Twisted Christmas Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Twisted Christmas Cookies are a festive favorite that combine classic buttery goodness with bright flavors and colorful decoration. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these cookies bring joy with every bite and look stunning on any cookie platter.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 14 oz (400g) butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract (for a festive flavor lift)
• Zest of 1 orange (optional, for brightness)
• 6 cups plain flour
• 6 tbsp meringue powder (for the icing)
• 8 tbsp water (for the icing)
• 2 tsp lemon juice (for the icing)
• 7 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for the icing)
• Extra water (for thinning the icing)
• Gel food coloring (red, green, gold, white)
• Sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed candy canes (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and orange zest (if using). Mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Step 4: Gradually incorporate the plain flour into the mixture until a dough forms. Add a tablespoon of milk if the dough feels too dry and crumbly.
5. Step 5: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to a ¼-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters like trees, stars, or mittens to cut shapes.
6. Step 6: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and chill them in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before baking.
7. Step 7: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn just golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Step 8: To prepare the icing, whisk together the meringue powder, lemon juice, and water until combined.
9. Step 9: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating constantly until the icing is glossy and smooth. Add a little extra water if the icing is too thick.
10. Step 10: Divide the icing into separate bowls and add gel food coloring to create festive shades. Decorate your cooled cookies with the icing and top with sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed candy canes.
11. Step 11: Let the decorated cookies sit until the icing is fully set before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

• For a softer cookie, slightly reduce the flour by ¼ cup and add a splash of milk as needed.
• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Use different cookie cutter shapes to customize for any holiday event.
• If you want a shiny finish on your icing, beat the meringue powder and lemon juice well before adding sugar.
• Store sprinkles and edible glitter separately to add just before the icing sets, ensuring maximum sparkle.

Storage

Store your decorated Christmas cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the undecorated cookies for up to 3 months and decorate after thawing. To reheat, let the cookies reach room temperature first; avoid microwaving to keep icing intact.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before rolling out.

What can I use if I don’t have meringue powder for the icing?

If you don’t have meringue powder, you can substitute with 2 large egg whites, but be sure to use pasteurized eggs or prepare the icing fresh to ensure safety.

Twisted Christmas Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 74 reviews

These Twisted Christmas Cookies are festive, buttery sugar cookies enhanced with almond extract and a hint of orange zest for a bright holiday flavor. Topped with glossy, colorful royal icing and decorated with sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed candy canes, they make perfect treats for holiday parties and gift-giving.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 48 cookies depending on size 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup white sugar
• 14 oz (400g) butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)
• 6 cups plain flour
• 1 tbsp milk (optional, to help bind dough)

For the Icing:

• 6 tbsp meringue powder
• 8 tbsp water
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 7 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• Extra water (for thinning)
• Gel food coloring (red, green, gold, white)
• Sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed candy canes (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and white sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and optional orange zest, mixing until smooth and fully incorporated.
3. Add Flour: Gradually mix in the plain flour a little at a time until a dough forms. If the dough seems crumbly or too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to help it bind together properly.
4. Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough to a ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use holiday-themed cookie cutters like trees, stars, and mittens to cut out shapes.
5. Chill Cookies: Place the cut dough shapes on the prepared baking sheets and chill in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
6. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. Avoid over-baking to keep cookies tender.
7. Cool: Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on wire racks before decorating.
8. Make the Icing: In a bowl, whisk together the meringue powder, lemon juice, and water until well combined. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until the icing becomes glossy and smooth. Add extra water a few drops at a time to adjust the consistency as needed for outlining or flooding.
9. Color and Decorate: Divide the icing into separate bowls and mix in your gel food coloring to create festive red, green, gold, and white icing. Decorate the cooled cookies using piping bags or spoons, then add sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed candy canes for extra holiday flair.
10. Set Icing: Allow the decorated cookies to sit at room temperature until the icing is fully set and hardened, which may take several hours.

Notes

• If dough is too crumbly, adding a small amount of milk helps bring it together.
• Chilling the dough before baking helps cookies maintain their shape and prevents spreading.
• Use gel food coloring to avoid thinning the icing consistency.
• Let the icing dry completely before stacking or storing cookies to prevent smudging.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Keywords: Christmas cookies, sugar cookies, holiday treats, festive baking, royal icing, almond extract, orange zest, decorated cookies