Description
Welcome to the sweetest part of the holidays — where buttery cookies meet twinkling creativity! These Christmas sugar cookies are more than just treats; they’re edible art, made to share warmth, laughter, and love. Whether you’re decorating with kids, hosting a cookie swap, or crafting a festive gift box, this guide will help you bake cookies that look as good as they taste. Tie on that apron and let’s make your kitchen smell like Christmas joy!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
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1 cup unsalted butter, cool room temp
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg, room temp
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2 tsp pure vanilla extract
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
For the Royal Icing:
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4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
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3 tbsp meringue powder (or 2 egg whites)
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6–8 tbsp water
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Gel food coloring (your favorite festive shades)
Instructions
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Cream butter & sugar until fluffy. Mix in egg and vanilla.
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In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into wet ingredients until dough forms.
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Divide, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
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Roll dough to ¼ inch, cut shapes, chill 10 mins, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 mins. Cool completely.
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Make icing: Beat sugar and meringue powder, add water slowly until smooth.
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Divide icing—keep some thick for outlining, thin the rest for flooding.
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Decorate: Outline cookies, flood centers, and add details once dry. Let them set overnight for best results.
Notes
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Always chill dough to keep edges sharp.
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Use gel colors for vibrant icing without thinning.
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Dry cookies completely before storing or layering.