Description
Mary Berry’s Christmas Cookies are classic sugar cookies with a buttery, tender texture and just the right amount of sweetness. They’re easy to roll out, cut into shapes, and decorate with icing, making them ideal for festive occasions. These cookies are versatile, and you can add a hint of spice or citrus zest to give them a unique holiday twist.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour (2 ¼ cups) – Forms the base of the cookies.
- Butter (1 cup, softened) – Adds richness and a buttery flavor.
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup) – Sweetens the cookies.
- Egg (1 large) – Helps bind the dough.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Adds flavor to the dough.
- Salt (¼ tsp) – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Optional Add-Ins
- Cinnamon or Nutmeg (¼ tsp) – For a hint of holiday spice.
- Orange or Lemon Zest (1 tsp) – Adds a subtle citrusy brightness.
For the Icing
- Powdered Sugar (1 ½ cups) – For the icing.
- Milk or Lemon Juice (2-3 tbsp) – For thinning the icing to the desired consistency.
- Food Coloring – To make colorful holiday decorations.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract (and citrus zest if using) and mix until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and any optional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut Out Shapes: Use holiday cookie cutters to cut out shapes, then transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Icing and Decorate
- Prepare the Icing: In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice until smooth. Add food coloring as desired.
- Decorate the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, use a piping bag or squeeze bottle to decorate them with the icing. Let the icing set before stacking or storing.