Description
Soft, buttery snowflake sugar cookies decorated with smooth royal icing for a festive winter look.
Perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges, gifting, or seasonal baking sessions.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Royal Icing:
4 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons meringue powder
6 tablespoons water (more as needed)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Gel food coloring as desired
Instructions
1. Beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract; mix until combined.
3. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients to form a smooth dough.
5. Divide dough into two disks, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut snowflake shapes.
8. Bake cookies for 8–10 minutes until edges are just set; cool completely.
9. Prepare royal icing by mixing powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until stiff peaks form.
10. Thin icing for flooding as needed and tint with gel food coloring.
11. Outline cookies with thicker icing, then flood with thinner icing.
12. Add decorative details and allow cookies to dry fully, preferably overnight.
Notes
Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading.
Use gel food coloring for bright, clean colors.
Allow icing to dry completely before storing or stacking.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American