Decorative Christmas Cookies

Name: Decorative Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 100 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled); 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 egg whites (pasteurized); 4 cups icing sugar (sifted); 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice; food colouring (optional)

100 min 24 cookies Easy

All Recipes

Decorative Christmas Cookies

Create festive decorative Christmas cookies perfect for holiday celebrations. Simple to make and fun to decorate with family and friends.

Prep

30 min

Cook

10 min

Total

100 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Decorative Christmas cookies are a timeless holiday tradition, bringing joy and festive cheer to any gathering. These cookies are not only delicious but also serve as a creative activity for both kids and adults alike. The beauty of these cookies lies in their versatility. You can cut them into any shape you desire, whether it be stars, trees, or snowflakes, and decorate them with colourful icing and sprinkles. This makes them a perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire, adding a personalized touch to your festive celebrations.

Ingredients

Servings

Cookie Dough

Royal Icing

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract and egg until well combined.

Pro tip: Ensure the butter is at room temperature for a smooth mixture.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.

Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Pro tip: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading during baking.

Roll Out the Dough

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.

Bake the Cookies

Place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the Icing

In a bowl, beat the egg whites and lemon juice until frothy. Gradually add icing sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Tint with food colouring if desired.

Pro tip: Use pasteurized egg whites for food safety.

Decorate the Cookies

Transfer the royal icing to piping bags and decorate the cooled cookies as desired. Allow the icing to set completely before storing.

Pro tip: Use different piping tips for varied designs.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Ensure butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.</li><li>Chill the dough to prevent cookie spreading.</li><li>Use gel food colouring for vibrant icing hues.</li><li>Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Once decorated, these cookies make wonderful gifts or party favours, spreading holiday cheer to friends, family, and neighbours. Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk for a delightful treat. These cookies can be made ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze undecorated cookies for up to three months. Thaw and decorate when ready to serve.