Thanksgiving Cookies Royal Icing: 7 Sweet Memories Await

Name: Thanksgiving Cookies Royal Icing: 7 Sweet Memories Await
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 3 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons meringue powder; 6 tablespoons water; Food coloring (optional)

novembre 13, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with warmth, gratitude, and the sweet smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. I can’t help but get excited thinking about making these delightful *thanksgiving cookies royal icing*. There’s something so special about decorating cookies with vibrant icing and seeing everyone’s eyes light up when they take a bite. These cookies not only taste amazing, but they also add a festive touch to the holiday spread. Trust me, gathering around the table with family, sharing these treats, and creating memories is what Thanksgiving is all about. Let’s dive into this delicious endeavor together!

Ingredients for Thanksgiving Cookies Royal Icing

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these delightful cookies! I promise they’re not complicated, and you probably have most of these ingredients already. Just gather them up, and we’ll be on our way to cookie heaven!

2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of our cookies; it gives them structure.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder – This little ingredient helps our cookies rise perfectly.
1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness!
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetness is key, right?
1 large egg – This will bind everything together.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For that lovely, warm flavor.
1/2 teaspoon almond extract – A little surprise that adds depth to the flavor!

And for the royal icing:

3 cups powdered sugar – This is what makes our icing sweet and thick.
2 tablespoons meringue powder – This helps stabilize the icing, giving it that perfect consistency.
6 tablespoons water – Adjust as needed to achieve your desired icing thickness.
Food coloring (optional) – To make your cookies festive and fun!

How to Prepare Thanksgiving Cookies Royal Icing

Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making those cookies! I’ll walk you through each step so you can whip up these adorable treats like a pro. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be a cookie decorating superstar!

Prepping the Dough

First things first, we need to mix our dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Give it a little whisk to blend everything together. Now, in a separate large bowl, cream the 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes, so don’t rush it! Next, beat in the 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract. Once that’s nice and combined, gradually mix in your dry ingredients until a dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too wet, sprinkle in a little extra flour.

Rolling and Cutting Cookies

Now that your dough is ready, it’s time to roll! Dust your countertop with a light layer of flour to prevent sticking, and then roll out your dough to about 1/4 inch thick. I like to work in sections, so if your dough is too big to handle, just cut it in half and work with one piece at a time. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes—turkeys, leaves, you name it! Make sure to transfer them carefully to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. I usually leave a little space between each cookie so they have room to spread out a bit.

Baking the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you haven’t already. Pop those cookies in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden, but the centers still look a bit soft—that’s perfect! Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. Once they’re ready, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is super important because we want a sturdy base for our royal icing!

Making the Royal Icing

While those cookies are cooling, let’s whip up that royal icing! In a mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of meringue powder, and 6 tablespoons of water. Mix on low speed until everything is combined, then crank it up to medium for about 5 minutes until the icing is thick and glossy. If it’s too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a splash more water. You want it to hold its shape but still be spreadable. If you’re feeling fancy, divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to create a beautiful palette for decorating!

Decorating with Royal Icing

Now comes the fun part—decorating! Once your cookies are completely cool, grab a piping bag fitted with a small round tip and fill it with your royal icing. Outline the edges of each cookie first, and then fill in the center with a thicker consistency of icing. Don’t forget to gently shake or tap the cookie to smooth out any bumps! Let them dry for about 4-6 hours or until the icing is completely set. If you want to add more details, like flowers or patterns, do that once the base layer is dry. Just remember to let each layer dry completely before stacking the cookies. Oops, I can’t wait for you to see how beautiful they turn out!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oh my goodness, where do I even start? These *thanksgiving cookies royal icing* are not just cookies; they’re a delightful adventure! Here’s why you’re going to fall head over heels for this recipe:

Simple and Straightforward: The steps are easy to follow, making it perfect for bakers of all levels. You don’t need to be a pro to create these beauties!
Fun for Everyone: Whether you’re baking solo or with family, decorating cookies is a blast! Kids and adults alike will love getting creative with the royal icing.
Perfect for Gatherings: These cookies are a hit at holiday parties! They’re not just delicious; they also add a festive touch to any table.
Customizable: From colors to shapes, you can make these cookies truly your own. Go wild with themes, or keep it classic—either way, they’ll be stunning!
Great for Gifting: Pack them up in a cute box, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade gift that your friends and family will adore.
Deliciously Sweet: With a fantastic balance of flavors and that delightful crunch, these cookies are simply irresistible. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!

Tips for Success

Ready to take your *thanksgiving cookies royal icing* to the next level? I’ve got some pro tips that’ll help you achieve cookie perfection every time! Trust me; a little extra care goes a long way in baking.

Chill Your Dough: If you find the dough is too sticky to roll out, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and help your cookies keep their shape while baking.
Use Parchment Paper: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also ensures even baking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should look set and slightly golden around the edges. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!
Consistency is Key: When making royal icing, aim for a consistency similar to toothpaste for outlining and slightly thinner for flooding. If it’s too thick, add a drop of water; if too thin, a sprinkle of powdered sugar can help!
Let Each Layer Dry: Be patient and allow the royal icing to dry completely between layers of decoration. This will prevent smudging and make your designs pop!
Practice Piping: If you’re new to piping, practice on a piece of parchment before decorating your cookies. It’ll help you get comfortable with controlling the icing flow.
Store Wisely: Keep your decorated cookies in a single layer in an airtight container. If you need to stack them, place parchment paper between layers to avoid ruining the icing.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to baking up a storm of gorgeous and delicious cookies this Thanksgiving! Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve created these stunning *thanksgiving cookies royal icing*, let’s talk about how to keep them fresh and delicious! Proper storage is key to maintaining their flavor and texture.

First off, once your cookies are completely decorated and the royal icing has dried thoroughly (about 4-6 hours), you’ll want to store them in an airtight container. I recommend using a container that’s large enough to keep the cookies in a single layer to avoid any smushing. If you need to stack them, just place a piece of parchment paper between the layers to protect that gorgeous icing.

These cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for about a week. If you’re planning to keep them longer, you can pop them in the fridge, but remember that refrigeration can sometimes change the texture a bit.

If you want to freeze your cookies (which is a great option if you’re baking in advance), make sure they’re fully dried and then wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. No need to reheat; they’re best enjoyed as is!

With these storage tips, your *thanksgiving cookies royal icing* will be ready to share and savor whenever the mood strikes. Happy baking and happy feasting!

Nutritional Information

Curious about the nutritional side of these delightful *thanksgiving cookies royal icing*? Here’s a rough estimate for one cookie, so you can indulge without any surprises! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea:

Calories: 150
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 60mg
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 2g

So there you have it! These cookies are a sweet treat, and while they’re not exactly health food, they’re perfect for enjoying during the holidays. Just remember, it’s all about balance, and these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around your Thanksgiving table!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making those delightful *thanksgiving cookies royal icing*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and their answers to help you navigate your holiday baking adventure:

How long can I store these cookies?

You can keep your decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If you want them to last a bit longer, pop them in the fridge, but be aware that refrigeration can sometimes alter their texture.

Can I freeze the cookies?

Absolutely! Once the royal icing is fully dried, you can wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature—no need to reheat!

What if I don’t have meringue powder for the icing?

No problem! You can substitute the meringue powder with 1 egg white per cup of powdered sugar. Just make sure to use it immediately after mixing, as it won’t hold up as well as meringue powder. Alternatively, you can make a simple buttercream frosting if you prefer something different!

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. This will help achieve a similar texture without the gluten. Just keep an eye on the dough; you might need to adjust the moisture levels a little.

How can I achieve vibrant colors in my royal icing?

For bright and beautiful colors, I recommend using gel food coloring instead of liquid dye. Gel colors are more concentrated, so you only need a tiny bit to get those stunning hues without changing the icing’s consistency. Just mix them in until you reach your desired shade!

With these FAQs, you’re all set to tackle your *thanksgiving cookies royal icing* with confidence. Happy baking, and enjoy every sweet moment!

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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.