There’s something incredibly heartwarming about homemade treats during the holiday season. It’s a simple way to show love, thoughtfulness, and a sprinkle of festive cheer. And what better way to capture the holiday spirit than with these adorable Christmas Present Cookies? With a buttery sugar cookie base and dazzling royal icing decorations, these cookies are perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying with family around the tree.

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Why You’ll Love These Christmas Present Cookies

These cookies aren’t just a treat for the taste buds—they’re a feast for the eyes too! With their bright, festive colors and charming “gift-wrapped” designs, these cookies make the perfect edible gift to spread holiday joy. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make and decorate! Here’s why these cookies are a must-make this holiday season:

Taste: The classic sugar cookie recipe is tender, buttery, and lightly sweet, a flavor that perfectly complements the decorative icing.
Customizable: From colors to decorations, these cookies can be tailored to your holiday theme or personal preference.
Fun for All Ages: Kids will love helping with the decorating, making this a perfect family activity!
Gift-Worthy: Packaged in a festive box, these cookies make a thoughtful, handmade gift.

Ingredients for Christmas Present Cookies

Sugar Cookie Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract (or almond extract for a slightly different twist)
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt

Royal Icing Ingredients

4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
3 tbsp meringue powder
8–10 tbsp water (adjust as needed for consistency)
Food coloring (choose red, green, blue, pink, yellow, or any festive colors you love)
Edible glitter or festive sprinkles (optional but highly recommended for that extra sparkle!)

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing Bowls: For both the dough and icing.
Electric Mixer: To make the dough and icing perfectly smooth.
Plastic Wrap: For chilling the dough.
Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough.
Square Cookie Cutter or Knife: To shape the cookies into “presents.”
Parchment Paper: To line your baking sheet.
Piping Bags: Essential for decorating with royal icing.
Sifter: To ensure smooth, lump-free icing.

How to Make Christmas Present Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color.
Add the egg and vanilla (or almond) extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
Divide the dough into two halves, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling the dough helps it hold its shape when baked.

Step 2: Roll and Cut

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
Use a square cookie cutter or a knife to cut out present-shaped cookies.
Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about an inch apart.

Bake the Cookies

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important to let them cool fully before decorating!

Step 4: Prepare the Royal Icing

In a medium bowl, mix the sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder together.
Slowly add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the icing forms soft peaks. This should take about 8-10 tablespoons of water, depending on your desired consistency.
Divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to each. You can go for traditional holiday colors like red and green or mix it up with pastels or metallic shades.

Step 5: Decorate the Cookies

Outline each cookie with a piping bag and let the outline set for a few minutes. Then, flood the center with icing, using a toothpick to fill any gaps.
Once the base layer is dry, use contrasting colors to pipe “ribbons” and “bows” on top.
Add edible glitter or festive sprinkles while the icing is still wet to make your cookies shine!

What to Serve with Christmas Present Cookies

These cookies are delicious on their own but pair wonderfully with:

Hot Chocolate: For a cozy treat.
Mulled Wine or Cider: For a grown-up holiday celebration.
Coffee or Latte: To balance the sweetness with a touch of bitterness.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Present Cookies

Chill the Dough: Don’t skip this step! Chilling makes the dough easier to work with and keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Consistency is Key: For the royal icing, aim for a thick but spreadable consistency for outlines, and a thinner consistency for flooding.
Patience with Drying: Allow the base layer of icing to dry completely before adding the details. This ensures crisp lines and clean designs.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Freezer: Freeze undecorated cookies for up to three months. If freezing decorated cookies, place them in a single layer between sheets of parchment paper to preserve the icing details.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days ahead. Just keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Q: Can I use a different icing?
A: Yes, you can use a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, though it won’t have the same thickness or drying properties as royal icing.

Q: How do I make the icing shiny?
A: For that glossy finish, let the cookies dry in a cool room overnight. A bit of corn syrup added to the icing can also help enhance shine.

Wrapping Up: A Sweet, Festive Gift You Can Share

These Christmas Present Cookies are a beautiful and delicious way to spread holiday cheer. Their delicate, buttery flavor and festive design are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to receive them. Whether you’re gifting them, serving them at a holiday party, or making them as a fun family project, these cookies are a wonderful way to celebrate the season!

Looking for More Holiday Cookie Recipes?

Check out some of our other festive favorites:

Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies
Peppermint Chocolate Crinkles
Cranberry Orange Biscotti