Classic Holiday Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
Classic Holiday Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing - The perfect festive treat featuring buttery, tender cookies topped with vibrant, smooth royal icing that dries to a perfect hard finish. These timeless holiday favorites capture the joy of decorating with family and friends.
About This Cookies Recipe
There's something magical about the holidays that transforms a simple kitchen into a warm, fragrant wonderland. The scent of butter, vanilla, and warm spices seems to fill every corner of the house, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and joy that we carry into our hearts all season long. Among all the cherished traditions that make this time of year so special, few hold as much promise and delight as the annual cookie-baking ritual. I still remember the sheer excitement of watching my grandmother meticulously measure ingredients, her flour-dusted hands moving with practiced precision as she taught me that baking is as much about patience and attention to detail as it is about following instructions. The first bite of a homemade sugar cookie—crispy edges, tender center, and that unmistakable buttery sweetness—can transport you right back to those childhood Christmases, wrapped in fuzzy socks and fuzzy sweaters, surrounded by family and laughter. These Classic Holiday Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing represent the perfect marriage of tradition and creativity. They’re not just any cookies; they’re the canvas for your holiday imagination. The dough is buttery and tender, perfect for rolling and cutting into festive shapes, while the royal icing provides that professional, glossy finish that makes every decorated cookie look like a little work of art. Whether you're planning an elaborate decorating party with friends, creating a personalized family gift, or simply treating yourself to a moment of holiday nostalgia, these cookies deliver that authentic, homemade feeling that store-bought treats just can't match. They bring people together—neighbors sharing platters, children helping with sprinkles, siblings competing to see who can create the most elaborate design. The best part? They freeze beautifully, so you can start early and savor the joy of holiday baking throughout the entire season.
Classic Holiday Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing Ingredients
- 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For royal icing: 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 6 tablespoons warm water
- Food coloring of your choice
- Optional: Nonpareils, edible glitter, or sprinkles
How to Make Classic Holiday Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- 2
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- 3
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
- 4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture on low speed, mixing just until combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
- 5
Divide the dough in half, shape each portion into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- 6
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disk to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create holiday shapes and transfer to prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- 7
Gather scraps, chill for 30 minutes, reroll, and cut more cookies. Repeat with remaining dough.
- 8
Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Centers should appear slightly underdone. Let cool on baking sheets for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- 9
For royal icing, whisk together powdered sugar and meringue powder until combined. Add warm water gradually while beating on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form (about 7 minutes).
- 10
Divide icing into separate bowls and add food coloring. For flood consistency, add liquid one teaspoon at a time until icing flows like heavy cream.
- 11
Using piping consistency icing, outline each cookie. Let outlines dry for 15-20 minutes before filling with flood consistency icing.
- 12
Remove air bubbles with a toothpick and allow each layer to dry completely (about 1 hour) before adding more details. Add sprinkles while wet for extra sparkle.
- 13
Let decorated cookies dry for at least 24 hours in a cool, dry place before storing in airtight containers.
Chef's Tips
- Use cake flour for extra tender texture, or add 2 tablespoons cornstarch to all-purpose flour
- Add 1 tablespoon of cream cheese to the dough for extra richness
- Try adding ¼ teaspoon of almond extract for a more sophisticated flavor
- For smoother icing, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before decorating
- Use a small paintbrush to smooth out any rough edges on your icing
Nutrition Facts
85
Calories
1
Protein
4
Fat
12
Carbs
Serving Suggestions
These Classic Holiday Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing make the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. Arrange them on a decorative platter with varying shapes and colors for maximum visual appeal, perhaps grouping them by color scheme or holiday theme. They're excellent for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as gifts in decorative tins. Serve them alongside a cup of hot cocoa, spiced tea, or coffee for a complete seasonal experience. For a special touch, pair them with fresh berries or a light fruit salad to balance the sweetness. These cookies also work wonderfully as a sweet ending to holiday meals or as part of a breakfast spread during holiday brunches. When gifting, consider including a small card with decorating tips or instructions to add value to your thoughtful present.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recipe card
Classic Holiday Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
Classic Holiday Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing - The perfect festive treat featuring buttery, tender cookies topped with vibrant, smooth royal icing that dries to a perfect hard finish. These timeless holiday favorites capture the joy of decorating with family and friends.
Prep
60 min
Cook
10 min
Total
70 min
Servings
2-3 dozen cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For royal icing: 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 6 tablespoons warm water
- Food coloring of your choice
- Optional: Nonpareils, edible glitter, or sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture on low speed, mixing just until combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
- Divide the dough in half, shape each portion into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disk to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create holiday shapes and transfer to prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Gather scraps, chill for 30 minutes, reroll, and cut more cookies. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Centers should appear slightly underdone. Let cool on baking sheets for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For royal icing, whisk together powdered sugar and meringue powder until combined. Add warm water gradually while beating on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form (about 7 minutes).
- Divide icing into separate bowls and add food coloring. For flood consistency, add liquid one teaspoon at a time until icing flows like heavy cream.
- Using piping consistency icing, outline each cookie. Let outlines dry for 15-20 minutes before filling with flood consistency icing.
- Remove air bubbles with a toothpick and allow each layer to dry completely (about 1 hour) before adding more details. Add sprinkles while wet for extra sparkle.
- Let decorated cookies dry for at least 24 hours in a cool, dry place before storing in airtight containers.
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