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–+ servings
Twisted Christmas Cookies

Twisted Christmas Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

These Twisted Christmas Cookies are a festive delight with buttery texture and zesty icing, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chilling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 47 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Dough
  • 1 cup White Sugar Provides sweetness; no substitutions necessary.
  • 14 oz Butter, softened Use unsalted for better flavor control.
  • 2 large Eggs Acts as a binder for structure; substitute with flax eggs for a vegan version.
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract Enhances sweetness and depth; can be replaced with maple extract.
  • 1 tsp Almond Extract Imparts nostalgic holiday flavor; omit for nut-free version.
  • 1 orange Orange Zest Adds vibrant brightness; substitute with lemon zest.
  • 6 cups Plain Flour Consider using a gluten-free flour blend.
For the Icing
  • 6 tbsp Meringue Powder Essential for icing stability; replace with powdered egg whites if needed.
  • 8 tbsp Water Use to thin icing to desired consistency.
  • 2 tsp Lemon Juice Adds a tangy touch; use vinegar as a substitute.
  • 7 cups Powdered Sugar, sifted Ensure it's sifted for a smooth finish.
For Decoration
  • Gel Food Coloring (red, green, gold, white) Use natural coloring alternatives for a healthier option.
  • Sprinkles, Edible Glitter, or Crushed Candy Canes Optional toppings to personalize your cookies.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • hand mixer
  • Cookie cutters
  • Baking Sheets
  • parchment paper

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream together softened butter and white sugar using a mixer until light and fluffy, then mix in eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and orange zest.
  3. Gradually add flour to the creamed mixture, stirring until just combined and the dough is soft but manageable.
  4. Roll the dough to ¼ inch thickness on a floured surface and cut out festive shapes with cookie cutters.
  5. Chill the cookies in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes, then bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
  6. Cool cookies on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. To make icing, whisk meringue powder with lemon juice and water, then gradually mix in sifted powdered sugar until glossy.
  8. Divide the icing and add gel food coloring, then decorate the cooled cookies and allow to set before serving or gifting.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 30mgSugar: 8gVitamin A: 100IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Store iced cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Un-iced cookies can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat at 300°F for 5 minutes if desired.

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