Royal Icing Thanksgiving Cookies: 7 Festive Flavors to Love

Name: Royal Icing Thanksgiving Cookies: 7 Festive Flavors to Love
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 3 cups powdered sugar; 2 large egg whites; 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar; Food coloring (optional)

novembre 3, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Ah, the holiday season! There’s just something magical about it, isn’t there? The aroma of spices in the air, the sound of laughter around the table, and of course, the joy of baking sweet treats like my royal icing Thanksgiving cookies! Every year, I look forward to gathering with family and friends to create memories that are as delightful as the cookies we’re baking. I remember the first time I made these festive cookies; the look on my little niece’s face when she decorated her own was priceless! Trust me, whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, these cookies are not only fun to make but also bring a beautiful splash of color and joy to your Thanksgiving celebration. So, let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!

Ingredients for Royal Icing Thanksgiving Cookies

Before we get our hands doughy, let’s gather everything you’ll need for these delightful cookies. Here’s the complete list of ingredients that will help you create the perfect batch of royal icing Thanksgiving cookies.

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy for easy mixing!)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg (this will help bind everything together)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that warm, inviting flavor)
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional but adds a lovely touch!)
3 cups powdered sugar (this is the star of your royal icing)
2 large egg whites (fresh is best for the icing)
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (helps stabilize your icing)
Food coloring (optional, but it’s always fun to add some festive hues!)

Gather these ingredients, and we’ll be ready to whip up some unforgettable cookies that will surely impress your loved ones!

How to Prepare Royal Icing Thanksgiving Cookies

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get to the fun part—making these mouthwatering royal icing Thanksgiving cookies! Follow my steps closely, and you’ll be on your way to creating delicious treats that are as beautiful as they are tasty.

Preparing the Cookie Dough

First, let’s start with the cookie dough! In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 3-5 minutes. Then, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing well until everything is incorporated. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Now, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes; this will make rolling it out much easier later on!

Baking the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. You’ll know they’re done when the centers are just set and no longer look shiny. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before we move on to the icing.

Making the Royal Icing

Alright, let’s whip up that royal icing! In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until stiff peaks form. The icing should be thick enough to hold its shape but still smooth enough to spread. If you’d like to add some color, now’s the time! Just divide the icing into separate bowls and mix in your desired food coloring until you achieve the perfect festive hues.

Decorating the Cookies

Now for the most exciting part—decorating! Transfer your royal icing into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip for detailed designs. Start by outlining your cookies, then fill them in with icing, using a toothpick to help spread it if needed. Feel free to get creative with patterns and colors! Just remember to let the icing dry completely before stacking the cookies—this can take a few hours, so be patient! Trust me, the final result will be worth it!

Tips for Success

To ensure your royal icing Thanksgiving cookies turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some handy tips up my sleeve! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference.

Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. Plus, it makes rolling out the dough a breeze.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh eggs and high-quality butter. It really enhances the flavor and texture of your cookies.
Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so be precise with your measurements. Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate results if you have one!
Test the Icing Consistency: When making royal icing, remember that the right consistency is key! It should be thick enough to hold its shape, but not so thick that it’s hard to work with. If it’s too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar.
Be Patient with Drying: Allow your decorated cookies to dry completely in a cool, dry place. This ensures the icing sets properly and prevents smudging.
Practice Makes Perfect: If you’re new to decorating, don’t worry if it’s not perfect the first time! Just have fun with it—each cookie is a chance to get a little more creative.

With these tips in hand, you’re well on your way to baking a batch of stunning cookies that will wow everyone at your Thanksgiving gathering!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve baked and decorated your royal icing Thanksgiving cookies, you’ll want to keep them fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to store them properly:

Airtight Container: Place your cookies in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. Layer them carefully with parchment paper in between to avoid any icing smudges or breakage.
Room Temperature: These cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to one week. Just ensure they’re in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Refrigeration: If you’d like to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, but be aware that the icing might lose some of its crispness. Seal them well to avoid absorbing any fridge odors.
Freezing: For even longer storage, freeze the cookies! Just make sure they’re completely dry before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to two months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let the frozen cookies thaw at room temperature. No need for reheating—just enjoy them as is! This way, you’ll have a delightful treat ready to go whenever you need a little holiday cheer!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to baking, I always say that balance is key! Keep in mind that the nutritional information for these royal icing Thanksgiving cookies can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. The values provided here are estimates and should be used as a general guide. So, without further ado, here’s a typical breakdown:

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Always remember, while these cookies are a festive treat, enjoy them in moderation and savor every bite! Happy baking!

FAQ About Royal Icing Thanksgiving Cookies

Got questions about making these royal icing Thanksgiving cookies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common questions I get asked, along with my best tips and tricks.

Can I use store-bought icing instead of making royal icing?

Absolutely! While I love the homemade touch of royal icing, store-bought icing can save you time and still look great. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape for decorating!

How can I prevent my cookies from spreading while baking?

Chilling your dough is key! Make sure to wrap it in plastic wrap and let it chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps the cookies maintain their shape in the oven.

What if my royal icing is too runny?

If your icing is too runny to hold its shape, don’t panic! Just add a little more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency. It should be thick enough to hold a peak but still spreadable.

Can I make the cookie dough in advance?

Yes, you can! Prepare the dough and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it thaw in the fridge before rolling it out.

How can I store my decorated cookies?

Once decorated, let your cookies dry completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze them, but make sure they’re fully dry first!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These royal icing Thanksgiving cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season! Here’s why you’ll absolutely love making and sharing them:

Festive Fun: The vibrant colors and creative designs make these cookies a beautiful addition to your Thanksgiving table or dessert spread.
Delicious Flavor: With a buttery cookie base and a sweet, smooth royal icing, each bite is a perfect balance of flavors that will leave you wanting more!
Easy to Customize: You can let your creativity shine! Use different cookie cutters, icing colors, and decorating techniques to create a unique batch every time.
Family Activity: Baking and decorating these cookies is a fantastic way to bond with family and friends, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Amazing Gift Idea: Package these cookies in a cute box or tin, and you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade gift for neighbors or loved ones.
Impressive Presentation: Everyone will be amazed at how beautiful these cookies look, and they’ll never guess how easy they are to make!
Perfect for Any Occasion: While they’re fantastic for Thanksgiving, these cookies can be adapted for any holiday or special event throughout the year!

Trust me, once you try these royal icing Thanksgiving cookies, you’ll be hooked on the joy they bring to your holiday celebrations!

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Sur moi

Bonjour, je m'appelle Julia, je suis le cœur de Vihaad Recettes et une passionnée de bonne cuisine. Mon amour pour la cuisine a commencé dans mon enfance, inspirée par les délicieux repas de ma grand-mère. Aujourd'hui, je partage des recettes savoureuses qui rassemblent les gens à travers le plaisir de manger ensemble.