Celebrate the season with this festive and easy-to-make Christmas cookie recipe. These buttery, sweet, and beautifully decorated cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa. With customizable shapes and colorful icing, they bring holiday cheer to every bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need Christmas Cookie Recipe

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Royal Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons meringue powder
• 3 tablespoons water (adjust for consistency)
• Food coloring (optional)

How to Make Christmas Cookie Recipe

1. Make the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

2. Chill the Dough:

• Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilled dough is easier to roll and cut.

3. Roll and Cut:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
3. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.

4. Bake:

• Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

5. Prepare the Icing:

1. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth.
2. Divide icing into separate bowls and add food coloring as desired.
3. Transfer to piping bags for decorating.

6. Decorate the Cookies:

• Use the royal icing to outline and fill your cookies. Add sprinkles or edible glitter for extra holiday flair.

Serving Suggestions Christmas Cookie Recipe

These cookies are perfect for:

• Holiday parties or cookie exchanges
• Gifting in festive tins or boxes
• Enjoying with hot chocolate, coffee, or eggnog

Why This Recipe Works

Versatile Dough: Perfect for cut-outs and holds its shape while baking.

• Easy to Decorate: Smooth royal icing makes customization a breeze.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough and icing can be prepared in advance for stress-free baking.

Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Cookies

• Chill the Dough: Prevents spreading and helps maintain the shape of the cookies.
• Use Parchment Paper: Keeps cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.
• Adjust Icing Consistency: Add a few drops of water for thinner icing or more powdered sugar for thicker consistency.

Storage Guidelines

• Refrigerate Dough: Store cookie dough in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Store Baked Cookies: Keep decorated or undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freeze: Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and decorate as desired.