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Christmas Light Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 54 reviews

These festive Christmas Light Cookies are soft, buttery sugar cookies decorated with a smooth white frosting base and detailed black piping to resemble light strands, topped with colorful mini M&M’s that mimic holiday lights. Perfect for holiday parties and family gatherings, these charming cookies bring seasonal cheer with their delightful taste and creative presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 2 Sticks of Butter – softened
  • 1 cup of Sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon of Vanilla
  • 1 Egg
  • 3 cups of Flour
  • 1 Tablespoon of Baking Powder

Frosting

  • 2 cups of Powdered Sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon of Milk – plus more if needed
  • Black Food Coloring Gel – a few drops

Decorations

  • Mini M&M’s

Instructions

  1. Mix the Dough: In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the softened butter, sugar, vanilla, and egg; blend until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the flour and baking powder until well blended.
  3. Add Flour Gradually: Slowly add the flour mixture to the creamed ingredients, mixing on low speed to combine thoroughly.
  4. Form the Dough: Switch to the paddle attachment and continue to blend the dough until it forms a smooth ball; scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed for even mixing.
  5. Shape Cookies: Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Roll dough into approximately 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the sheets.
  6. Bake Cookies: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until edges turn a light golden brown. Halfway through baking, check for slight cracking.
  7. Crinkle Effect: Remove a flat-bottomed glass and dip the base in sugar. Gently press each cookie with the sugared glass bottom to flatten them slightly and spread for a crinkled texture.
  8. Cool Cookies: Once baked, transfer cookies to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before frosting.
  9. Prepare White Frosting: In a bowl, gradually mix powdered sugar with milk, stirring well until smooth and lump-free. Adjust by adding more powdered sugar if frosting is too thin.
  10. Prepare Black Frosting: Take a portion of the white frosting and add a couple of drops of black food coloring gel, stirring to blend fully. If thinned, add powdered sugar to thicken the black frosting.
  11. Frost Cookies: Spread a layer of white frosting over each cooled cookie and allow it to set for about 45 minutes.
  12. Pipe Black Strings: Fill a pastry bag fitted with a small tip with the black frosting and pipe back-and-forth lines over the white frosting to mimic electrical cords for lights.
  13. Add Mini M&M’s: Place mini M&M’s along the black frosting lines to resemble colorful Christmas lights.
  14. Serve: Once decorated, serve these festive cookies to enjoy their buttery texture and vibrant holiday look.

Notes

  • Use softened butter, not melted, for the best cookie texture.
  • If the frosting is too thick, add milk in small increments for easier spreading.
  • For sharper black piping, use gel-based food coloring instead of liquid.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Rolling dough balls evenly ensures consistent cookie baking.

Keywords: Christmas cookies, sugar cookies, holiday cookies, decorated cookies, festive cookies, mini candy cookies

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/christmas-light-cookies-recipe/