Twisted Christmas Cookie Treats (Print-Friendly Version)
Buttery twisted cookies with almond, citrus, and colorful icing, perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings.
# Ingredients List:
→ Cookies
01 -
200g white sugar
02 -
400g unsalted butter, softened
03 -
2 large eggs
04 -
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
05 -
1 teaspoon almond extract
06 -
Zest of 1 orange (optional)
07 -
720g plain flour, sifted
→ Icing and Decoration
08 -
6 tablespoons meringue powder
09 -
8 tablespoons water, plus more as needed
10 -
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
11 -
875g powdered sugar, sifted
12 -
Gel food coloring (red, green, gold, white)
13 -
Sprinkles, edible glitter or crushed candy canes
# How to Make It:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 175°C. Line two to three baking trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
02 -
In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Incorporate the eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and optional orange zest. Mix until the batter becomes smooth and homogeneous.
03 -
Gradually add sifted flour to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough develops. If the dough is dry, add up to one tablespoon of milk. Roll the dough to a uniform 6mm thickness on a lightly floured surface.
04 -
With cookie cutters of choice, stamp out festive shapes such as trees, stars, or mittens. Arrange shapes on prepared baking sheets.
05 -
Chill the cut cookies on trays for 10–15 minutes in the refrigerator to help maintain sharp edges during baking.
06 -
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until the edges are just lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool completely on wire racks.
07 -
In a bowl, whisk meringue powder, lemon juice, and water until lightly frothy. Gradually incorporate sifted powdered sugar while beating until the icing is glossy and holds soft peaks. Add extra water in small amounts to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency as needed.
08 -
Divide the icing among separate bowls and mix in gel food coloring as desired. Pipe or spread icing onto cooled cookies, then garnish with sprinkles, glitter, or crushed candy canes for festive decoration. Allow icing to set fully before serving or storing.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Chilling the cut cookies prior to baking helps retain sharp decorative edges.
02 -
Royal icing consistency can be adjusted with drops of additional water for precise piping details.