There’s something about the quiet hum of a chilly afternoon that makes sugar cookie decorating feel like the coziest way to celebrate Christmas. The moment you unwrap the dough, the buttery scent nudges you into a slower rhythm, one where time stretches just enough to let creativity sneak in alongside the holiday spirit.
One December, I remember setting up the kitchen table with flour dusted here and there, a few cookie cutters scattered like little treasures waiting to be discovered. The kids were buzzing with excitement, though one kept getting distracted by the jingling bells on the tree, so I paused and caught a breath, smiling at how the day was unfolding. As the cookies baked, the soft, sweet aroma filled the house, wrapping around us like a well-loved blanket. Then came the royal icing—vibrant reds and greens pooling in piping bags, ready for the messy, joyful dance of decorating.
Why You’ll Love It
– It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No need for fancy ingredients, just good old-fashioned fun and flavor.
– The royal icing dries firm but not brittle, making these cookies perfect for stacking or gifting without worrying about cracks.
– Decorating is a chance to slow down and enjoy a creative break, even if your designs end up a bit lopsided or more abstract than perfect.
– These cookies stay soft and buttery for days, so you can nibble on them long after the decorating party ends.
– A little patience goes a long way here—waiting for the icing to dry is a test of will, but the payoff is worth it.
If you’re worried that decorating might be too tricky or take forever, don’t be. The icing is forgiving, and even the simplest dots or lines feel festive. Plus, there’s no rush—these cookies happily wait for your artistic touch.
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Sugar Cookie Decorating for Christmas
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Classic sugar cookies decorated with festive royal icing, perfect for Christmas celebrations. These cookies are soft, buttery, and easy to decorate with vibrant holiday colors.
Ingredients
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 tablespoons sour cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons meringue powder
5 tablespoons warm water
Red gel food coloring
Green gel food coloring
White gel food coloring
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
Add the sour cream and mix until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Use Christmas-themed cookie cutters (such as stars, trees, and snowflakes) to cut out shapes and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
To prepare the royal icing, combine the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and warm water in a large bowl. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes.
Divide the royal icing into three bowls. Tint one bowl with red gel food coloring, one with green gel food coloring, and leave one bowl white by adding a small amount of white gel food coloring if desired.
Transfer each colored icing into separate piping bags fitted with small round tips.
Decorate the cooled sugar cookies with the royal icing, creating festive designs such as outlines, dots, and fills. Allow the icing to dry completely, about 4 hours or overnight, before storing.
Store the decorated sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Kitchen Notes
You don’t need anything fancy—just a good flat surface to roll out the dough and a few small piping tips for the icing. I usually skip the perfect piping bags and just snip a tiny hole in a plastic sandwich bag; it’s a little messier but works just fine. These cookies are great with a cup of spiced tea or a cozy hot chocolate. Sometimes, I like to add a sprinkle of edible glitter or swap the almond extract for a little lemon zest, though I haven’t tested all those variations extensively. If you want to speed things up, decorating with just one color can still look charming.
FAQ
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, chilling it overnight actually helps the flavors deepen and makes it easier to roll out.
Q: How long should I wait before icing the cookies?
A: Make sure cookies are completely cool; warm cookies can melt the icing and ruin your design.
Q: Can I store these cookies after decorating?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Avoid the fridge to keep icing crisp.
Q: What if my icing is too runny or too stiff?
A: Add a little more powdered sugar if runny, or a few drops of water if too thick, until you get the right spread.
Let this be your invitation to slow down and savor a little holiday magic. Ready to get your hands a bit sticky and your heart a little lighter? Dive in and start decorating—you might just find it’s the sweetest part of your Christmas.