Twisted Christmas Cookies with Almond & Citrus Icing are like a winter wonderland for your taste buds. Imagine biting into a soft, spiced cookie that dances between sweet and tangy, topped with a glossy icing that sparkles like fresh snow. traditional apple dumplings The aroma of almond and citrus fills your kitchen, wrapping you in warmth and holiday cheer.
Every year during the holidays, my family gathers to bake these delightful cookies, turning our kitchen into a bustling workshop filled with laughter and flour-covered chaos. These cookies embody the spirit of the season—perfect for gift-giving, holiday parties, or simply indulging while snuggled under a blanket watching your favorite Christmas movie.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cookies are easy to whip up, making them perfect for last-minute holiday baking.
- The unique flavor combination of almond and citrus creates a refreshing twist on traditional holiday treats.
- They look stunning on any festive dessert table with their vibrant icing.
- Enjoy them as a special treat or package them as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
Ingredients for Twisted Christmas Cookies with Almond & Citrus Icing
savory roasted root vegetables.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure, use unbleached flour for a more natural taste.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key; adjust the amount slightly if you prefer less sweetness.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise beautifully.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice; feel free to add nutmeg for extra holiday flair.
- Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for easy mixing and rich flavor.
- Eggs: Bind all ingredients together; room temperature eggs mix better.
- Almond Extract: Provides that nostalgic nutty flavor—don’t skimp on this!
- Zest of One Orange: Brightens up the flavor profile; fresh zest is best.
For the Icing:
- Powdered Sugar: The base for your icing; sift it first to avoid lumps.
- Milk or Cream: Adjust for desired consistency; whole milk gives a richer taste.
- Almond Extract (for icing): A must-have to tie in that lovely almond flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Twisted Christmas Cookies with Almond & Citrus Icing
For more inspiration, check out this healthy oat crepes recipe.
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking (and save yourself from scrubbing later).
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This dry blend will create the perfect foundation for your cookies.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream the softened butter until fluffy. Add the sugar gradually while continuing to beat until light and airy—this is where magic happens!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs one at a time followed by almond extract and orange zest until well combined. Your mixture should now smell like a festive dream.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—don’t overmix! Scoop tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake for about 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers are still soft. Let them cool on the sheet briefly before moving them to wire racks.
To finish off these beauties, prepare your icing by whisking powdered sugar with milk and almond extract until smooth. Drizzle generously over cooled cookies—like they’re getting ready for their Instagram debut!
Serve these Twisted Christmas Cookies with Almond & Citrus Icing alongside steaming cups of cocoa or coffee for that ultimate cozy vibe. Enjoy sharing (or keeping them all to yourself—we won’t judge!).
You Must Know
- Twisted Christmas Cookies with Almond & Citrus Icing bring a festive touch to your holiday gatherings.
- They’re not just delicious; they’re a holiday tradition that will have everyone coming back for more.
- These cookies are perfect for sharing or leaving out for Santa!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while mixing the cookie dough. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes, then roll it out and cut into fun shapes. Bake until golden and let cool before icing.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap almonds for hazelnuts or use lemon zest instead of orange for a zesty twist. You can also add sprinkles or edible glitter to the icing for extra flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Twisted Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to enjoy them warm, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always chill your dough before rolling it out; this helps create perfectly shaped cookies that hold their form.
- Use a light hand when icing to avoid smudging the designs.
- Remember, fresh ingredients make all the difference in flavor!
Sharing these cookies with my family always brings smiles and laughter during our holiday gatherings. One year, my niece insisted on decorating them herself, resulting in some very unique designs that still make us chuckle!
FAQs :
What are Twisted Christmas Cookies with Almond & Citrus Icing?
Twisted Christmas Cookies with Almond & Citrus Icing are delightful holiday treats that blend the aromatic flavors of almond and zesty citrus. These cookies feature a unique twisted shape, making them visually appealing for festive gatherings. zesty lemon sugar cookies The icing adds a sweet and tangy finish, enhancing the overall taste. They are perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season or as a charming addition to any dessert table.
How do I store Twisted Christmas Cookies with Almond & Citrus Icing?
To keep your Twisted Christmas Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will prevent them from becoming stale. If you want to preserve them for longer, consider freezing the cookies without icing. Once you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and add the icing before serving. Proper storage ensures that these delicious cookies maintain their flavor and texture for days.
Can I customize the flavors in Twisted Christmas Cookies?
Absolutely! Twisted Christmas Cookies with Almond & Citrus Icing offer a versatile base for customization. You can experiment by adding different extracts like vanilla or peppermint to change the flavor profile. Additionally, incorporating spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg can give your cookies a warm, festive touch. Feel free to adjust the citrus icing by using lemon or lime for a refreshing twist.
Are Twisted Christmas Cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes, Twisted Christmas Cookies with Almond & Citrus Icing make fantastic gifts! Their beautiful twisted shape and vibrant icing showcase effort and creativity, making them perfect for holiday gifting. Package them in decorative boxes or tins, tied with festive ribbons for an elegant presentation. Friends and family will appreciate this homemade treat during the holiday season, adding a personal touch to your gift-giving.
Conclusion for Twisted Christmas Cookies with Almond & Citrus Icing :
In conclusion, Twisted Christmas Cookies with Almond & Citrus Icing are not only visually stunning but also bursting with delightful flavors that capture the essence of the holiday season. Easy to customize and store, they make an ideal treat for gatherings or gift-giving. easy no-bake cheesecake Whether you enjoy them fresh or frozen, these cookies will surely become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Celebrate this festive time with these delicious cookies that everyone will love!
Twisted Christmas Cookies with Almond & Citrus Icing
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Twisted Christmas Cookies with Almond & Citrus Icing are a delightful holiday treat that combines the warm flavors of almond and zesty citrus in every bite. These soft, spiced cookies are beautifully adorned with a glossy icing, making them not only delicious but also visually stunning for festive gatherings. Perfect for gift-giving or cozy nights in, these cookies will surely add joy to your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp almond extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for icing)
- 3 tbsp milk or cream (for icing)
- ½ tsp almond extract (for icing)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Cream softened butter until fluffy; gradually add sugar while mixing until light and airy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by almond extract and orange zest until combined.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined; scoop dough onto prepared sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden; cool briefly before transferring to wire racks.
- For icing, whisk powdered sugar with milk and almond extract until smooth; drizzle over cooled cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling out to maintain shape. Customize with different nuts or citrus zest; consider adding sprinkles for a festive touch.
