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Judy John

Holiday Decorated Sugar Cookies Recipe

Holiday Decorated Sugar Cookies Recipe features classic buttery sugar cookies cut into festive shapes and decorated with vibrant icing and sprinkles.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 30 servings
Calories: 160
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sugar Cookies:
  • 1 cup 226 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup 200 g granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract optional
  • 2 ¾ cups 345 g all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
For the Royal Icing:
  • 2 cups 240 g powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon meringue powder
  • 2 –3 tablespoons warm water
  • Gel food coloring
  • Holiday sprinkles

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Beat 1 cup butter and 1 cup sugar until fluffy.
  3. Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix well.
  4. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt separately.
  5. Gradually combine dry ingredients into wet mixture.
  6. Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness on floured surface.
  7. Cut shapes using holiday cutters.
  8. Bake 8–10 minutes until edges turn lightly golden.
  9. Cool completely before decorating.
  10. Beat powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until glossy peaks form.
  11. Divide icing and tint with gel coloring.
  12. Pipe outlines, flood centers, and decorate with sprinkles.
  13. Allow icing to dry completely before storing.

Notes

Nutritional Values (Per Serving – per decorated cookie)

Calories: 160
Total Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 2 g

Vitamins & Minerals (Approximate % per serving):

Vitamin A: 6%
Calcium: 1%
Iron: 4%
Vitamin B12: 1%
Phosphorus: 2%

Additional Notes & Flavor Tips

  • Chill dough 30 minutes for sharper shapes.
  • Use gel coloring for bold festive shades.
  • Seal icing edges completely for smooth flooding.
  • Add citrus zest for subtle brightness.
  • Store in airtight container up to five days.
Holiday Decorated Sugar Cookies Recipe brings festive sparkle, buttery flavor, and creative joy to every celebration.