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Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies with Easy Royal Icing

Soft, buttery Christmas sugar cookies that hold their shape, paired with a quick, glossy royal icing perfect for decorating.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Batter
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg large
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tsp almond extract optional
Filling
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp meringue powder
  • 5-6 tbsp warm water

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
  4. Add dry ingredients and mix until dough forms. Roll dough between parchment sheets and chill for 1 hour.
  5. Cut out cookie shapes and arrange on baking sheets.
  6. Bake for 8–10 minutes and cool completely.
  7. For icing, whisk powdered sugar and meringue powder, adding warm water until desired consistency is reached.
  8. Decorate cookies with royal icing and allow to fully dry before storing.

Notes

Chill rolled dough to prevent spreading. Use gel coloring for the best icing results.