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Decorated Christmas cookies by Andre Cookies for holiday celebrations

Decorated Christmas Cookies by Andre Cookies

These festive decorated Christmas cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings. With a delicious buttery base and colorful royal icing, they're a joy to make and share.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 36 cookies
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookies
  • 3 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
  • 1 Large egg
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp Baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
Royal Icing
  • 4 cups Powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp Meringue powder
  • 1/2 cup Warm water (or more, as needed)
  • Food coloring various colors

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Rolling pin
  • Cookie cutters (various Christmas shapes)
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Piping bags and tips or squeeze bottles

Method
 

Making the Cookies
  1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the egg and vanilla.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add to the wet ingredients until just combined.
  3. Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
  4. Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thick and cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
  5. Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Decorating
  1. Whisk powdered sugar and meringue powder in a large bowl, then gradually add warm water until a smooth, thick icing forms.
  2. Divide icing into separate bowls and tint with food coloring as desired.
  3. Transfer icing to piping bags with fine tips or squeeze bottles and decorate cooled cookies as desired. Allow icing to set completely for several hours or overnight.

Notes

For best results, ensure cookies are completely cool before decorating. Allow decorated cookies to dry undisturbed for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight, to prevent smudging.