The snow was lightly falling outside, and inside the kitchen, the warm scent of butter and sugar filled the air. My kids had pulled out their favorite holiday aprons, eager to “help” with the baking, and I decided it was the perfect day to turn our kitchen into a festive workshop. The idea struck me: why not make cookies that looked like little wrapped presents? Something bright and playful to match the sparkling tree in the living room.

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Rolling out the dough and cutting squares together felt almost like a game. Each cookie became a blank canvas, ready for colorful icing, ribbons, and sparkles. My children argued over who got to pipe the red ribbon first, and laughter bounced off the walls. Every small detail—the flour-dusted counter, the gentle hum of holiday music, the soft golden edges of freshly baked cookies—added to the magic of the moment.

As I prepared the royal icing, I realized that this wasn’t just about making cookies. It was about creating memories and traditions. Layering colors, piping bows, and sprinkling edible glitter transformed ordinary sugar cookies into festive treasures. By the time we lined them up on a platter, our little Christmas presents were ready to brighten the season, both on the table and in our hearts.

Short Description

Festive Christmas Present Cookies soft sugar cookies decorated with colorful royal icing and sparkling sprinkles, perfect for gifting or holiday gatherings.

Key Ingredients

Sugar Cookie Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract (or almond extract)
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt

Royal Icing Ingredients

4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
3 tbsp meringue powder
8–10 tbsp water (adjust as needed)
Food coloring (red, green, blue, pink, yellow, or any festive colors)
Edible glitter or festive sprinkles (optional)

Tools Needed

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Rolling pin
Square cookie cutter or knife
Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
Piping bags and small tips
Toothpicks for detail work
Wire cooling racks

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy and pale. Add the egg and vanilla (or almond) extract and mix until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until smooth dough forms. Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.

Step 2: Roll and Cut
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a square cookie cutter or knife to cut present-shaped cookies. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Make sure the cookies are fully cooled before decorating to prevent the icing from melting.

Step 4: Prepare the Royal Icing
In a medium bowl, mix the sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder. Slowly add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the icing forms soft peaks. Divide into separate bowls and color each portion with food coloring of your choice.

Step 5: Decorate the Cookies
Outline each cookie with a piping bag and allow the outline to set for a few minutes. Flood the center with icing, using a toothpick to fill gaps. Once dry, pipe ribbons and bows with contrasting colors. Sprinkle edible glitter or festive sprinkles on top while the icing is still wet for a sparkling effect.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fun and interactive for the whole family

Soft, buttery cookies with smooth, colorful icing

Perfect for holiday gifting or table displays

Customizable colors and decorations

Encourages creativity and fine motor skills for kids

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Cookies spreading too much
If the dough is too warm, cookies can lose their shape.
Solution: Chill dough thoroughly and work quickly.

Icing too runny
Flood icing can overflow if too thin.
Solution: Add powdered sugar gradually and test consistency before decorating.

Decorations smudging
Handling cookies too soon can smear the icing.
Solution: Let base icing set before adding details or sprinkles.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Arrange on a festive platter for holiday parties

Include in gift boxes or jars for neighbors and friends

Pair with hot cocoa, mulled cider, or a cup of tea

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week

Keep icing decorations dry and avoid stacking until fully set

Do not refrigerate, as this may soften the cookies

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, dough can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to 1 month.

2. Can I use different cookie shapes?
Absolutely! Hearts, stars, or snowflakes work perfectly.

3. How do I prevent icing from cracking?
Ensure cookies are completely cooled before decorating. Cover decorated cookies with plastic wrap only after icing sets.

4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.

5. How can I store decorated cookies long-term?
Layer cookies between parchment paper in an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.

Tips & Tricks

Use a small brush to correct tiny icing mistakes

Color icing lightly first, then adjust for vibrant tones

Edible glitter adds instant festive sparkle

Experiment with different piping tips for ribbons and bows

Recipe Variations

Almond Vanilla Present Cookies: Use almond extract instead of vanilla in the dough for a nutty aroma. Decorate with pastel-colored icing for a softer look.

Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Replace ½ cup of flour with cocoa powder in the dough. Use white royal icing with red and green ribbons for a chocolatey holiday treat.

Mini Present Cookies: Cut dough into smaller squares for bite-sized treats. Perfect for cookie platters or lunchbox surprises.

Final Thoughts

Decorating these Christmas Present Cookies turns baking into an imaginative adventure. The combination of buttery cookie, smooth royal icing, and sparkling details makes each one a little gift in itself, perfect for sharing with family, friends, or neighbors.

Beyond their taste and visual appeal, these cookies carry the joy of holiday creativity. They invite family participation, spark laughter and conversation, and fill the kitchen with a festive atmosphere that lingers long after the last cookie is gone.

Christmas Present Cookies