Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. This ensures a tender base for your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe.
Step 2: Beat in the large egg and pure vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be thick. Do not overmix! Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cookies, which is the last thing you want for your soft, delicious Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe.
Step 4: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours. Chilling is essential for this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe as it prevents spreading and makes the dough much easier to handle for cutting your festive shapes. You can even chill it overnight!
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This step is crucial for perfect Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe baking.
Step 6: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use minimal flour to prevent drying out the dough, which can affect the final texture of your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe.
Step 7: Cut out desired shapes using your favorite cookie cutters. Carefully transfer the cutouts to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between cookies. Gather any scraps, gently re-roll once or twice, and cut more cookies. Remember, for the best Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing results, avoid overworking the dough scraps.
Step 8: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden. The centers should still look soft. Baking time can vary based on cookie size and oven. Do not overbake, or your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe will be hard! This is key for soft, chewy cookies.
Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Ensure they are fully cooled before icing to prevent the icing from melting or running. This patience will be rewarded with beautiful Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe creations.
Step 10: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and meringue powder (if using, for a harder, more stable set). Sifting the powdered sugar is important to prevent lumps in your easy icing for the Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe.
Step 11: Gradually whisk in the milk or water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. For thick piping consistency, use less liquid. For a thinner flood consistency, use a bit more. Add pure vanilla extract for flavor, enhancing your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe experience.
Step 12: Divide the icing into separate bowls and tint with gel food coloring as desired. Cover any icing you're not immediately using with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent it from crusting. This ensures your easy icing for the Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe stays smooth.
Step 13: If piping, transfer thicker icing to piping bags fitted with small round tips (or snip a tiny corner off a Ziploc bag). Outline your cookies with the thicker icing. This provides a barrier for the flood icing on your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe.
Step 14: If flooding, thin a portion of the icing (from Step 11) with a few more drops of milk until it's slightly runny, like honey. Fill in the outlined areas with the flood icing, using a toothpick or small brush to gently spread it to the edges and pop any air bubbles. This technique brings your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing to life.
Step 15: Decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, or more piped details while the icing is wet (for wet-on-wet techniques) or after it has dried (for layered designs), depending on your vision. Allow the iced Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing to dry completely at room temperature for several hours (or overnight) before stacking or storing. Patience is key for beautiful, smudge-free results!