Thanksgiving is such a special time of year, isn’t it? The aroma of roasted turkey wafting through the house, the laughter of family gathered around the table, and, of course, the sweet scent of cookies baking in the oven! I have this cherished memory of baking cookies with my grandma every Thanksgiving. We’d whip up a batch of sugar cookies, and she’d let me go wild with colorful royal icing. Those little masterpieces always added a festive touch to our holiday spread. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like creating beautiful cookies to share with loved ones during this season of gratitude. So, let’s dive into making these *thanksgiving cookies royal icing*! They’re a delicious way to celebrate!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful *thanksgiving cookies royal icing*:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon and level it for accuracy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the cookies rise perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Bring it to room temperature for easy blending.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is key!
- 1 large egg: This binds everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For that lovely, warm flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract: It adds a delightful twist!
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Essential for the royal icing.
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder: This stabilizes the icing.
- 1/4 cup water: Use this to achieve the right icing consistency.
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Cookies Royal Icing
Preparing the Cookie Dough
Let’s get started on that cookie dough! First, in a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, and give it a little whisk to mix everything together. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. Now, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. If the dough feels a bit sticky, don’t worry! Just chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps with rolling out later!
Baking the Cookies
Once your dough is ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick, and use your favorite cookie cutters to create fun Thanksgiving shapes! Place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them—overbaking can lead to crunchy cookies instead of soft ones! Once they’re done, let them cool completely on a wire rack before diving into the icing part.
Making Royal Icing
Now, for the royal icing! In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until stiff peaks form, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This is crucial! Stiff peaks mean your icing will hold its shape beautifully when you decorate. If it seems too thick, you can add a tiny bit more water, but be careful not to make it runny!
Decorating the Cookies
Time to get creative! Divide the royal icing into separate bowls if you want to add food coloring. Just a few drops will do—mix until you achieve your desired color. Use piping bags or squeeze bottles to decorate your cookies. I like to outline the edges first and then fill in the centers for a clean look. Let your decorated cookies dry for at least a few hours, or overnight for best results. This way, they’ll be perfect for stacking and sharing!
Tips for Success
To make your *thanksgiving cookies royal icing* a true showstopper, here are my top tips! First, measure your ingredients accurately—this makes a huge difference in texture. Don’t rush the chilling process; it helps the dough maintain its shape while baking. When making royal icing, remember to beat it until you see those stiff peaks—this will ensure your designs hold beautifully! If you’re using food coloring, gel colors work best for vibrant hues without altering the icing consistency. Finally, be patient while the icing dries; allowing ample time will prevent smudging and help your cookies look as amazing as they taste!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values for each *thanksgiving cookie royal icing*:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Cookies Royal Icing
I know you might have some questions about making these *thanksgiving cookies royal icing*, so let’s tackle a few common ones! These tips will help you create the best batch possible.
How do I store the cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll last about a week, but trust me, they’re usually gone way before that! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure they’re completely cooled and wrapped well to avoid freezer burn.
Can I use different colors for the icing?
Absolutely! Using food coloring is a fun way to make your royal icing pop! I recommend using gel food coloring, as it provides vibrant colors without watering down the icing. Just add a small amount to your icing and mix until you reach your desired shade. You’ll be amazed at how festive your cookies can look!
What if my royal icing is too runny?
If your royal icing isn’t holding its shape and is too runny, don’t panic! You can fix it by adding more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the stiff peaks you need. Mix thoroughly after each addition to check the consistency. If you added too much sugar, just a tiny splash of water can help bring it back to the right texture!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation for busy holiday schedules.
- Festive decorations that brighten up your Thanksgiving table.
- Delicious taste that combines buttery sweetness with a fun crunch.
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends.
- A delightful activity for kids and adults alike!
Serving Suggestions
These *thanksgiving cookies royal icing* are perfect alongside a warm cup of spiced cider or a creamy pumpkin latte. You could also serve them on a beautiful platter with an assortment of other festive treats, like pecan pie or cranberry bars, to create a delightful dessert spread that everyone will love!
Print
Thanksgiving Cookies Royal Icing: 5 Sweet Joys to Create
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cookies decorated with royal icing for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1/4 cup water (for icing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract; mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Roll out the dough and cut into shapes.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Cool completely before decorating.
- To make royal icing, beat powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until stiff peaks form.
- Decorate cookies with royal icing as desired.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use food coloring for icing to match Thanksgiving themes.
- Allow 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: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: thanksgiving cookies, royal icing, holiday baking, festive cookies
