As the leaves begin to turn and the air gets that crisp, cozy feel, I can’t help but get excited about holiday baking! There’s something magical about creating delicious treats that bring everyone together, especially when it comes to making royal icing Thanksgiving cookies. These cookies are not just a feast for the taste buds; they’re like little canvases for creativity! I love gathering my family around the kitchen table, rolling out dough, and cutting out shapes that we’ll later decorate with vibrant, colorful icing. It’s such a joy to watch everyone’s artistic flair come alive, and trust me, these cookies will be the highlight of your Thanksgiving festivities!
Ingredients for Royal Icing Thanksgiving Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking these delightful royal icing Thanksgiving cookies! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – this forms the base of our cookie dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – to help those cookies rise just a bit!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – a little saltiness balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – this adds that rich, buttery flavor we all love.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar – for that perfect sweetness!
- 1 egg – it acts as a binder, helping hold everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – because who doesn’t love a hint of vanilla?
- 3 cups powdered sugar – essential for our royal icing, giving it that sweet, smooth texture.
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder – this is the secret ingredient that helps the icing dry hard and shiny!
- 6 tablespoons water – to mix with the powdered sugar and meringue powder for our icing.
- Food coloring (optional) – for adding those fun, festive colors to your icing!
With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to create some adorable cookies that will definitely impress your family and friends!
How to Prepare Royal Icing Thanksgiving Cookies
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—preparing these delicious royal icing Thanksgiving cookies! I promise, it’s easier than it sounds, and the results are absolutely worth it!
Prepping the Dough
First things first, let’s mix our dry ingredients! In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This helps ensure that everything is evenly distributed. Now, in a larger bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until it’s nice and fluffy. Add in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until it’s all well combined. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. It should feel a little sticky but still manageable!
Baking the Cookies
Next up, it’s time to roll out the dough! On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden around the edges. Once they’re done, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. This is super important because you don’t want to ice warm cookies; trust me, it can get messy!
Making the Royal Icing
While the cookies cool, let’s whip up that royal icing! In a bowl, combine 3 cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of meringue powder, and 6 tablespoons of water. Mix until it’s smooth and holds stiff peaks. The meringue powder is what makes the icing harden beautifully, so don’t skip it! If it’s too runny, just add a bit more powdered sugar until you get that perfect consistency—it should be thick enough to hold its shape but smooth enough to pipe.
Decorating the Cookies
Now comes the best part—decorating! Using a piping bag or a squeeze bottle, outline your cookies with the royal icing first, then fill in the center. If you want to add some color, divide the icing into smaller bowls and mix in your food coloring. You can create fun designs like fall leaves, pumpkins, or whatever your heart desires! Just remember, allow the icing to dry completely before stacking those cookies. It’s hard to resist sneaking a taste, but trust me, patience is key here!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These royal icing Thanksgiving cookies are truly a delight, and here’s why you’re going to fall in love with them:
- Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward, making this recipe perfect for both seasoned bakers and those just starting out.
- Customizable: You can let your creativity shine! From colors to designs, each cookie can be a unique masterpiece.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving Gatherings: These cookies not only taste great but also add a festive touch to your holiday table.
- Fun for All Ages: Get the whole family involved—it’s a wonderful way to bond while crafting delicious treats!
- Great for Gifting: Pack them up in a cute box, and they make fantastic gifts for friends and neighbors during the holiday season.
With all these reasons, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe year after year! Enjoy the joy of baking and sharing these scrumptious cookies with your loved ones!
Tips for Success with Royal Icing Thanksgiving Cookies
To make sure your royal icing Thanksgiving cookies turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that I always follow! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will save you from any cookie catastrophes.
- Check Your Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft but not too sticky. If it’s too wet, add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you get that smooth, workable texture.
- Chill the Dough: If you find the dough is too soft to roll out easily, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to cut out those perfect shapes!
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake. You want them to be just lightly golden around the edges, so they stay soft and chewy inside.
- Royal Icing Consistency: For outlining, your royal icing should be thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to pipe easily. For flooding, it needs to be a bit thinner. A good test is to draw a line in the icing, and if it smooths out within 10 seconds, you’re golden!
- Use Piping Bags: If you can, invest in some disposable piping bags. They make decorating so much easier and cleaner! Just cut a small hole in the tip for fine lines.
- Let Icing Dry Completely: After decorating, it’s crucial to let your cookies dry completely before stacking or storing them. This can take several hours, so plan ahead!
- Have Fun with Colors: Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors for your royal icing! You can create beautiful gradients or marbled effects that will make your cookies stand out.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to baking the most adorable and delicious royal icing Thanksgiving cookies. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve decorated your royal icing Thanksgiving cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and delicious! Here’s how to store them properly:
- Storing Decorated Cookies: Place your cookies in an airtight container. Make sure they’re completely dry before stacking them to prevent the icing from smudging. If you’re layering them, consider placing parchment paper between the layers for extra protection!
- Room Temperature: These cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to a week. Just keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Longer Storage: If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them! Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months.
- Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. Resist the urge to rush the process by using a microwave, as this can ruin the icing!
With these simple storage tips, your royal icing Thanksgiving cookies will stay just as delightful as the day you baked them. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying these royal icing Thanksgiving cookies, it’s always nice to be aware of the nutritional content. Here’s an estimated breakdown per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so feel free to adjust them according to your preferences. Enjoy these delightful cookies as part of your Thanksgiving celebration, guilt-free!
FAQ about Royal Icing Thanksgiving Cookies
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a bit to soften before rolling it out.
What if my royal icing is too runny? No worries! Just add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach the desired thickness. You want it to hold its shape well but still be smooth enough to pipe.
How long does it take for the icing to dry? Generally, royal icing can take several hours to dry completely. It’s best to leave them out overnight if you can, just to be safe!
Can I use egg whites instead of meringue powder? Yes, you can! Just use about 2 egg whites in place of the meringue powder and adjust the water accordingly.
Are these cookies suitable for shipping? Definitely! Just make sure they’re well-protected in an airtight container and separated with parchment paper to prevent any damage during transit.
Print
Royal Icing Thanksgiving Cookies: 7 Joyful Tips for Success
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- 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 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 6 tablespoons water
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add egg and vanilla to the butter mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut into shapes.
- Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool completely.
- In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water to make the royal icing.
- Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing and food coloring as desired.
Notes
- Store decorated cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different food colors for festive designs.
- Allow royal icing to 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: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: royal icing thanksgiving cookies
