Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
Ingredients
📝 Ingredients:
- For the Cookies:
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg 🥚
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract optional
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Royal Icing:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp meringue powder
- 4-5 tbsp water adjust as needed
- Gel food coloring red, green, and other festive colors
- Edible decorations pearls, sprinkles, etc.
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
2️⃣ Chill and Cut Out Cookies:
- Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes and transfer them to the baking sheets.
3️⃣ Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4️⃣ Prepare the Royal Icing:
- In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the icing reaches your desired consistency (thicker for outlining, thinner for flooding).
- Divide the icing into separate bowls and tint with gel food coloring. Transfer the icing to piping bags or squeeze bottles.
5️⃣ Decorate the Cookies:
- Outline each cookie with thicker icing, then flood the center with thinner icing. Use a toothpick to spread the icing evenly.
- While the icing is still wet, decorate with edible pearls, sprinkles, and any festive toppings.
6️⃣ Let Set:
- Allow the decorated cookies to dry completely (about 6-8 hours or overnight) before stacking or serving.
Notes
Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: Prevent spreading during baking by keeping the dough cold.
- Test Icing Consistency: Run a spoon through the icing; it should smooth out in 10 seconds for flooding.
- Storage: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.