Christmas cookies are some of the most special holiday treats for the Christmas Season. They bring families together to create memories full of joy, making the delicious Christmas cookies just right. Before starting, you will need to know the ingredients that go into this.

What you will need:

2 sticks of Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature)

2 Oz. Cream Cheese (Room Temperature)

1 Cup Granulated Sugar

1 Large Egg

1 tsp. Of Vanilla Extract

1/2 tsp. Of Almond Extract

2 tsp. Of Orange Zest

1 1/2 Tbs. Of Orange Juice

3 Cups of All-Purpose Flour

1 1/2 tsp. Baking Powder

1/2 tsp. Of Salt

For Icing: 3 Oz. Of Egg whites (About 3 egg whites)

4 Cups of Sifted Powdered Sugar

1/2 tsp. Of Vanilla Extract

Now That we have the ingredients covered, lets begin with mixing our ingredients together!

Step 1. With an Electric mixer, cream the butter and cream cheese until smooth (1-2 minutes). Next, add the sugar and mix until light and fluffy, (3-4 minutes.) Mix in the egg, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla, and almond extract. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well and scrape the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.

Step 2. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 30 minutes minimum.

Step 3. Preheat oven to 350 °F

Step 4. Once well chilled, roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 – 1/2 inch thick and cut with desired cookie cutters. Next, place on parchment paper lined baking sheets. Place in the preheated oven and bake until slightly puffed and just beginning to look golden. (This part will take around 10 – 14 minutes).

Step 5. Once baked, remove from he oven and cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer cooling racks and cool completely. Frost with favorite icing or try the rich and sweet, “Royal Icing” with Directions on how to make it below!

How to make “Royal Icing”

Step 1. Mix egg whites, 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, and vanilla powder together until smooth. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until the frosting is thick and like a ribbon when pouring out.

Step 2. Separate into bowls and color with food coloring.

Step 3. Finally, Use pastry bags or a plastic cookie decorating bottle to decorate the cookies.

Now that you have finished up, go enjoy your delicious Christmas Cookies with a cold glass of milk!