Holiday Cookies with Icing

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

Save

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

Save

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.