Save Classic, buttery round cookies with a sweet, festive icing drizzle—perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.
This recipe brings back warm memories of holiday baking with my family every year.
Ingredients
- Cookie Dough: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened, 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt
- Icing Drizzle: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, 2&ndash3 tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 3:
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Step 4:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 5:
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Step 6:
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Step 7:
- Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm to form rounds.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 10&ndash12 minutes, or until edges are just lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 9:
- For the icing: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle-able. Add food coloring if desired.
- Step 10:
- Drizzle icing over cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Allow icing to set before serving.
Save This recipe is a family favorite for gathering and sharing around the holidays.
Notes
For a citrus twist, add 1 tsp lemon or orange zest to the dough.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, baking sheets, parchment paper, wire rack, spoon or piping bag
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), egg, milk (dairy). Double-check all ingredients for traces of nuts or other allergens if needed.
Save These holiday cookies bring warmth and cheer to any gathering with just the right touch of sweetness.
Recipe FAQ
- → What makes these cookies buttery?
The use of softened unsalted butter creamed with sugar creates a rich, tender texture that defines their buttery quality.
- → Can I add color to the icing?
Yes, adding food coloring to the icing allows vibrant, festive colors that enhance the cookie’s holiday appeal.
- → How do I get the icing to drizzle smoothly?
Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth and slightly runny, perfect for a flowing drizzle.
- → What is the ideal baking time for these cookies?
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are just lightly golden for a soft yet firm texture.
- → Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, they meet vegetarian preferences as they contain no meat or animal-derived gelatin.
- → How can I add a citrus twist?
Incorporate 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest into the dough for a bright, fresh flavor.