Christmas Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

Festive Cut-Out Cookies That Look Bakery-Perfect (But Are So Easy!

Nothing screams “Christmas is here!” quite like a plate of colorful, hand-decorated sugar cookies. These classic Christmas sugar cookies with royal icing are soft yet hold their shape perfectly—no spreading in the oven!

Whether you’re baking with kids, hosting a cookie-decorating party, or creating edible gifts, this recipe delivers crisp edges, buttery flavor, and that glossy royal icing that dries hard for stacking and gifting.

Ready in under an hour of active time (plus chilling), these are the ultimate holiday tradition. Let’s make some magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No-spread dough = sharp, adorable shapes every time
• Royal icing with meringue powder (no raw egg whites!)
• Make-ahead friendly: dough & iced cookies store beautifully
• Endless decorating ideas for all skill levels
• Kid-approved & perfect for cookie swaps or neighbor gifts

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookies (makes 24–36 cookies)

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk (room temp)
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional but dreamy!)

For the Royal Icing

• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 3 Tbsp meringue powder (key for stability!)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 5–7 Tbsp warm water (adjust for consistency)
• Gel food coloring (Americolor or Wilton preferred)
• Optional: 1 tsp light corn syrup for extra shine

Tools you’ll want: Christmas cookie cutters, rolling pin, piping bags, #2 or #3 tips for outlining, and a small offset spatula.

Christmas Cutout Cookies

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Beat butter and sugar on medium-high for 2 minutes until fluffy. Add egg + yolk and extracts; mix until combined. Gradually add dry ingredients on low speed until a soft dough forms. Divide into 2 discs, wrap in plastic, and chill 1–2 hours (or overnight).

2. Cut & Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment. Roll dough to ¼-inch thick on floured surface. Cut shapes and transfer to sheets. Bake 8–11 minutes (edges just starting to turn golden). Cool 5 minutes on tray, then fully on wire rack.

3. Prepare Royal Icing

Whisk meringue powder + warm water until foamy (1 minute). Add vanilla and corn syrup (if using). Slowly mix in powdered sugar until combined, then beat on medium-high for 5–7 minutes until stiff peaks form and icing is glossy. Divide & color: Separate into bowls. Thin with water (½ tsp at a time) to flood consistency (ribbon melts back in 8–10 seconds). Keep a thicker batch for piping outlines.

4. Decorate Like a Pro

• Outline each cooled cookie with stiff icing (piping consistency).
• Flood inside the lines with thinner icing. Use a toothpick to spread and pop air bubbles.
• Add sprinkles, sanding sugar, or piped details while wet for them to stick. Let dry 6–8 hours (or overnight) before stacking.

Festive Decorating Ideas (Pinterest-Worthy!)

• Classic Christmas trees with green flood + white snow dots
• Snowflakes with silver dragées & metallic luster dust
• Ornaments with bright stripes & gold sprinkles
• Santa faces, gingerbread men, or “Merry Christmas” message cookies
• Ombré or marbled designs using a toothpick swirl
• Add edible glitter or pearl dust for extra sparkle!

The Dough Diaries: I’m New to Royal Icing! — The Cookie Countess

Pro Tips for Cookie Success

• Chill the dough — this is non-negotiable for no-spread cookies!
• Roll between parchment to avoid extra flour (keeps cookies tender).
• Flood consistency test: Draw a line in the icing; it should disappear in 8–10 seconds.
• Dry times matter: outline first, flood second, details last.
• Store baked cookies in an airtight container up to 2 weeks. Iced cookies last 3–4 weeks at room temp.
• Make ahead: Dough freezes great for 3 months!

These Christmas sugar cookies with royal icing will be the star of your holiday table (and your feed!). Grab your favorite cookie cutters and get baking—your family and friends will be begging for the recipe.

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