Christmas Ornament Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional
For the Royal Icing:
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon meringue powder
23 tablespoons water
Food coloring optional
Directions:
Make the Cookie Dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using and mix until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to make it easier to handle.
Roll Out the Dough:
Preheat your oven to 350F 175C. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a Christmas ornament-shaped cookie cutter or any shape you like to cut out cookies.
Bake the Cookies:
Place the cut-out cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 810 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the Royal Icing:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth. Add food coloring to create a festive palette for decorating.
Decorate the Cookies:
Once the cookies are cool, use the royal icing to decorate. Pipe icing along the edges, fill in designs, or create fun patterns to make them look like ornaments. Let the icing dry for about 30 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the icing has dried, your beautiful Christmas Ornament Sugar Cookies are ready to brighten your holiday festivities!
Nutritional Information:
Prep Time: 15 minutes Chill Time: 1 hour Baking Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Kcal: 150 kcal per cookie approx. Servings: 24 cookies
#ChristmasCookies #SugarCookies #HolidayBaking #FestiveTreats #CookieDecorating #ChristmasDesserts