Holiday Cookies with Icing

Featured in: Snack Time Heroes

These classic buttery cookies are soft and round, baked to a golden finish and enhanced with a smooth, sweet icing drizzle. The dough combines softened butter, sugar, vanilla, and flour for a tender bite. After baking, a simple vanilla-infused icing is drizzled over cooled cookies to add festive sweetness and visual appeal. Perfect for sharing during holiday gatherings or gifting, these cookies bring warmth and joy to any occasion with their delicate texture and charming decoration.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:02:00 GMT
Buttery, golden Holiday Cookies with Icing Drizzle, decorated with a sweet, colorful glaze, ready to enjoy. Save
Buttery, golden Holiday Cookies with Icing Drizzle, decorated with a sweet, colorful glaze, ready to enjoy. | williesnack.com

Classic, buttery round cookies with a sweet, festive icing drizzle—perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.

This recipe has become a family favorite every holiday season

Ingredients

  • Cookie Dough: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened
  • Cookie Dough: 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • Cookie Dough: 1 large egg
  • Cookie Dough: 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Cookie Dough: 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
  • Cookie Dough: 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • Cookie Dough: 1/4 tsp salt
  • Icing Drizzle: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • Icing Drizzle: 2&3 tbsp milk
  • Icing Drizzle: 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Icing Drizzle: Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) Line two baking sheets with parchment paper
Step 2:
In a large bowl cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy
Step 3:
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined
Step 4:
In a separate bowl whisk together flour baking powder and salt
Step 5:
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients mixing until a soft dough forms
Step 6:
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets
Step 7:
Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm to form rounds
Step 8:
Bake for 1012 minutes or until edges are just lightly golden Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely
Step 9:
For the icing In a small bowl mix powdered sugar milk and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle-able Add food coloring if desired
Step 10:
Drizzle icing over cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag Allow icing to set before serving
Freshly baked Holiday Cookies with Icing Drizzle, showcasing perfectly round shapes and a delightful, sweet taste. Save
Freshly baked Holiday Cookies with Icing Drizzle, showcasing perfectly round shapes and a delightful, sweet taste. | williesnack.com

Making these cookies reminds me of baking with my family every December

Required Tools

Mixing bowls Electric mixer or whisk Baking sheets Parchment paper Wire rack Spoon or piping bag

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten) egg milk (dairy) Double-check all ingredients for traces of nuts or other allergens if needed

Nutritional Information

Per cookie Calories 120 Total Fat 6 g Carbohydrates 15 g Protein 1 g

Homemade Holiday Cookies with Icing Drizzle, glistening with a creamy drizzle, perfect for sharing during the holidays. Save
Homemade Holiday Cookies with Icing Drizzle, glistening with a creamy drizzle, perfect for sharing during the holidays. | williesnack.com

These holiday cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat

Recipe Questions & Answers

What ingredients make the cookies tender?

Softened unsalted butter and precise mixing of flour and baking powder create a tender, buttery texture.

How is the icing drizzle prepared?

Powdered sugar is mixed with milk and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable, then gently drizzled over cooled cookies.

Can I add color to the icing?

Yes, adding food coloring to the icing allows for festive and customized decoration.

How should the cookies be cooled before icing?

Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack to ensure the icing sets properly without melting.

Are there any tips for extra holiday flair?

Sprinkles can be added before the icing sets, and citrus zest can be mixed into the dough for added flavor.

Holiday Cookies with Icing

Classic buttery cookies adorned with a sweet, festive icing drizzle, ideal for holiday gatherings.

Prep time
20 min
Time to cook
12 min
Total duration
32 min
Created by Willie Cooper


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Total yield 24 Number of servings

Dietary notes Vegetarian-friendly

What You'll Need

Cookie Dough

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 1 large egg
04 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
05 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
06 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
07 1/4 teaspoon salt

Icing Drizzle

01 1 cup powdered sugar
02 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
03 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 Food coloring (optional)

How to make it

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.

Step 03

Combine wet ingredients: Beat in egg and vanilla extract until thoroughly incorporated.

Step 04

Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 05

Form dough: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Step 06

Shape cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.

Step 07

Flatten dough balls: Gently flatten each ball using the bottom of a glass or palm to form round disks.

Step 08

Bake cookies: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 09

Prepare icing drizzle: Combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl, mixing until smooth and drizzle-able. Add food coloring if desired.

Step 10

Apply icing and finish: Drizzle icing over cooled cookies with a spoon or piping bag. Allow icing to set before serving.

Tools you'll need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack
  • Spoon or piping bag

Allergy details

Review ingredients for potential allergens and ask a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), egg, and dairy (milk).
  • Check for traces of nuts or other allergens as needed.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutritional info is for reference only. For health questions, check with a medical professional.
  • Energy: 120
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 1 g