Holiday Cookie Magic (Printable Version)

Tender, holiday-themed cookies perfect for Christmas parties or as handmade gifts.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cookie Dough

01 - 4 eggs
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, left out until soft
04 - 2 teaspoons vanilla or almond extract
05 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 4 teaspoons baking powder

→ Glaze

07 - 2 cups powdered sugar
08 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - 3 tablespoons milk (add more for thinner consistency)
10 - Nonpareil sprinkles to top

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Stir flour and baking powder together in a bowl and put aside.
02 - Beat the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract in a big bowl until smooth.
03 - Drop in eggs one by one, stirring after each one goes in.
04 - Pour in the flour mix and stir until everything's combined.
05 - Work the dough with your hands until it's firm and not tacky. Wrap it up and stick it in the fridge for an hour.
06 - Turn on the oven to 375°F (190°C). Put parchment on your baking trays and set them aside.
07 - Roll small 1-inch balls or make 6-inch strips and curl them into swirls, tucking the end underneath. Place them on your tray with 2 inches between each.
08 - Let them bake for 8-10 minutes. They should get light brown on the bottom but stay pale on top.
09 - Move the cookies to a wire rack and wait until they're totally cool before adding glaze.
10 - Stir together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until it's runny but still thick. Add more milk or sugar to get it just right.
11 - Dunk the tops of your cooled cookies into the glaze and let extra drip off. Put them on a rack and scatter sprinkles on top. Wait 30-60 minutes for the glaze to set.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Soft butter makes smoother dough. Speed things up by cutting butter into chunks and leaving them out for 15-20 minutes.
02 - Don't stir too much or your cookies will turn out tough and heavy.
03 - Always chill the dough as told. It makes handling easier and helps cookies keep their shape.
04 - Wait till cookies cool completely before adding any decorations or they'll melt away.