Christmas Celebration Cookies

Celebrate the season with these Gluten-Free Christmas Celebration Cookies! Made with a soft and flavorful gluten-free dough, these festive cookies are decorated with royal icing, edible wafer paper, and sparkling sugar for a beautiful holiday treat. Perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any holiday gathering, these cookies are easy to make, fun to decorate, and delicious to eat. Whether you’re baking with kids or preparing a batch to share, these cookies will bring joy to all. Enjoy a sweet treat that’s gluten-free, festive, and full of holiday cheer!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 2 cups gluten-free 1:1 flour (such as Cup4Cup)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (OliveNation)
• 1 stick salted butter (softened)
• 1 tablespoon milk

For the Icing:

• 4 oz OliveNation premium royal icing
• 2 ¼ tablespoons water
• Letter to Santa edible wafer paper
• White sparkling sugar (for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
2. Add the milk, vanilla extract, almond extract, and the egg to the mixer. Beat until fully combined.
3. Add half of the gluten-free flour and mix on low speed until just combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, then add the remaining flour. Mix on medium-low speed until the dough is fully incorporated.
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 1.5 hours or in the freezer for 45 minutes. The dough should be nice and cold before rolling out to maintain its shape while baking.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Dust your rolling surface or a silicone baking mat with flour to prevent sticking.
6. Roll out half of the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use a square cookie cutter to cut out shapes, placing the cookies on the prepared baking sheets with a small gap between each one.
7. Bake the cookies for 11-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
8. For the icing, mix the royal icing and water in a stand mixer on low speed, then increase to medium for 5 minutes until smooth and thick.
9. Brush the cooled cookies with a thin layer of icing, then carefully place the Letter to Santa wafer paper on top.
10. Dip the edges of the cookies into white sparkling sugar for a festive touch.
11. Allow the cookies to dry completely before serving.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Christmas Celebration Cookies are the perfect holiday treat! With a soft, flavorful cookie base made from gluten-free flour and topped with festive icing and edible wafer paper, they’re a delightful way to celebrate the season. The light, fluffy texture and the sweet almond and vanilla flavor are sure to please both kids and adults. Plus, they’re easy to make and fun to decorate, making them an ideal project for holiday baking!

Tips

• Make sure to chill the dough for the recommended time. Cold dough is key for keeping the cookies’ shape while baking.
• Use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and to help with easy removal of the cookies from the baking sheet.
• If the royal icing is too thick, add a tiny bit more water to achieve the desired consistency.
• Always allow the cookies to cool completely before applying the icing and wafer paper.

Variations and Substitutions

• Flour: If you need a different gluten-free flour blend, you can substitute the Cup4Cup flour with another 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Butter Substitute: For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter substitute.
• Decorations: Swap the edible wafer paper with other holiday-themed edible decorations like sprinkles, colored sugars, or small candies for a fun twist.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made ahead of time. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw before serving.

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?
Yes, if you’re not concerned about gluten, you can use regular all-purpose flour in place of the gluten-free flour.

Serving Suggestions

• These festive cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, Christmas parties, or as a sweet gift.
• Pair them with a hot cup of cocoa, spiced cider, or tea for a cozy treat.
• Display them on a holiday cookie platter alongside other festive treats for a delightful holiday spread.

These Christmas Celebration Cookies will add a special touch to any holiday event and bring joy to all who enjoy them!