Recipe for Festive Holly Berry Cookies

Recipe for Festive Holly Berry Cookies

Ingredients:

Cookies:

2 cups 315 g all-purpose flour

cup 170 g unsalted butter, softened

1 cup 200 g granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

tsp almond extract optional

tsp salt

Royal Icing:

3 cups 375 g powdered sugar, sifted

2 large egg whites or 4 tbsp meringue powder 6 tbsp water

tsp vanilla or almond extract

Food coloring: red, green, and black

Edible glitter optional

Instructions:

Prepare the Cookies:

In a bowl, whisk flour and salt.

In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, and mix well.

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

Divide dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.

Shape and Bake:

Preheat oven to 350F 175C. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Roll out dough to inch 6 mm thickness on a lightly floured surface.

Use a scalloped-edge cutter to create cookie shapes.

Transfer cookies to prepared sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.

Cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the Royal Icing:

Beat egg whites or meringue powder mixture until frothy.

Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.

Divide into bowls and tint with food coloring: white for the base, red for berries, green for leaves, and black for branches.

Decorate:

Flood each cookie with white icing and allow to dry completely 4-6 hours or overnight.

Use a fine piping tip to create holly leaves with green icing and branches with black icing.

Pipe red dots for berries, and add edible glitter for a frosty effect if desired.

Finishing Touches:

Allow icing to set completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.

These elegant cookies are perfect for gifting or adding a festive touch to your holiday table!