Christmas for a Christmas party.... had to turn around a few hours later to make another batch because we had already ate half. Ended up making 3 batches in 4 daysChristmas for a Christmas party.... had to turn around a few hours later to make another batch because we had already ate half. Ended up making 3 batches in 4 days

 

Introduction: A Festive Favorite

Every year, the holidays bring an abundance of joy, family, and, of course, cookies. Some recipes are simply ordinary, but others become legendary — the kind you bake once and suddenly need to make multiple batches because they vanish faster than Santa’s cookies on Christmas Eve.

This is exactly what happened with my Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing. I brought a batch to a Christmas party, and within hours, half were gone. The family and friends loved them so much that I had to bake another batch the very same day — and ultimately, I made three batches in just four days. That’s how irresistible they are: soft, buttery cookies with delicate, colorful icing that makes everyone smile.

These cookies aren’t just desserts; they’re a centerpiece for holiday gatherings. Children and adults alike love decorating them, and they make for beautiful gifts or edible decorations. This article will guide you step by step through making the perfect batch of Christmas sugar cookies, including tips for the dough, baking, and royal icing.

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Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookies

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Royal Icing

• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

• 3 tablespoons meringue powder

• 9–10 tablespoons warm water (adjust for consistency)

• Food coloring (red, green, white, or any festive colors)

Optional Decorations

• Sprinkles, edible glitter, sugar pearls, or nonpareils

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.

3. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough forms. Avoid overmixing.

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Step 2: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut into shapes, and prevents cookies from spreading too much during baking.

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Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy removal and even baking.

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Step 4: Roll and Cut the Cookies

1. Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin.

2. Roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.

3. Use festive cookie cutters (stars, trees, snowflakes, candy canes, etc.) to cut shapes.

4. Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.

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Step 5: Bake

Bake cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them — overbaking will make them dry.

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Step 6: Cool Completely

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating. Complete cooling prevents icing from sliding or melting.

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Royal Icing: The Perfect Finish

Step 1: Prepare the Icing

1. In a large bowl, combine sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder.

2. Add warm water gradually, mixing until icing reaches desired consistency. For outlining cookies, use thicker icing; for flooding (filling in), thin with additional water until it flows smoothly.

Step 2: Divide and Color

Divide icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to each portion. Mix thoroughly until colors are even.

Step 3: Decorate

1. Use piping bags with small round tips to outline cookie shapes.

2. Fill the outlined areas with thinned icing for a smooth “flooded” effect.

3. Add sprinkles or edible glitter while the icing is still wet.

4. Allow icing to harden for several hours (or overnight) before stacking or storing.

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Tips for Perfect Christmas Cookies

1. Use room temperature butter: It creams better with sugar for a light, fluffy texture.

2. Chill the dough: Helps maintain shape and makes cutting easier.

3. Thin royal icing gradually: Too thin and it won’t hold; too thick and it won’t flood the cookie evenly.

4. Practice piping on parchment paper: This helps with consistency before decorating cookies.

5. Store cookies properly: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week; separate layers with parchment paper.

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Variations

1. Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist.

2. Gingerbread Flavor: Substitute ½ teaspoon ground ginger and ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a spiced variation.

3. Filled Cookies: Sandwich cookies with jam or chocolate ganache for extra indulgence.

4. Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.

5. Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and flax egg instead of regular egg.

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Decorating Ideas

• Classic Christmas Colors: Red and green for trees, holly, and candy canes.

• Winter Wonderland: White icing with silver or blue sprinkles to mimic snow.

• Personalized Cookies: Add names or initials for party favors or gifts.

• Layered Designs: Use multiple icing colors for detailed ornaments and festive scenes.

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Why These Cookies Disappear So Quickly

• Visual Appeal: Bright, colorful cookies naturally attract attention at parties.

• Delicious Flavor: Soft, buttery cookies with sweet, smooth icing appeal to all ages.

• Fun to Decorate: Decorating is part of the experience, especially for kids.

• Shareable and Giftable: Perfect for cookie exchanges, parties, and holiday treats.

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Party Story

At my first Christmas party this year, I brought a batch of these cookies. Within hours, half were gone. I had planned to enjoy some leftovers, but the guests and family devoured them so quickly that I had to start a second batch the same day. By the fourth day, I had made three batches in total — enough to keep up with the insatiable sweet tooth of my friends and family.

Each batch had its own personality: the first was meticulously decorated, the second slightly more playful with sprinkles, and the third rushed but still as delicious. It was a reminder that good recipes bring people together and disappear fast!

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Storage and Gifting

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container separated by parchment for up to 1 week.

• Freezing: Unfrosted cookies freeze well; decorate after thawing.

• Gifting: Pack in festive boxes with parchment layers or cellophane bags tied with ribbon. Perfect for neighbors, friends, or party favors.

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Nutritional Snapshot (approx. per cookie)

• Calories: 150

• Fat: 6g

• Carbohydrates: 22g

• Protein: 1g

• Sugar: 12g

Indulgent but perfect for a festive treat. Balance with fruit or nuts at parties if desired.

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Tips for Making Multiple Batches Quickly

1. Prep all ingredients in advance: Measure flour, sugar, and other essentials before starting.

2. Use multiple baking sheets: Bake several trays simultaneously if your oven allows.

3. Make dough ahead: Dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, allowing you to roll and cut cookies in batches.

4. Simplify decorations: Basic flooding with a few sprinkles can save time without sacrificing flavor.

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Conclusion: The Perfect Party Cookie

Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing are a staple for the holidays, loved by children and adults alike. Their buttery texture, sweet icing, and festive appearance make them irresistible — so much so that you may find yourself baking multiple batches in just a few days.

These cookies aren’t just treats; they’re memories in the making. Watching friends and family enjoy them, decorating together, and sharing the joy of homemade sweets embodies the true spirit of Christmas.

Whether for a party, gifts, or a cozy night by the tree, these cookies guarantee smiles, satisfied appetites, and stories that you’ll share year after year.