Thanksgiving is one of my absolute favorite times of year, filled with family, gratitude, and of course, delicious food! One of the traditions I cherish most is baking *thanksgiving royal icing cookies*. These cookies not only add a splash of color to our holiday table, but they also bring everyone together as we decorate them with fun shapes and vibrant icing. Trust me, there’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house while we’re all gathering around. My recipe is super simple—perfect for both seasoned bakers and those just getting started. Plus, the royal icing gives your cookies a stunning finish that’ll impress everyone at your Thanksgiving gathering. So, let’s get baking and make some sweet memories together!
Ingredients List
To whip up a batch of these delightful *thanksgiving royal icing cookies*, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 6 tablespoons water
Make sure to have everything measured out and ready to go—this will make your baking experience smoother and way more fun!
How to Prepare *Thanksgiving Royal Icing Cookies*
Getting ready to make these *thanksgiving royal icing cookies* is such a joyful experience! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delightful cookies perfect for your holiday celebrations. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Dough
First things first—grab your mixing bowls! In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until nicely combined. In another bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well blended. Now, it’s time to gradually add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients. I like to do this in batches to avoid a flour explosion! Once everything is combined, you’ll want to chill the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is super important—it helps prevent those cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Cut and Bake the Cookies
After your dough has chilled, it’s time to roll it out! Dust your countertop with a bit of flour to prevent sticking, and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes. It’s such a fun part of the process! Place the cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are just golden brown. Be careful not to overbake them; we want soft, tender cookies!
Make the Royal Icing
Now, let’s whip up that gorgeous royal icing! In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Mix on low until everything is combined, then increase the speed to high for about 5 minutes until the icing is glossy and holds stiff peaks. If it’s too thick, just add a teaspoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency. The icing should be spreadable but not runny—this is key for decorating!
Decorate the Cookies
Finally, it’s time for the fun part—decorating! You can divide the icing into bowls and add gel food coloring for those vibrant holiday colors. Use piping bags or even a simple zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to decorate your cookies. I love to outline the shapes first and then flood them with more icing, creating beautiful designs! Just remember to let the icing dry completely before stacking those cookies; otherwise, you might end up with a sweet mess. Enjoy every moment of this creative process!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each of these delightful *thanksgiving royal icing cookies* comes with a delightful set of nutritional stats. Here’s the estimated breakdown per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so they can vary depending on your ingredients and how you decorate your cookies. But hey, a little indulgence during the holidays is totally worth it, right? Enjoy your delicious creations guilt-free!
Tips for Success
Making *thanksgiving royal icing cookies* can be such a fun adventure, but a few pro tips can really take your cookie game to the next level! Here’s what I’ve learned from my own baking escapades:
- Chill, Chill, Chill: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to roll out but also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. If you find your dough getting warm while you’re working, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Use Parchment Paper: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. It keeps the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup! Plus, they’ll bake more evenly.
- Avoid Overmixing: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely want them to be soft and tender!
- Watch Your Baking Time: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Look for those golden edges—if they start to brown too much, take them out right away!
- Consistency is Key: When making your royal icing, the consistency should be like toothpaste for outlining and syrup for flooding. Adjust with water or powdered sugar until you get that perfect texture for decorating.
- Let it Dry: Once you’ve decorated your cookies, let them dry completely before stacking or storing. This can take several hours, so be patient! It’s worth the wait to avoid any icing smudges.
- Experiment with Colors: Have fun with food coloring! Gel colors work best because they’re vibrant and don’t change the consistency of your icing. Mix and match to create beautiful holiday designs!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning *thanksgiving royal icing cookies* that everyone will adore. Happy baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you why this *thanksgiving royal icing cookies* recipe is a total winner! Not only are these cookies an absolute delight to make, but they also bring a festive vibe to your holiday celebrations. Here’s what makes them so special:
- Quick Preparation: With simple steps and minimal hands-on time, you can whip up a batch in no time, leaving you more moments to enjoy with family!
- Festive Appeal: These cookies are not just tasty; they’re a canvas for creativity! The vibrant royal icing allows you to express your holiday spirit with every design.
- Delicious Flavor: Buttery and sweet, these cookies are a perfect treat for your Thanksgiving spread. Trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds!
- Perfect for Gatherings: They’re great for sharing! Whether you’re bringing them to a potluck, decorating with kids, or gifting to friends, these cookies are a hit wherever they go.
- Customizable: You can change up the shapes and colors for any holiday or occasion, making this recipe versatile and fun all year round!
Once you try making these cookies, they’ll become a cherished part of your Thanksgiving traditions, just like they are in my home. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked and decorated your *thanksgiving royal icing cookies*, you’ll want to keep them fresh and delicious for as long as possible! Here’s how to store them properly:
- Cool Completely: First things first—make sure your cookies are completely cooled before storing them. This helps prevent any moisture buildup that could make them soggy.
- Airtight Container: Place your cookies in an airtight container. You can layer them between sheets of parchment paper to keep the icing intact and prevent sticking. If you’re stacking them, just be gentle! We want those beautiful designs to stay flawless.
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay nice and fresh, ready to be enjoyed whenever the craving strikes!
- Longer Storage: If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer!
- Reheating Tips: There’s no need to reheat these cookies since they’re best enjoyed at room temperature. If you’ve frozen them, just let them thaw overnight in the fridge and bring them to room temperature before serving. This keeps their texture just right.
By following these storage tips, your *thanksgiving royal icing cookies* will stay delicious and beautiful, ready to share with family and friends. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making *thanksgiving royal icing cookies*? No worries! I’ve got you covered with some of the most common queries I often hear:
Can I use different flavors for the icing?
Absolutely! You can get creative with your royal icing by adding different flavors. Try almond extract, lemon juice, or even peppermint for a festive twist. Just remember to adjust the amount slightly to keep the icing at the right consistency.
How long do these cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to a week at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, just pop them in the freezer where they can last up to 3 months! Just remember to let them thaw completely before enjoying.
Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, you can! Freezing is a great way to preserve your *thanksgiving royal icing cookies*. Just ensure they’re completely cooled and decorated before freezing. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be just as delightful when you’re ready to enjoy them later!
What is meringue powder?
Meringue powder is a fantastic ingredient that helps stabilize your royal icing and gives it that lovely glossy finish. It’s made from dried egg whites and can be found in most baking aisles or specialty stores. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with egg whites, but the consistency might vary a bit. Just make sure to whip them well!
If you have any more questions, feel free to ask! I’m here to help you create the best *thanksgiving royal icing cookies* ever!
Z nadrukami
Thanksgiving Royal Icing Cookies: 5 Tips for Sweet Success
- Całkowity Czas: 1 hour
- Ustępować: 24 cookies 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Delicious royal icing cookies perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Składniki
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 6 tablespoons water
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden.
- Let cookies cool completely.
- In a separate bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water to make icing.
- Decorate cookies with icing as desired.
Uwagi
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors.
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Allow icing to dry completely before stacking.
- Czas Przygotowania: 30 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 10 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cookie
- Kalorie: 150
- Cukier: 10g
- Sód: 50mg
- Kwasy: 7g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 4g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 2g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 20g
- Włókno: 0g
- Białko: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Słowa kluczowe: thanksgiving royal icing cookies











