Description

Twisted Christmas Cookies are festive, fun, and irresistibly flavorful—perfect for holiday baking that blends creativity with ease. With buttery sweetness, hints of vanilla, almond, and optional citrus, these cookies bring the cozy magic of Christmas straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re making them with family, gifting them, or adding them to your holiday dessert table, these twisted sugar cookies deliver eye-catching designs and delicious taste without the long prep times of traditional recipes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup white sugar
14 oz (400g) butter, softened
2 eggs, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
Zest of 1 orange (optional)
6 cups all-purpose flour
6 tbsp meringue powder
8 tbsp water
2 tsp lemon juice
7 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Extra water as needed
Gel food coloring (red, green, gold, white)
Sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed candy canes

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then mix in the eggs, vanilla, almond extract, and orange zest.
Gradually add the flour until a soft dough forms; add a tablespoon of milk if crumbly.
Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness, cut into shapes, and twist strips of dough for the signature design. Chill 10–15 minutes.
Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
Prepare icing by whisking meringue powder, lemon juice, and water, then adding powdered sugar. Adjust consistency with water. Tint icing and decorate cooled cookies, adding sprinkles or glitter.

Notes

For vibrant designs, divide the dough and tint portions before twisting. Chill dough to prevent spreading and ensure clean cookie shapes.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Holiday Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg