Festive Christmas Sugar Cookies

Christmas Cookies That Sleigh!

Now that we're in December, get into the holiday spirit with these festive sugar cookies! Impress the guests at your next holiday gathering by making these ahead of time or, even better, make them the star of the show by hosting a cookie decorating activity with family and friends.

INGREDIENTS

For the Cookies:

• 1 ½ cups (340 grams) butter, softened

• 2 cups (400 grams) white sugar

• 4 eggs

• 1 teaspoon (4.20 grams) vanilla extract

• 5 cups (625 grams) all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons (8.87 grams) baking powder

• 1 teaspoon (5.92 grams) salt

• Since these are cut-out cookies, you will also need a rolling pin and a Christmas-themed set of cookie cutters

For the Icing:

• 5 cups (1000 grams) confectioners’ sugar

• 10 teaspoons (51.1 grams) milk

• 10 teaspoons (51.1 grams) light corn syrup

• 1 ¼ teaspoon (8.5 grams) almond extract

• Assorted food coloring

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Gather all ingredients.

2. Cream together butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth.

3. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least 1 hour (or overnight).

4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

5. Lightly dust a work surface with flour. Roll out dough to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness.

6. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.

7. Bake in the preheated oven until cookies are lightly browned, 6 to 8 minutes.

8. While the cookies are baking, start on the icing by stirring together confectioners’ sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth.

9. Beat in corn syrup and almond extract until icing is smooth and glossy. If icing is too thick, add more corn syrup.

10. Divide into separate bowls, and add food colorings to each to desired intensity. Pour the icing into squeeze bottles or piping bags fitted with tips to prepare for decoration.

11. Carefully transfer cookies to a wire rack and cool completely before decorating.

12. For best results, outline the edges of the cookie with the icing, then flood the cookies with more icing. Use a toothpick to spread it around and to pop any air bubbles.

Recipe Credit: J Saunders via allrecipes (cookies), JBS BOX via allrecipes (icing)