Sugar Cookies with Holiday-Themed Sprinkles and Royal Icing

Sugar cookies decorated with royal icing and holiday-themed sprinkles are a festive and delightful treat perfect for Christmas and other winter celebrations. These cookies are a classic choice for cookie exchanges, parties, or simply as a fun family activity. Their crisp edges, soft centers, and customizable decorations make them a favorite for all ages.

Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to create these festive cookies step by step.

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1. Why Make Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing and Sprinkles?

These cookies are a holiday staple, and here’s why:

• Customizable Designs: Use cookie cutters, royal icing, and sprinkles to create festive shapes and decorations.
• Interactive Fun: Decorating cookies is a fantastic holiday activity for families and kids.
• Perfect for Gifting: Beautifully decorated cookies make thoughtful homemade gifts.
• Delicious and Festive: Their buttery flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet crunch of icing and sprinkles.

They’re a delicious way to add holiday cheer to your dessert table.

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2. Ingredients Needed

For the Cookies:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour.
• 1 tsp baking powder.
• ½ tsp salt.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened.
• 1 cup granulated sugar.
• 1 large egg.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract.

For the Royal Icing:

• 4 cups powdered sugar.
• 3 tbsp meringue powder.
• 5-6 tbsp water (adjust for consistency).
• ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract (optional).
• Gel food coloring (optional, for vibrant designs).

For Decorations:

• Holiday-themed sprinkles (e.g., stars, snowflakes, candy canes).
• Edible glitter or sanding sugar.

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3. Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls.
• Electric mixer or whisk.
• Rolling pin and holiday-themed cookie cutters.
• Baking sheets and parchment paper.
• Piping bags with tips for icing.
• Toothpicks for detailing.

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4. Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

2. Chill the Dough

• Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilled dough is easier to roll and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

3. Roll and Cut the Cookies

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

4. Bake the Cookies

• Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

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5. Prepare the Royal Icing

1. In a large bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and 5 tablespoons of water.
2. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until combined, then on high speed for 5-7 minutes until the icing forms stiff peaks.
3. Adjust consistency as needed:
   • For outlining, the icing should be thick and pipeable.
   • For flooding, add 1-2 teaspoons of water for a thinner consistency.
4. Divide and color the icing with gel food coloring if desired.

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6. Decorate the Cookies

1. Outline: Use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip to outline the cookies with icing. Let it set for 1-2 minutes.
2. Flood: Fill the center of the outlined cookie with thinner icing. Use a toothpick to spread it to the edges or create designs.
3. Sprinkle: Add holiday-themed sprinkles or edible glitter while the icing is wet.
4. Details: Use contrasting icing colors to add fine details or patterns.

Allow the icing to set completely before stacking or packaging the cookies.

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5. Creative Decorating Ideas

Here are some fun ways to personalize your cookies:

1. Festive Shapes:

• Use cutters shaped like snowflakes, stars, Christmas trees, or candy canes.

2. Bold Colors:

• Use red, green, white, and metallic-colored icing for a festive palette.

3. Patterns and Textures:

• Add polka dots, stripes, or marbled effects by swirling colors with a toothpick.

4. Sprinkle Art:

• Use sprinkles to create specific designs like ornaments or wreaths.

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6. Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies

• Chill Thoroughly: Cold dough prevents spreading and ensures clean edges.
• Even Rolling: Roll dough evenly to avoid over- or under-baking.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies when edges are just set for soft centers.
• Consistency is Key: Ensure icing is the right thickness for outlining and flooding.

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7. Serving and Gifting Suggestions

These cookies are as fun to share as they are to eat:

• Cookie Platters: Combine with other holiday treats like gingerbread or thumbprints.
• Gift Boxes: Place decorated cookies in tins or cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons.
• Party Centerpieces: Use them as edible decorations for holiday dessert tables.
• Hot Beverage Pairings: Serve with hot cocoa, eggnog, or coffee for a cozy treat.

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FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling.

2. Can I skip the royal icing?

Yes! Use a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for a quick alternative.

3. How do I make icing colors more vibrant?

Use gel food coloring for bold colors without altering the icing consistency.

4. How do I store decorated cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

5. Can I freeze decorated cookies?

Yes! Freeze in a single layer before stacking them in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

6. Can I use store-bought icing?

Absolutely! Many brands offer ready-to-use royal icing for convenience.

7. What if my icing is too runny?

Add more powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it thickens.

8. Can kids help with this recipe?

Yes! Kids can roll out dough, cut shapes, and decorate with sprinkles.

9. How do I prevent air bubbles in the icing?

Stir the icing gently to minimize air bubbles. Use a toothpick to pop any that appear while flooding.

10. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.