Twisted Festive Cookies with Colorful Icing and Decorations Recipe

Introduction

Twisted Cookies are a delightful holiday treat combining buttery sweetness with festive flavors like almond and orange zest. Topped with vibrant icing and sparkling decorations, these cookies bring joy and color to any celebration.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 14 oz (400g) butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract (for a festive flavor lift)
• Zest of 1 orange (optional, for brightness)
• 6 cups plain flour
• 6 tbsp meringue powder (for the icing)
• 8 tbsp water (for the icing)
• 2 tsp lemon juice (for the icing)
• 7 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for the icing)
• Extra water (for thinning the icing)
• Gel food coloring (red, green, gold, white) for decorating
• Sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed candy canes (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 2 to 3 baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and orange zest until the batter is smooth.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the plain flour, mixing until the dough comes together. If it feels too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to help bind it.
5. Step 5: Roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use your preferred cookie cutters—trees, stars, mittens—to cut shapes.
6. Step 6: Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and chill them in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up.
7. Step 7: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. Remove and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Step 8: To make the icing, whisk together meringue powder, lemon juice, and water until combined. Gradually beat in the sifted powdered sugar until the mixture is glossy and thick. Add extra water a teaspoon at a time if thinning is needed.
9. Step 9: Divide the icing into separate bowls and mix in gel food coloring to create your desired colors. Decorate the cooled cookies and top with sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed candy canes.
10. Step 10: Allow the icing to set completely before serving or storing your beautifully decorated twisted cookies.

Tips & Variations

• For a more intense citrus flavor, add additional orange zest or a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough.
• Use almond extract sparingly if you prefer a subtler nutty note or substitute with more vanilla extract.
• To speed up decorating, prepare your icing the night before and keep it covered to prevent drying.
• Experiment with different shaped cutters to fit various holiday themes.

Storage

Store your Twisted Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If your icing is fully set, the cookies can also be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. To refresh slightly, warm them in a low oven for a few minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it, wrapped tightly, for up to 24 hours before rolling and cutting. This helps improve the dough’s texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have meringue powder for the icing?

Meringue powder stabilizes the royal icing, but you can substitute it with pasteurized egg whites if you prefer, whisking them with lemon juice and powdered sugar. Note that fresh egg whites require careful handling to avoid food safety risks.

Twisted Festive Cookies with Colorful Icing and Decorations Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 117 reviews

Delightfully festive Twisted Cookies feature a tender, buttery dough infused with vanilla, almond extract, and a hint of orange zest. Baked to golden perfection, these cookies are beautifully decorated with homemade royal icing in vibrant holiday colors and topped with sprinkles or edible glitter—perfect for any seasonal celebration.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: About 4 dozen cookies depending on cutter size 1x
• Category: Desserts and Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookies

• 1 cup white sugar
• 14 oz (400g) butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)
• 6 cups plain flour
• 1 tbsp milk (optional, if needed)

Icing

• 6 tbsp meringue powder
• 8 tbsp water
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 7 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• Extra water (for thinning)
• Gel food coloring (red, green, gold, white)
• Sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed candy canes (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 to 3 baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and white sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
3. Add eggs and flavorings: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, almond extract, and the zest of one orange (if using). Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
4. Incorporate flour: Gradually add the plain flour to the wet ingredients, mixing continuously until a dough forms. If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of milk to help it come together.
5. Roll and cut the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters such as trees, stars, or mittens to cut shapes.
6. Chill dough shapes: Place the cut cookies on the prepared baking sheets and chill them in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to help maintain shape during baking.
7. Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until the edges are just turning golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely on wire racks.
8. Prepare the icing: In a clean bowl, whisk together the meringue powder, lemon juice, and 8 tablespoons of water until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until the mixture forms a glossy royal icing. Thin with extra water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
9. Decorate the cookies: Divide the icing into separate bowls and tint each with gel food coloring. Use piping bags or spoons to decorate the cooled cookies, then add sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed candy canes for extra festive flair. Allow the icing to set completely before serving or storing.

Notes

• The orange zest adds a bright citrus flavor but can be omitted if you prefer a more traditional vanilla-almond taste.
• Chilling the dough shapes before baking is key to preventing spreading and maintaining crisp edges.
• If royal icing becomes too thick while decorating, add a few drops of water to thin it to a workable consistency.
• Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they can last up to one week.
• Using meringue powder in the icing ensures a stable, glossy finish and quicker drying time compared to traditional egg whites.

Keywords: Twisted Cookies, holiday cookies, decorated cookies, royal icing cookies, festive cookies, almond extract, orange zest, Christmas cookies