Traditional Decorated Christmas Cookies Recipes

DECORATED CHRISTMAS CUTOUT COOKIES

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Chill until firm, 1 hour. , On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-in thickness. Cut out with Christmas cookie cutters of your choice. Using a floured spatula, transfer cookies to greased baking sheets. Bake at 375° until lightly browned, 8-10 minutes. Cool completely on wire racks., Decorate cookies with frosting and colored sugars.

TRADITIONAL DECORATED CHRISTMAS COOKIES

Steps:

• Beat together butter and sugar in small bowl with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, lemon peel, vanilla and salt.
• Gradually beat in flour until thouroughly incorporated. Add water, a few drops at a time, only until dough starts to come away from side of bowl.
• Wrap dough in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease 4 cookie sheets.
• On lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8" thickness. Cut out various shapes using cookie cutters or homemade cardboard patterns, or free-hand. Reroll scraps and cut out.
• Make small holes with wooden pick if planning to hang cookies. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until beginning to brown around edges.
• Remove cookies to wire rack to cool before decorating.
• Prepare icing: Beat egg whites in small bowl with electric mixer until foamy. Slowly beat in the powdered sugar. Continue to beat until thick and creamy.
• Add just enough water to get a good spreading consistency. Tint with food coloring, if you wish. Spread evenly over cookies.
• Decorate with glitter, sprinkles, or cinnamon red hots, or as desired.