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Easy Twisted Christmas Cookies: 5 Creative Decorating Ideas

Twisted Christmas Cookies are a cherished European holiday classic featuring buttery, tender dough twisted into elegant spirals and decorated with festive royal icing.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 48 cookies
Course: Holiday Cookies
Cuisine: European
Calories: 185
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 14 oz 400g softened butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 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 divided
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 7 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • Gel food coloring
  • Sprinkles or edible decorations

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add eggs one at a time.
  3. Mix in vanilla, almond extract, and orange zest.
  4. Gradually add flour until dough forms; chill if too soft.
  5. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness, cut into strips, and twist into spirals.
  6. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
  7. Prepare royal icing by mixing meringue powder, water, lemon juice, and powdered sugar until glossy.
  8. Color and pipe icing onto cooled cookies, adding sprinkles if desired.

Notes

For best results, chill shaped cookies 10–15 minutes before baking to help them maintain their twist.