Festive Christmas Cookies with Green and White Icing

Have you been searching for the perfect holiday treat that combines traditional charm with elegant design? Festive Christmas Cookies with green and white icing are the answer to your Christmas baking dreams! These eye-catching treats not only look stunning on any holiday dessert table but also deliver that classic buttery, sweet flavor everyone loves during the festive season. Whether you’re planning to gift them, serve them at a party, or simply enjoy them with family around the fireplace, these cookies strike the perfect balance between simplicity and holiday magic.

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Ingredients List

For the Sugar Cookies:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour if needed)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional but adds wonderful depth)

For the Royal Icing:

• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 3 tablespoons meringue powder
• 6-7 tablespoons warm water
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (clear vanilla for whiter icing)
• Green food coloring (preferably gel-based for vibrant color)
• White sanding sugar or sprinkles (optional)

Timing

• Prep time: 30 minutes
• Chilling time: 2 hours (can be done overnight to save morning preparation time)
• Baking time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Decorating time: 1 hour
• Total time: 3 hours 45 minutes (saves 30 minutes compared to more intricate decorating techniques)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add egg and extracts, then gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix – this keeps your cookies tender!

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Pro tip: Properly chilled dough prevents spreading and helps maintain those crisp Christmas tree and snowflake shapes.

Step 3: Roll and Cut

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into Christmas shapes using cookie cutters. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing cookies 1 inch apart.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are just beginning to turn golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Step 5: Prepare Royal Icing

Mix powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add water one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Divide icing and tint one portion with green food coloring, leaving the other white.

Step 6: Decorate with Style

Transfer icings to piping bags. Start with outlining, then fill (flood) your cookies. Create minimalist Christmas tree designs with simple lines or elegant snowflake patterns. Add sanding sugar while icing is wet for a sparkly effect.

Nutritional Information

Per cookie (approximately):

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 1g
• Carbs: 27g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 18g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Replace butter with coconut oil for dairy-free version
• Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a lower glycemic option
• Substitute with almond flour for a gluten-free, lower-carb alternative
• Try natural food dyes from spinach powder or matcha for the green coloring
• Use maple syrup or honey in a modified icing recipe for refined sugar-free option

Serving Suggestions

Arrange these Festive Christmas Cookies on a white platter with fresh rosemary sprigs for a fragrant, elegant presentation. Pair with homemade hot chocolate topped with peppermint whipped cream for the ultimate holiday treat. For a sophisticated adult gathering, serve alongside mulled wine or eggnog martinis.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using warm butter in the dough (causes spreading)
• Skipping the chilling time (results in misshapen cookies)
• Rolling dough too thin (leads to crisp, potentially burnt cookies)
• Making icing too runny (won’t hold shape on cookies)
• Rushing the decorating process (icing needs time to set between steps)

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store fully dried cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent design damage. For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. These cookies make excellent make-ahead gifts—just decorate within 2-3 days of gifting!

Conclusion

These Festive Christmas Cookies with green and white icing bring together timeless flavor and elegant simplicity, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels. The minimalist design approach creates stunning results without requiring professional decorating skills. We’d love to see your cookie creations—share photos in the comments below or tag us on social media!

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without meringue powder?
Yes! Substitute with 2 tablespoons of pasteurized egg whites or aquafaba for a vegan option.

How far in advance can I make these cookies for a holiday party?
The cookies can be baked up to 2 weeks ahead and frozen, then thawed and decorated 1-2 days before your event.

Why did my icing never harden completely?
Royal icing needs time to dry (12-24 hours) and proper consistency. Too much humidity in your kitchen can also affect drying time.

Can I ship these cookies as gifts?
Absolutely! Once icing is completely dry (24+ hours), wrap pairs of cookies back-to-back in plastic wrap, then pack with cushioning in a sturdy box.