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+ servings
Twisted Christmas Cookies

Twisted Christmas Cookies with Almond & Citrus Delight

These Twisted Christmas Cookies are a delightful festive treat that combines almond and citrus flavors with an impressively decorative appearance, making them perfect for holiday gifting.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chilling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 57 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Dough
  • 2 cups White Sugar Substitute with coconut sugar for a richer flavor.
  • 14 oz Butter, softened Avoid margarine for best results.
  • 2 units Eggs Use chia or flax eggs for a vegan option.
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract More can be added for a stronger taste.
  • 1 tsp Almond Extract Can replace with additional vanilla if allergic.
  • 1 units Zest of Orange Lemon zest can serve as a fresh alternative.
  • 6 cups Plain Flour Can be replaced with a gluten-free flour blend.
For the Royal Icing
  • 6 tbsp Meringue Powder Substitute with egg white powder if necessary.
  • 8 tbsp Water Adjust for ideal icing consistency.
  • 2 tsp Lemon Juice Vinegar is a substitute in a pinch.
  • 7 cups Powdered Sugar, sifted Ensure it’s sifted for a smooth finish.
For Decorating
  • Gel Food Coloring (red, green, gold, white) Optional for vibrant decorations.
  • Sprinkles/edible glitter/crushed candy canes Elevate your festive touch.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • electric mixer
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment Paper
  • cookie cutters

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two or three baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 14 ounces of softened butter and 2 cups of white sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add in 2 eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of almond extract, and the zest of 1 orange to the creamed mixture. Mix until smooth.
  4. Gradually mix in 6 cups of plain flour until a dough forms. Add milk if the dough feels too dry.
  5. Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness and cut out festive shapes with cookie cutters.
  6. Chill the cut cookies in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before baking.
  7. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
  8. Whisk together 6 tablespoons of meringue powder, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and 8 tablespoons of water in a medium bowl. Gradually mix in 7 cups of sifted powdered sugar until glossy.
  9. Divide the icing into bowls and tint with food coloring if desired. Decorate the cookies and allow icing to set completely.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Ensure cookies are properly chilled to maintain shape during baking. Customize decorations to add personal flair.

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