Chamomile Charm Holly Cookies
Delightful cookies with a buttery flavor, perfect for holiday celebrations and gift-giving.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Softened to creamy perfection
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar Adding just the right sweetness
- 1 large egg Rich and nourishing
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Offering aromatic warmth
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract Optional for an unexpected twist
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Ensuring a delightful rise
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhancing sweetness
For the Royal Icing
- 4 cups powdered sugar For the icing's velvety texture
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder Giving stability to icing
- 5-6 tablespoons water To achieve desired consistency
- White gel food coloring To create the perfect hue
- Gold edible paint or luster dust For that magical touch
- Small gold sugar pearls Adding sparkle and whimsy
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually combine with the wet mixture until a smooth dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two portions, roll out each between parchment paper to about 1/4-inch thickness, and cut into holly shapes.
Baking
- Transfer the cookie shapes to the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets.
Royal Icing Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth with stiff peaks.
- Add a few drops of white gel food coloring until you achieve your desired icing shade.
Decoration
- Once cookies are cool, use a piping bag to decorate each cookie with royal icing in creative designs.
- Brush the edges of each cookie with gold edible paint or luster dust and finish with gold sugar pearls.
- Allow icing to dry completely before presenting or packaging the cookies.
Notes
Consider infusing your butter with chamomile tea for extra flavor. Make the dough in advance for convenience, and experiment with different cookie cutter shapes.