How to Make Christmas Cookies
The greatest holiday treat may very well be the sugar cookie, and a really good sugar cookie is seemingly made of Christmas magic. You won't need magic with our expert advice for foolproof sugar cookies. It all starts with a great recipe.
The Best Sugar Cookie Recipe
For the cookies (not the icing), you'll need:
butter
sugar
baking powder
salt
one egg
milk
vanilla
flour
To make the cookies, you'll:
1. Beat the butter.
2. Beat in the dry ingredients (other than flour).
3. Beat in the wet ingredients.
4. Beat in the flour, using a wooden spoon to finish the mixing.
5. Chill the dough to make it easy to handle.
6. Roll out the dough and cut with cookie cutters.
7. Bake at 375 degrees F for 7 to 10 minutes.
8. Transfer to wire racks to cool.
Royal Icing for Cookies
Royal Icing Recipe
For the icing, you'll need:
powdered sugar
meringue powder
cream of tartar
water
vanilla
assorted colors paste food coloring (optional)
To make the icing, you'll:
1. Combine the dry ingredients.
2. Add water and vanilla.
3. Beat until combined, then on high speed until very stiff.
4. Add more water to make the icing spreading consistency.
5. If desired, tint the icing with paste food coloring.
How to Frost Sugar Cookies
Christmas Cookie Decorating Tips
1. Start by using a piping bag filled with royal icing to outline the design.
2. Then flood the center of the cookie with icing and smooth it out to the piped edge. You may want to thin it out slightly to glaze the cookie. Editor's Tip: Use a food-safe brush to fill the design with icing.
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