The holiday season is all about sweet treats, and nothing says Christmas quite like a batch of freshly baked sugar cookies. The warm aroma of cookies wafting through the house is sure to create a festive atmosphere. With a little icing magic, these cookies will not only taste delightful but also look stunning on any holiday dessert table!
Classic Vanilla Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

Easy Sugar Cookies & Sugar Cookie Frosting from Sugar Spun Run
Rating: 5 (1722 reviews). Total Time: 3 h 10 min.
These vanilla sugar cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with sweet vanilla flavor. The royal icing adds a beautiful finish and allows for endless decorating possibilities, making them perfect for holiday gatherings. The ease of rolling and cutting the dough into festive shapes makes this recipe a favorite among bakers of all skill levels.
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 6 tablespoons water
This recipe stands out because it combines simple ingredients to create a cookie that’s not only delicious but also versatile. You can use cookie cutters to make stars, trees, or even little gingerbread men, and the royal icing can be tinted in all the festive colors you desire. When you decorate these cookies, you can let your creativity soar, making each one uniquely yours. Plus, the royal icing hardens beautifully, ensuring your cookies look picture-perfect for those holiday Instagram posts!
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Chocolate Peppermint Sugar Cookies with Creamy Icing

Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Cookies from Sally's Baking Addiction
Rating: 4.8 (43 reviews). Total Time: 4 hr.
Imagine the delightful combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint in a soft sugar cookie! These chocolate peppermint sugar cookies are a holiday treat that will surprise and delight your taste buds. Topped with a creamy icing, they’re the perfect mix of festive flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- Crushed candy canes for garnish
This cookie recipe is special because it captures the essence of the holiday spirit with its festive flavors. The chocolate base is rich and indulgent, while the hint of peppermint adds a refreshing twist that’s perfect for winter. The creamy icing complements the cookies beautifully and provides a sweet contrast to the chocolate, while the crushed candy canes on top add a delightful crunch and a pop of color. Serve these at your next holiday party, and watch as they disappear in no time!








