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+ servings
Twisted Christmas Cookies

Twisted Christmas Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

Delightful Twisted Christmas Cookies with Almond & Citrus Icing that melt in your mouth, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chill Time 15 minutes
Total Time 57 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Dough
  • 1 cup white sugar Substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
  • 14 oz butter, softened Opt for vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
  • 2 eggs Replace with flax eggs for an egg-free option (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water).
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract Almond extract can intensify the holiday vibe.
  • 1 tsp almond extract Optional if you prefer a milder flavor.
  • 1 zest of orange Lemon zest works well if you like a tangier taste.
  • 6 cups plain flour Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
For the Royal Icing
  • 6 tbsp meringue powder Egg whites (from about 2 eggs) make a good substitute.
  • 8 tbsp water Adjust to your preferred consistency.
  • 2 tsp lemon juice Lime juice can be an alternative.
  • 7 cups powdered sugar, sifted Always sift to avoid lumps.
  • gel food coloring Plant-based coloring is a great natural option.
For Decoration
  • sprinkles Feel free to use any holiday decorations that inspire you!
  • edible glitter Festive toppings to enhance your cookie presentation.
  • crushed candy canes For extra holiday sparkle.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • mixing bowl
  • electric mixer
  • cookie cutters
  • baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • whisk
  • piping bags

Method
 

Baking Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream together the softened butter and white sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and orange zest until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the plain flour and mix on low speed until a soft dough forms.
  5. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to a ¼-inch thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
  6. Chill the cut cookies in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before baking.
  7. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers look set. Let cool.
  8. Prepare the royal icing by whisking meringue powder, lemon juice, and water, then gradually mix in sifted powdered sugar.
  9. Decorate cookies with royal icing and toppings after the icing has set completely.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 5gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Store iced cookies in a single layer to maintain their beautiful decorations.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!