Twisted Festive Cookies with Colorful Icing and Decorations Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
