Grandma's Christmas Sugar Cookies

Grandma's Christmas Sugar Cookies

from thebakersalmanac.com
50 min
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 (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs (100g), well beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon whole milk
  • 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 pasteurized egg whites (60g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (340g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 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.