Classic Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

created by Christmas Cookies Hub, updated on Oct 28, 2025

Delicious Classic Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing Recipe_featured
Delicious Classic Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing Recipe_featured

Classic Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing are a holiday staple, bringing warm memories of family baking traditions and festive gatherings. These cookies are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them perfect for Christmas cookie platters or cookie gift boxes. The buttery, sweet flavor pairs beautifully with the vibrant royal icing, allowing for endless creative decoration possibilities. Whether you're making them for a cookie exchange or a festive party, these sugar cookies will surely be a hit!

Ingredients

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • Royal icing (for decorating)
  • Food coloring (for icing)
  • Sprinkles (optional)
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Steps

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
  6. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  8. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
  9. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
  10. Let cookies cool on a wire rack before decorating.
  11. Prepare royal icing according to instructions and color as desired.
  12. Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing and add sprinkles if preferred.
  13. Allow the icing to dry completely before storing or serving.

Tips & Tricks

  • For the perfect dough consistency, ensure your butter is at room temperature but not melted.
  • Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
  • Experiment with different shapes and colors for your royal icing to match your holiday theme.
  • If your icing is too thick, add a few drops of water to achieve the desired consistency.
  • Store your decorated cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.

FAQ

  • How long do sugar cookies last? When stored in an airtight container, sugar cookies can last up to two weeks.
  • Can I freeze sugar cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling out.
  • What can I use instead of almond extract? You can substitute almond extract with additional vanilla extract or any other preferred flavoring.
  • How do I know when the cookies are done baking? The edges should be lightly golden, while the centers may appear soft but will firm up as they cool.
  • Can I decorate sugar cookies with fondant? Yes, fondant can be used as an alternative to royal icing for decorating your sugar cookies.

Conclusion

Enjoy baking these Classic Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing this holiday season! They are not only a delightful treat but also a wonderful way to bring family and friends together. With their beautiful decorations, they make perfect additions to any Christmas cookie platter or gift box. So, gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create some sweet memories!