Twisted Christmas Cookies Holiday (Print-Friendly Version)

Craft twisted Christmas cookies using almond, vanilla, and orange zest for a jolly December sweet. Add colorful icing to celebrate the holiday season. Tap & save.

# Ingredients You’ll Need:

→ Cookie Dough

01 - 1 cup softened unsalted butter
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
06 - 1 tablespoon orange zest
07 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
08 - 1 tablespoon milk, if dough seems too dry

→ Icing

09 - 2 tablespoons meringue powder
10 - 2 teaspoons lemon juice
11 - 1/4 cup water, with extra for adjusting consistency
12 - 2 cups powdered sugar

→ Decoration

13 - Various food coloring options
14 - Sprinkles, edible glitter, or smashed candy canes

# How to Make It:

01 - Beat butter and sugar in a big bowl until it's fluffy and pale. Throw in the eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and orange zest. Stir everything until it's well mixed.
02 - Slowly pour flour into your wet ingredients, mixing gently until you get a nice soft dough. If it feels too crumbly, add a bit of milk to help it stick together.
03 - Get your oven hot at 350°F (175°C). Put parchment paper on two or three baking sheets.
04 - Flatten the dough to 1/4-inch thick. Cut out fun shapes with cookie cutters and place them on your lined baking sheets. Let them cool in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes.
05 - Pop them in the hot oven for 10-12 minutes. They're done when the edges start turning slightly golden. Move them to a wire rack and let them cool completely.
06 - Mix meringue powder, lemon juice, and water in a bowl until it gets foamy. Add powdered sugar bit by bit while mixing until your icing looks shiny and forms peaks. Add more water if it's too thick.
07 - Split the icing into several small bowls and add different food colors to each. Spread or pipe the icing on your cooled cookies, then top with sprinkles, edible glitter, or candy cane pieces. Wait for everything to dry.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Make sure you chill your dough before baking so your cookies won't spread too much and will keep their sharp edges.