Grandma's Christmas Sugar Cookies

Grandma's Christmas Sugar Cookies

24 servings
Soft, delicious sugar cookies decorated with homemade royal icing — just like grandma made them! Absolutely perfect for the holiday season, this Christmas sugar cookie recipe has been passed down through the generations in my family, and I can't wait to share it with you.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter

    softened, 113g

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

    200g

  • 2 eggs

    well beaten, 100g

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon whole milk
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

    300g

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 pasteurized egg whites

    60g

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

    sifted, 340g

  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Optional: a few drops of food coloring

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a sheet tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

  2. 2

    In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or a large bowl with a handheld mixer), whisk together the egg whites and vanilla extract until white and foamy, then gradually add in the powdered sugar until the mixture forms stiff peaks. Finally, add in water one teaspoon at a time until you can make a figure eight with the icing that disappears in eight seconds.

Grandma's Christmas Sugar Cookies

Grandma's Christmas Sugar Cookies

50 min24 servings

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About this Recipe

Searching for that nostalgic taste of Christmas past? Our Grandma's Christmas Sugar Cookies recipe brings the magic of the holiday season right into your kitchen, delivering soft, delicious cookies just like you remember.

This beloved family recipe stands apart by combining perfectly balanced ingredients to create a tender, flavorful cookie base, beautifully complemented by a smooth, homemade royal icing. It's a treasured tradition, passed down through generations, ensuring every bite evokes warmth and holiday cheer.

Prepare for a delightful baking experience that culminates in truly special cookies. Each bite offers a melt-in-your-mouth softness, subtly sweet with a comforting hint of vanilla. The royal icing provides a satisfying, firm glaze that's perfect for intricate holiday decorations, adding both beauty and a gentle crispness without overwhelming the cookie's delicate flavor. These festive treats are a testament to homemade goodness, inviting joy and sharing.

While perfect as is, you can personalize your cookie decorations with a few drops of food coloring added to the royal icing for a vibrant holiday palette. Feel free to experiment with different cookie cutter shapes to suit any festive occasion beyond Christmas, or simply use classic rounds for a timeless look.

These charming Christmas sugar cookies are absolutely perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as heartfelt homemade gifts. Serve them alongside a warm cup of cocoa or coffee to fully embrace the festive spirit.

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