Iced Sugar Holiday Lights Cookies Recipe

If you’re dreaming of festive, colorful treats that capture the magic of the season, then this Iced Sugar Holiday Lights Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies are not only soft and buttery but come alive with vibrant icing that mimics the twinkling holiday lights we all adore. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or brightening up your holiday cookie platter, this recipe combines simple ingredients and a fun decorating step that will fill your kitchen with joy and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked sugar cookies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Iced Sugar Holiday Lights Cookies Recipe plays an essential role to create that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and look. From the tender, buttery base to the smooth, colorful icing, these ingredients turn straightforward baking into a holiday celebration.

• All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): Provides the sturdy yet tender structure for your cookies.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise for a soft texture.
• Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds extra lift so the cookies stay light.
• Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup): Delivers rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• White sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens and tenderizes for delightful sweetness in every bite.
• Egg (1): Binds ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Provides that warm, familiar aroma perfect for holiday baking.
• Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a subtle nutty nuance that makes the cookies taste extra special.
• Powdered sugar (3 cups): The base for the smooth icing that decorates the cookie “holiday lights.”
• Milk (2 to 3 tablespoons): Adjusts the icing to just the right consistency for piping and spreading.
• Food coloring (red, green, yellow, blue, etc.): Brings each cookie to vibrant life, mimicking festive holiday bulbs.
• Sprinkles or edible decorative glitter (optional): Adds sparkle and extra holiday cheer.

How to Make Iced Sugar Holiday Lights Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preparing to Bake

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cookies bake evenly and release easily from the tray, setting the stage for perfect cookies every time.

Step 2: Combining Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This step evenly distributes the leavening agents, which is crucial for the cookies to rise properly and maintain a soft texture.

Step 3: Creaming Butter and Sugar

Use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This process not only blends the ingredients but also incorporates air, contributing to a tender crumb in the finished cookies.

Step 4: Adding Egg and Extracts

Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extracts until the mixture is smooth and well combined. These ingredients add richness and layers of warm, inviting flavors classic for holiday cookies.

Step 5: Mixing in Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so be gentle here to keep them soft.

Step 6: Shaping the Cookies

Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with a glass bottom or your hand to create the perfect base for your holiday light design.

Step 7: Baking

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cookies are lightly golden at the edges. Then, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—cool cookies hold their shape better once decorated.

Step 8: Making the Icing

Combine powdered sugar and milk, starting with 2 tablespoons and adding more as needed, until the icing is smooth and pourable. This is your canvas, so get the consistency just right for easy decorating.

Step 9: Coloring the Icing

Divide the icing into separate bowls and add different food coloring drops to each. This step is where the magic happens, turning simple sugar cookies into vibrant holiday light replicas.

Step 10: Decorating the Cookies

Once cooled, use a piping bag or a small spatula to carefully decorate each cookie with the colored icing in the shapes of holiday lights. This part is especially fun and lets your creativity shine.

Step 11: Adding Sparkle

Sprinkle edible glitter or holiday-themed sprinkles on top of the icing while it’s still wet for an extra festive touch that twinkles just like real lights.

Step 12: Setting the Icing

Allow the icing to dry completely before storing the cookies to prevent smudging and keep your holiday creations looking picture-perfect.

How to Serve Iced Sugar Holiday Lights Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Consider adding festive garnishes such as crushed candy canes or mini edible pearls atop the colored icing to enhance the look and add delightful texture contrasts to your Iced Sugar Holiday Lights Cookies Recipe.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate, eggnog, or a simple glass of milk to balance the sweetness and make your holiday treat moments even cozier.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies on a decorative platter shaped like a Christmas tree or string them together on a ribbon to make edible garlands. These whimsical presentations turn your cookies into festive decor as well as delicious goodies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keeping them away from heat and humidity ensures the icing stays intact and the cookies remain soft.

Freezing

You can freeze undecorated cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. To freeze decorated cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until firm, then stack with parchment paper between layers inside a sealed container.

Reheating

Since these cookies are best enjoyed soft, avoid microwaving as it may melt the icing. Instead, bring frozen cookies to room temperature before serving to preserve their perfect texture and decoration.

FAQs

Can I use different extracts in this recipe?

Absolutely! While vanilla and almond extracts are classic, you can experiment with lemon or peppermint extracts to tweak the flavor to your liking.

What type of food coloring works best for icing?

Gel food coloring is ideal because it provides vibrant color without thinning the icing, helping maintain that easy-to-pipe consistency.

How long does the icing take to dry?

Icing usually takes about 1 to 2 hours to dry at room temperature, depending on humidity. Make sure it is fully set before storing to prevent smudging.

Are these cookies suitable for children to decorate?

Definitely! Decorating cookies is a wonderful holiday activity for kids, just be sure to supervise when using piping bags or spreading the icing.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but results may vary slightly in texture. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.

Final Thoughts

Making the Iced Sugar Holiday Lights Cookies Recipe is more than just baking; it’s creating joyful moments and memories shared with family and friends. The ease of the recipe combined with the fun of colorful decoration makes it a delightful holiday tradition. I genuinely encourage you to try this recipe and watch your kitchen come alive with flavor, color, and holiday cheer.

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