Christmas Present Cookies – A Festive Gift to Spread Holiday Cheer!

These Christmas Present Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat—sweet, colorful, and oh-so-festive! Shaped like mini wrapped gifts, each cookie is decorated with bright colors, ribbons, bows, and a hint of edible glitter, making them the perfect sweet surprise for friends and family. This recipe brings the joy of Christmas right into your kitchen, with a simple, buttery sugar cookie base and a deliciously customizable royal icing.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, creating edible gifts, or simply want a fun family baking activity, these cookies make the holiday season even brighter! 🎅✨

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Present Cookies

• Holiday Spirit in Every Bite: These cookies are like tiny, edible presents. They’re decorated to mimic wrapped gifts, adding charm to any holiday cookie platter!
• Fun and Customizable: Change the colors, add unique decorations, and make each cookie a little different. It’s a great way to get creative.
• Perfect for Gifting: Beautifully packaged, these cookies are a heartfelt homemade gift everyone will appreciate.
• Easy Ingredients: With a simple sugar cookie base and royal icing, these cookies are as easy to make as they are delicious.

Ingredients for Christmas Present Cookies

For the Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional for a subtle nutty hint)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Royal Icing

• 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 2-3 tbsp meringue powder (for a stable, glossy icing)
• 4-5 tbsp water (adjust for the right consistency)
• Assorted gel food coloring (for bold and vibrant colors)
• Edible glitter, sprinkles, and small decorations (optional but highly recommended for that festive sparkle)

Essential Baking Tools

• Mixing bowls for wet and dry ingredients
• Electric mixer for creaming butter and sugar
• Plastic wrap for chilling the dough
• Rolling pin and flour for rolling out the dough
• Square or rectangular cookie cutters to create present shapes
• Parchment paper for baking
• Piping bags with small round tips for icing decorations

How to Make Christmas Present Cookies

Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
2. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.

SMix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Chill the Dough

Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This makes the dough easier to roll and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Roll Out and Cut the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Use square or rectangular cookie cutters to create gift box shapes. Place the cutouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.

Bake

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Royal Icing

1. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth.
2. Adjust the water as needed to reach a thick, pipeable consistency.
3. Divide the icing into several bowls and tint each with your preferred colors using gel food coloring.

Decorate the Cookies

1. Use piping bags fitted with small round tips to apply a base layer of icing on each cookie.
2. Allow the base layer to dry, then pipe on additional details like ribbons, bows, and tiny holiday decorations.
3. For extra sparkle, sprinkle edible glitter or add colorful sprinkles before the icing sets.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Present Cookies

• Chill for Shape: Chilling the dough is key to prevent the cookies from spreading in the oven.
• Color Consistency: Use gel food coloring for vibrant shades without altering the icing texture.
• Dry Between Layers: Let each layer of icing dry completely before adding details to keep the colors crisp and avoid smudging.
• Flavor Variations: For a festive twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm holiday flavor.

Decoration Tips for Christmas Present Cookies

• Bold Base Colors: Create a holiday palette with vibrant colors like red, green, blue, yellow, and pink.
• Ribbons and Bows: Add ribbons and bows in contrasting colors to mimic wrapped gifts.
• Holiday Details: Use edible glitter, snowflakes, or tiny ornaments for extra holiday flair.
• Fine Details: Use a toothpick or fine-tip piping bag to add intricate details like stars or holly leaves.

Presentation Idea

Arrange these cookies on a holiday-themed plate surrounded by festive decor like small ornaments, pinecones, or sprigs of holly. They’ll make a show-stopping centerpiece for your dessert table!

Storing Your Christmas Present Cookies

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in layers separated by wax paper for up to a month. Just be sure to thaw before serving or gifting!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is ideal as it doesn’t thin the icing and provides a more vibrant color. However, if you only have liquid coloring, use it sparingly.

Can I skip the meringue powder in the icing?

Meringue powder is recommended as it helps the icing harden to a glossy finish. If you don’t have it, you can use egg whites, but the icing may not set as firmly.

How do I prevent the icing from smudging?

To prevent smudging, allow each layer of icing to dry fully before adding the next. This may take 15-30 minutes per layer.

Final Thoughts on Christmas Present Cookies

These Christmas Present Cookies are a festive, heartfelt treat that’s bound to spread cheer! The bright colors, detailed decorations, and delightful sweetness make them the perfect addition to any holiday celebration. Each cookie is a tiny, edible gift, ideal for sharing with friends and family.

If you’re looking for more holiday inspiration, be sure to check out these delightful recipes:

• Christmas Stocking Sugar Cookies – For a fun twist, try another holiday-themed shape.
• Gingerbread Cake – A cozy cake full of warm spices, perfect for winter gatherings.
• Christmas Cake: A Festive Masterpiece – Packed with classic holiday flavors, this cake is a true showstopper!

Happy holiday baking! And remember, I’d love to see your decorated cookies! Tag me on Pinterest, share your photos, and let’s celebrate the season together! 🎄

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