Festive Christmas Cookies with Green and White Icing

Are You Ready to Create Holiday Magic on a Plate?

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread cheer than with beautifully decorated Festive Christmas Cookies? Those nostalgic aromas of vanilla, almond, and warm sugar that fill the kitchen create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re planning a cookie exchange, preparing treats for Santa, or simply want to impress your family, these green and white iced cookies combine classic flavors with elegant, minimalist designs that anyone can master—no professional decorating skills required!

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Ingredients List

For the Sugar Cookies:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds wonderful flavor)

For the Royal Icing:

• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 3 tablespoons meringue powder
• 6-8 tablespoons warm water
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (clear vanilla for whiter icing)
• Green gel food coloring (for Christmas tree designs)
• White sanding sugar or sprinkles (optional)

Timing

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour (saves dough from spreading during baking)
• Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Decorating Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add the egg and extracts, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Pro tip: Don’t overmix, or your cookies will be tough rather than tender!

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half, form into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This prevents spreading and makes the dough easier to handle.

Step 3: Roll and Cut

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut with Christmas-themed cutters like trees, stars, or snowflakes. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets.

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, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Step 5: Prepare Royal Icing

Beat the powdered sugar and meringue powder together. Add water gradually while mixing on low speed. Increase to medium-high and beat until stiff peaks form (about 5-7 minutes). Divide icing and tint one portion with green gel coloring.

Step 6: Decorate with Style

Transfer icings to piping bags. For minimalist tree designs, pipe green triangles on round cookies, adding small white dots as ornaments. For snowflakes, pipe delicate white patterns. Allow icing to set completely (4-6 hours).

Nutritional Information

Per cookie (approximately):

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 18g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Substitute coconut sugar for granulated sugar (reduces glycemic impact)
• Use almond flour for part of the all-purpose flour (adds protein and reduces carbs)
• Try vegan butter and aquafaba instead of butter and egg for plant-based cookies
• Naturally color the icing using matcha powder for green instead of food dyes

Serving Suggestions

Arrange these Festive Christmas Cookies on a white platter with fresh rosemary sprigs for a stunning presentation. Pair with homemade hot chocolate topped with peppermint whipped cream, or serve alongside a dessert charcuterie board with fruits, nuts, and chocolate dips for an impressive holiday spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the chilling time (results in spread-out, misshapen cookies)
• Rolling dough too thin (causes burning) or thick (leaves centers undercooked)
• Overworking the dough (makes cookies tough instead of tender)
• Making icing too thin (runs off cookies) or too thick (difficult to pipe)

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Place parchment paper between layers to protect designs. For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. These cookies also make excellent gifts—package in cellophane bags with festive ribbons.

Conclusion

These Festive Christmas Cookies with their elegant green and white designs bring joy to holiday gatherings while being surprisingly simple to create. The combination of buttery cookies and sweet royal icing creates a perfect canvas for your creativity. Why not make this a new holiday tradition with family or friends? Share your cookie creations on social media and tag us—we’d love to see your festive masterpieces!

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Why did my royal icing not harden properly?
This usually happens if there’s too much humidity or if the icing was too thin. Try adding more powdered sugar or letting cookies dry in a low-humidity environment.

Can I use this same recipe for other holiday cookies?
Absolutely! This versatile dough works for any season—just change your cookie cutters and icing colors to match the occasion.

How do I get the perfect consistency for piping royal icing?
For outlines and detailed work, your icing should hold a soft peak. When you lift your spoon, the icing should fall back and disappear into the surface within 10-15 seconds.