, store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week (if they last that long!). If you plan to stack them, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Practice Your Icing Technique: Don’t worry if your royal icing skills aren’t perfect at first! Start with the outline technique to create a barrier for flooding. Once you get the hang of it, you can try more intricate designs. Practice makes perfect!
Let Icing Set: Allow your royal icing to dry completely before stacking or packaging your cookies. This can take several hours, so plan ahead! I sometimes leave them overnight to be safe.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking stellar Christmas sugar cookies that will impress everyone—trust me, they’ll be begging for the recipe!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about what you’re really consuming when you indulge in these delicious Christmas sugar cookies with royal icing. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one cookie:

Calories: 150
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 22g
Sugar: 10g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. So, enjoy these festive treats in moderation, and don’t forget to share them with family and friends!

FAQ About Christmas Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

Got questions about making these delightful Christmas sugar cookies with royal icing? No worries! I’ve got you covered with answers to some common queries that pop up when baking these festive treats.

Can I use different flavors of extract?

Absolutely! While vanilla and almond extracts are traditional in this recipe, feel free to experiment. Peppermint extract can add a delightful holiday twist, or you might try orange extract for a citrusy zing. Just remember to use them sparingly, as they can be quite potent!

How should I store my cookies?

After decorating, let your cookies dry completely—this usually takes a few hours. Once they’re set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. If you’re stacking them, use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking!

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

You bet! Freezing the dough is a great way to save time during the busy holiday season. Just wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling and cutting your cookies.

What if I don’t have egg whites for the royal icing?

No egg whites? No problem! You can use meringue powder as a substitute. Mix 2 tablespoons of meringue powder with 2 tablespoons of water to replace one egg white. It works beautifully and gives you that same glossy finish!

How do I achieve different icing consistencies?

Great question! For outlining, your royal icing should be thick enough to hold its shape. For flooding (filling in designs), you want it a bit runnier. You can adjust the consistency by adding a few drops of water to thin it out or a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it. Practice makes perfect here!

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Definitely! You can bake the cookies a week in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just decorate them closer to your event to ensure the icing stays fresh and vibrant. These cookies are perfect for prepping ahead, so you can enjoy the festive fun without the last-minute rush!

With these FAQs, I hope you feel more confident in making your Christmas sugar cookies with royal icing. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with joy and sweet aromas this holiday season!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your delicious Christmas sugar cookies with royal icing properly is essential to keep them fresh and tasty. Once your cookies have cooled completely and the icing has set, place them in an airtight container. This will help preserve their flavor and texture. If you’re stacking them, be sure to place a piece of parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together. Stored this way, your cookies should stay fresh for about a week. But let’s be honest, they probably won’t last that long!

If you need to keep them for longer, you can freeze the cookies. Just make sure the icing is completely dry, then wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. This way, they’ll retain their delightful taste and texture.

As for reheating, sugar cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, so I don’t recommend reheating them in the microwave, as that could ruin the icing. Instead, if you want them slightly warm, you can pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake. Enjoy your festive treats anytime with these simple storage and reheating tips!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up a batch of these delightful Christmas sugar cookies with royal icing, it’s time to think about how to present them! Here are some fun ideas to serve alongside your festive treats:

Hot Cocoa: Nothing pairs better with sugar cookies than a warm cup of hot cocoa! Top it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for extra indulgence.
Eggnog: For a classic holiday twist, serve these cookies with a glass of rich eggnog. The creamy, spiced flavors complement the sweetness of the cookies beautifully!
Tea or Coffee: A cozy cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee can elevate your cookie experience. Choose a spiced chai or peppermint tea for a festive flair.
Fruit Platters: Balance the sweetness with a colorful fruit platter. Fresh berries, citrus slices, or even pomegranate seeds add a refreshing touch to your holiday spread.
Cheese Board: Create a cheese board with a variety of cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits. The combination of savory and sweet makes for a delightful contrast with your cookies.

These serving suggestions will not only enhance the overall experience but also create a welcoming atmosphere for your holiday gatherings. Enjoy sharing your scrumptious creations with loved ones!