It is finally December which means that Christmas is almost here! To start off the Christmas season right, we give you the classic holiday cookie recipe. These shortbread cut-out cookies are perfect for decorating, eating and leaving out for Santa Claus!
Cookies:
- 3 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 16 tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Royal Icing:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Food coloring
Equipment:
- Electric mixer
- Cookie cutters
- Rolling pin
- Cooking trays
- Piping bag or piping pen
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder and salt using a fork.
- In an electric mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fully combined, about 5 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat the mixture.
- Add the dry mixture into the mixing bowl and beat until combined.
- When the mixture is combined but crumbly, knead the dough with your hands and form a ball.
- Line cooking trays with silicone sheets or parchment paper.
- Flour a clean flat surface and place the dough in the middle.
- Flour your hands and the rolling pin and roll the dough out until it is about ¼ of an inch thick.
- Using cookie cutters, cut out cookies and place them at least an inch apart on the cooking trays.
- Re-roll the leftover dough and repeat steps nine and ten until all of the dough is gone.
- Place the cooking trays in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, water and honey until all lumps are gone.
- Divide the icing into different bowls, one for each color, and add the desired food coloring. Add one drop at a time and mix until it is your desired color.
- Fill a piping bag or piping pen with the icing from one bowl and pipe the outline of the cooled cookie.
- Fill in the cookie with icing and use a toothpick to spread the frosting in order to close any gaps.
- Let dry before adding details (if desired).
- Wash the piping bag or piping pen in-between color uses.
- If the top of the icing in the bowl develops a film, add a tiny bit of water and mix.
- Let the cookies dry for about an hour (they take three to four hours to be completely dry).
- Enjoy and happy holidays!
