There’s something undeniably magical about the holiday season, especially when it comes to baking. One of my favorite memories is decorating cookies with friends and family, creating beautiful little works of art that’s almost too cute to eat. This Simple Christmas Cookie Icing recipe is perfect for adding that festive touch to your holiday treats. Not only is it easy to whip up, but it dries hard enough to withstand packaging and displaying, making it an essential part of your holiday baking traditions.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This icing recipe has several delightful benefits that make it a must-try. First and foremost, it’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality or taste. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a delicious icing that’s perfect for holiday cookie decorating. It’s also kid-approved, making it a fun activity for the whole family.
"This icing is a game-changer! My children loved decorating cookies with it, and it dried just perfectly. It truly brought our holiday cheer alive!" – A happy home cook
How This Recipe Comes Together
Making Simple Christmas Cookie Icing is a breeze! You’ll begin by combining the powdered sugar and meringue powder. Gradually add water while mixing, and voilà! Once you achieve a smooth consistency, feel free to play with food coloring for decorations that pop. With just a bit of patience, your cookies will be beautifully outlined and filled, ready for the holiday festivities.
What You’ll Need
To create this wonderful icing, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1/4 cup water
- Food coloring (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Feel free to swap out the vanilla for almond extract if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Directions to Follow
- In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and meringue powder.
- Gradually add water while mixing until the icing reaches a smooth consistency.
- If you’d like, add food coloring and mix until it’s evenly incorporated.
- Use a piping bag to outline your cookies and fill them in with icing.
- Allow the icing to dry for several hours, or until it’s hard.
- Decorate as desired and let everything dry completely before packaging or displaying.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Once your cookies are decorated with this delightful icing, the options for serving them are endless! Pair your cookies with a warm cup of cocoa, or lay them out for a festive dessert table at your gatherings. They also make adorable gifts when bundled in treat bags or boxes.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with extra icing, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If it hardens, simply mix in a few drops of water to restore its smooth consistency. For the decorated cookies, store them in a cool, dry place, and they should last for about a week as well.
Pro Chef Tips
To ensure your icing is perfect every time, here are some pro tips:
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
- Keep your mixing utensils and bowls completely dry; any moisture can affect the icing’s consistency.
- For intricate designs, use a small piping tip to create fine lines and details.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with your icing! You can add different extracts like peppermint or orange for a unique twist, or incorporate sprinkles and edible glitter for some extra sparkle. If you want to make it more festive, consider using holiday-themed cookie cutters and colors to match the occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the icing take to dry?
The icing generally takes a few hours to dry completely, but letting it set overnight is ideal if you’ve used a lot of icing.
Can I substitute the meringue powder?
You can use egg whites instead of meringue powder, but make sure to be cautious about any potential food safety issues associated with raw egg.
How do I store leftover icing?
Store any leftover icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Just remember to re-mix it with a little water if it thickens up too much!
Now, gather your ingredients, invite the family into the kitchen, and let the festive fun begin! Happy decorating!
Simple Christmas Cookie Icing
A budget-friendly and easy-to-make icing perfect for decorating your holiday cookies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups of icing 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1/4 cup water
- Food coloring (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and meringue powder.
- Gradually add water while mixing until the icing reaches a smooth consistency.
- If you’d like, add food coloring and mix until it’s evenly incorporated.
- Use a piping bag to outline your cookies and fill them in with icing.
- Allow the icing to dry for several hours, or until it’s hard.
- Decorate as desired and let everything dry completely before packaging or displaying.
Notes
Store extra icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Mix in a few drops of water to restore its smooth consistency if it hardens.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg