It is simple - These very merry Christmas cookies are favorites that you'll want to save, hand down, and make again and again. Perfect with any holiday meal. We've got all the classics, including sugar cookies, Christmas spritz cookies, and spiced gingerbread. Try one of our cookie recipes to share this Christmas meal!

Ingredients

1/3 - cup butter, softened
1/3 - cup shortening
3/4 - cup sugar
1 - teaspoon baking powder
1 - egg
1 - tablespoon milk
1 - teaspoon vanilla
2 - cups all-purpose flour
Dash salt
1 - recipe Royal icing (see recipe below

Decorative sprinkles

Directions
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and shortening with an electric mixer for 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking powder, and salt; beat until combined. Beat in egg, milk, and vanilla until combined.

Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour. Divide dough in half. Cover; chill dough about 1 hour or until easy to handle.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. On a lightly floured surface, roll half of the dough at a time to 1/8- to 1/4-inch thickness. Using desired tree-shaped cookie cutters, cut out dough.

Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until the edges are firm and bottoms are very lightly browned.

Transfer to a wire racks and let cool. Frost with Royal Icing and decorate with sprinkles.
Royal Icing

Ingredients
2 - cups sifted powdered sugar
4 - teaspoons meringue powder
1/4 - teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 - cup warm water
1 - 2 - tablespoons warm water

Directions
 Stir together powdered sugar, meringue powder, and cream of tartar. Add the 1/4 cup warm water. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until combined. Beat on high speed for 7 to 10 minutes until very stiff. Add the 1 to 2 tablespoons additional water, 1 teaspoon at a time, to make desired consistency.

It is simple: These very merry Christmas cookie recipes are favorites that you'll want to save, hand down, and make again and again. We've got all the classics, including sugar cookies, Christmas spritz cookies, and spiced gingerbread. Try one of our cookie recipes to share this Christmas!