Christmas Cookies Decorated Royal Icing: 5 Magical Tips

Name: Christmas Cookies Decorated Royal Icing: 5 Magical Tips
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 3 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons meringue powder; 1/4 cup water

By:

Christina R. Jones

December 2, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked Christmas cookies decorated with royal icing wafting through the house during the holidays. It takes me back to my childhood, where my family gathered in the kitchen, laughter echoing as we rolled dough and cut out festive shapes. My favorite part was always getting to unleash my creativity with the royal icing, transforming simple cookies into little works of art. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into a beautifully decorated cookie that you’ve made with love. This tradition has become a cherished ritual in my home, where my kids now join me in the fun, each bringing their unique flair to the designs. So, if you’re ready to dive into a world of sweet creativity and joy, let’s roll up our sleeves and whip up some delightful Christmas cookies decorated with royal icing together!

Ingredients List

Let’s gather everything we need to make these delightful Christmas cookies decorated with royal icing! Starting with the basics:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Make sure to sift this for a lighter texture. It’s the foundation of our cookies!
1 teaspoon baking powder: This gives our cookies that perfect rise, making them soft and airy.
1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness beautifully.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Let it sit at room temperature until it’s soft but not melted. This is key for creaming!
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: This will sweeten our dough and help it turn golden as it bakes.
1 egg: Just one will do the trick, adding richness to our cookies.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: The classic flavor that makes cookies taste like home.
1 teaspoon almond extract: This adds a lovely, nutty twist that pairs perfectly with the vanilla.
3 cups powdered sugar: Essential for our royal icing, giving it that sweet, smooth finish.
2 tablespoons meringue powder: This helps stabilize our icing, making it perfect for decorating.
1/4 cup water: Just enough to mix into our royal icing to reach the right consistency.

With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to create some festive magic in the kitchen!

How to Prepare Christmas Cookies Decorated with Royal Icing

Preparing the Cookie Dough

Let’s get started on that delicious cookie dough! First, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This is super important because it ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps our cookies rise beautifully. Set this bowl aside for a moment.

Now, in another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until they’re creamy and light—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. You want it to look fluffy, kind of like clouds! Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until everything is well combined.

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies tender! Once everything is blended, you can knead the dough lightly on a floured surface until it’s smooth. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out later!

Baking the Cookies

After your dough has chilled, it’s time to preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This is where the magic starts to happen! Take the dough out of the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; that’s part of the charm!

Line your baking sheets with parchment paper, which prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Place your cut-out cookies on the sheets, leaving a little space between each one. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes. You’ll want to watch closely; the edges should be just barely golden. They’ll still look a bit soft in the center, but don’t worry—they’ll firm up as they cool! Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Royal Icing

While the cookies cool, let’s whip up some royal icing! In a clean mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Beat this mixture on low speed until it’s smooth and glossy. This usually takes about 5 minutes. The consistency should be thick enough to hold its shape but still spreadable—think of toothpaste! If it’s too thick, just add a tiny bit more water, one teaspoon at a time. If it’s too runny, dust in a little more powdered sugar.

Decorating the Cookies

Now comes the fun part—decorating the cookies! Once your royal icing is ready, you can divide it into smaller bowls if you want to tint it with food coloring. Use gel colors for vibrant shades! Grab a piping bag (or a plastic bag with a corner snipped off) and fill it with your icing. Start by outlining your cookies, then flood the center with more icing, using a toothpick to spread it around if needed. Don’t forget to have fun with it! You can create all sorts of designs—snowflakes, Christmas trees, or even little faces! Just remember, it’s okay if they’re not perfect; they’re made with love!

Once decorated, let the cookies dry completely—this usually takes a few hours. Be patient; it’s worth it when you see your beautiful creations! Now, you’re ready to spread some holiday cheer with your stunning Christmas cookies decorated with royal icing!

Nutritional Information

Before we dive into the delightful world of these Christmas cookies decorated with royal icing, let’s talk about the nutritional side. Keep in mind that nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this a general guideline. Each cookie has approximately 150 calories, with 7g of fat (including 4g of saturated fat), 2g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates (including 10g of sugar). There’s also about 50mg of sodium and 20mg of cholesterol per cookie. These sweet treats are a festive indulgence, so enjoy them in moderation while celebrating the joyous season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up these delightful cookies!
Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla and almond extracts gives these cookies a rich, delicious flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet royal icing.
Festive Fun: Decorating cookies with royal icing is a joyful activity the whole family can enjoy together, creating cherished holiday memories.
Creative Freedom: With endless design possibilities, you can let your creativity shine, making each cookie unique and personal.
Perfect for Gifting: These beautifully decorated cookies make wonderful gifts and festive treats for holiday gatherings!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Christmas cookies decorated with royal icing turn out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips to keep in mind:

Chill, Chill, Chill: Don’t skip the chilling step for your dough! It makes rolling out the cookies easier and helps them maintain their shape while baking.
Watch the Oven: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. You want them to be just set and barely golden around the edges; overbaking can lead to dryness.
Consistency is Key: When making royal icing, aim for that perfect consistency. If it’s too thick, your designs may not flow well; too runny, and they won’t hold their shape. Adjust with powdered sugar or water as needed.
Let Them Dry: Be patient when it comes to drying your decorated cookies. Allow ample time for the icing to set completely before stacking or storing them to avoid smudging.
Have Fun! Remember, the decorating process is all about creativity. Don’t stress about perfection—embrace the charm of your unique designs!

Variations

The beauty of Christmas cookies decorated with royal icing lies in their versatility! You can switch up the shapes by using different cookie cutters—think ornaments, stars, or even gingerbread men to add a fun twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a festive flavor kick. You can also experiment with different extracts; a splash of peppermint extract can bring a refreshing taste to your cookies!

For decorating, consider using edible glitter or sprinkles to make your cookies sparkle. And don’t forget, you can mix and match colors for your royal icing to create vibrant designs that’ll dazzle everyone at your holiday gatherings. Let your creativity run wild!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your beautiful Christmas cookies decorated with royal icing fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their delightful texture and flavor for up to one week. If you need to stack the cookies, place a layer of parchment paper between them to prevent any smudging of your lovely icing designs. If you’ve got leftover cookies (which is rare!), you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure they’re completely dry before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature—no need to reheat, as these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature!

FAQ Section

Q1. Can I use different flavors for the royal icing?
Absolutely! You can flavor your royal icing with extracts like peppermint or lemon for a unique twist. Just a few drops will do the trick!

Q2. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading while baking?
To keep your Christmas cookies decorated with royal icing from spreading, make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out. This helps maintain their shape during baking!

Q3. What’s the best way to tint royal icing?
Using gel food coloring is best for tinting royal icing. It won’t change the consistency, and you can achieve vibrant colors without overwatering the icing.

Q4. How long does royal icing take to dry?
Typically, royal icing takes about 2-4 hours to dry completely, depending on humidity. Letting them sit overnight is a great way to ensure they’re fully set!

Q5. Can I make the cookie dough in advance?
Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for longer storage. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before rolling out!