Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with the aroma of roasted turkey and the warmth of family gatherings. One of my absolute favorite traditions is baking *thanksgiving royal icing cookies*. There’s just something so special about rolling out the dough, cutting out festive shapes, and decorating them with colorful icing. It’s a delightful way to express creativity while making sweet treats that everyone enjoys. I remember my first attempt at these cookies; the kitchen was a flour-dusted wonderland, and I giggled at the funny shapes I created. Trust me, these cookies aren’t just delicious—they bring a cozy, joyful spirit to your Thanksgiving celebration. Let’s dive into the recipe and spread some sweetness this holiday!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these *thanksgiving royal icing cookies* a hit! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base for our cookies, giving them the perfect structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This will help the cookies rise a bit, making them soft and tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure your butter is at room temperature so it creams nicely with the sugar.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that lovely chewy texture.
- 1 large egg: This brings everything together and adds richness to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For that warm, inviting flavor that makes cookies taste like home.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Essential for our royal icing, giving it that smooth, sweet finish.
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder: This is what helps our icing hold its shape and dry nicely.
- 1/4 cup water: Just enough to bring the icing ingredients together into a smooth consistency.
- Food coloring (optional): Get creative! This lets you make your icing as vibrant and festive as you like.
With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to whip up some delightful cookies that will surely impress your family and friends this Thanksgiving!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Royal Icing Cookies
Alright, let’s get those ovens preheated and dive into the delicious world of *thanksgiving royal icing cookies*! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of festive cookies ready to impress in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’ll be perfectly ready when it’s time to bake!
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your cookies have a nice, even texture.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a larger mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. It’s important for the perfect cookie texture, so don’t rush this step!
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. You’ll love the sweet aroma that fills your kitchen!
- Combine the mixtures: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as we want our cookies tender.
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness is key for nice, sturdy cookies that hold their shape.
- Cut and bake: Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool completely: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They need to be completely cool before we get to the fun part—decorating!
Now that you’ve got your cookies ready, it’s time for the royal icing! Let’s get creative!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *thanksgiving royal icing cookies* turn out perfectly, here are some of my go-to tips! First, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature—this helps it cream beautifully with the sugar. Don’t skip the cooling step; allowing the cookies to cool completely ensures that the icing won’t melt into a puddle when you decorate. When it comes to icing, use a piping bag for detailed designs, and don’t be afraid to experiment with colors! If your icing seems too runny, just add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach a thicker consistency. And remember, let the icing dry completely before stacking your cookies; this prevents any smudging and keeps them looking fabulous. Trust me, a little patience goes a long way in making these cookies shine on your Thanksgiving table!
Variations
Mixing things up with your *thanksgiving royal icing cookies* can be so much fun! For a twist on traditional flavors, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy taste. You can also switch up the shapes—think pumpkins, leaves, or even turkeys to really get into the holiday spirit! And don’t stop at just icing; consider adding sprinkles, edible glitter, or even fondant decorations for an extra pop. Feeling adventurous? Use flavored extracts like almond or lemon to give your cookies a unique flair. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *thanksgiving royal icing cookies* properly is essential to keep them fresh and delicious! Once your cookies are completely cooled and decorated, place them in an airtight container. I like to layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent them from sticking together. If you’re storing them at room temperature, they’ll stay yummy for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just make sure to wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. No need to reheat—these cookies are delightful as is! Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying *thanksgiving royal icing cookies*, it’s nice to have an idea of what you’re indulging in! However, keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these values are approximate:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1g
These cookies are a sweet treat, perfect for celebrating the season. Just remember to enjoy them in moderation as part of your festive festivities!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of flour for these cookies?
Absolutely! While all-purpose flour works best for texture, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends if you need a gluten-free option. Just make sure to follow the blend’s specific instructions for the best results!
How can I make my royal icing more colorful?
Adding food coloring is a great way to jazz up your *thanksgiving royal icing cookies*! Gel food colors are my favorite because they give vibrant hues without changing the consistency of the icing. Just add a little at a time until you reach your desired color.
What should I do if my icing is too runny?
If your royal icing seems too runny, don’t worry! Just add a bit more powdered sugar in small increments until it thickens to a spreadable consistency. You want it to hold its shape when piped but still be easy to work with.
How do I get my cookies to hold their shape while baking?
Certainly! To ensure your *thanksgiving royal icing cookies* keep their festive shapes, make sure the dough is properly chilled before rolling it out. After cutting your shapes, chill them on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes before baking. This helps them maintain their form!
Can I decorate the cookies the day before serving?
Yes, you can! In fact, decorating them a day ahead allows the icing to dry thoroughly, making them easier to stack and store. Just keep them in an airtight container to keep them fresh until it’s time to enjoy them!
Thanksgiving Royal Icing Cookies: 7 Tricks to Wow Guests
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious royal icing cookies perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 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
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1/4 cup water
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light.
- Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
- Gradually add flour mixture; mix until combined.
- Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut shapes.
- Place cookies on baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Cool completely before decorating.
- For icing, mix powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth.
- Add food coloring if desired and decorate cooled cookies.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use a piping bag for detailed designs.
- Let icing dry completely before stacking cookies.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- 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: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: thanksgiving royal icing cookies
