Christmas Sugar Cookies: Fun and Tasty!!!

This is a great sugar cookie recipe that I make every year during Christmas time. I already made one batch this season, and I plan on making another batch pretty soon! They are sooo yummy, and such fun to make. My husband even enjoyed helping me cut them out and add the sprinkles. =) It is a really fun activity to do with your kids! They will love it! The royal icing for these cookies is really good. If you're not sure what royal icing is, it's the kind that hardens after it dries. It goes wonderfully on sugar cookies!!!

Here's my favorite Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe:

*Makes about 18-20 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters.

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg white (different egg from above)
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Directions To Make Cookies:

1. In a bowl, mix together flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 to 4 minutes). Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until combined.
3. Add the flour mixture and beat until you have a smooth dough.
4. Wrap dough in plastic wrap.
5. Refrigerate for about one hour.
6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
7. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper (keeps the bottoms from getting too brown).
8. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
9. Cut out cookies using lightly floured cookie cutters! The fun part!!
10. Transfer cut out cookies to the prepared baking sheets.
11. Place the baking sheets (with cookies on them) in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. This chills the dough to prevent the cookies from losing their shape while baking.
12. Bake the cookies for about 8-10 minutes, or until edges slightly brown. (I usually set my timer for about 6 or 7 minutes, and check them, then cook them for another minute or so if they need it. I like my cookies nice and soft. Just keep an eye on them!)
13. Remove from oven. Let cool a minute or two on the baking sheet, then transfer to wire rack to allow complete cooling.
14. After cooled, frost with Royal icing (see below!) and add red/green sprinkles.
15. Enjoy! Yummy!

Directions To Make Royal Icing:

1. Beat the egg white with the lemon juice.
2. Add the powdered sugar and beat on low speed until combined and smooth.
3. Spread on cooled sugar cookies! Add red and green sprinkles.

*The icing must be used right away, or stored in an airtight container until ready to use. It will harden while exposed to air, and it will become unspreadable.

*Let the icing on the cookies dry completely before storing them away.

Have fun!!! =)

Would you like to see some more great Christmas cookie recipes? Head on over to Amanda's Holiday Cookie Swap for some inspiration!!!

Do you have any favorite Holiday cookie or treat recipes? Feel free to share below in the comments, or add your recipe to Amanda's Cookie Swap!