Orange Almond Holiday Cutout Cookies (Print-Friendly Version)
Orange zest and almond extract flavor these butter-cookie cutouts with meringue-powder icing. Roll to an even thickness and chill the cut shapes before baking. Cool every cookie fully before decorating so the icing stays on the surface.
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House placeholder — AdSense units launch here# Ingredients You’ll Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 -
1 cup softened unsalted butter
02 -
1 cup granulated sugar
03 -
2 large eggs
04 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 -
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
06 -
1 tablespoon orange zest
07 -
3 cups all-purpose flour
08 -
1 tablespoon milk, if dough seems too dry
→ Icing
09 -
2 tablespoons meringue powder
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2 teaspoons lemon juice
11 -
1/4 cup water, with extra for adjusting consistency
12 -
2 cups powdered sugar
→ Decoration
13 -
Various food coloring options
14 -
Sprinkles, edible glitter, or smashed candy canes
# How to Make It:
01 -
Beat softened butter and sugar until evenly creamy.
02 -
Mix in eggs, vanilla, almond extract and orange zest. Add flour gradually and mix just until a dough forms.
03 -
Add the optional milk only if the dough remains crumbly when pressed. Heat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets.
04 -
Roll the dough to one-quarter inch and cut shapes of similar size.
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Arrange on trays and chill ten to fifteen minutes. Bake about ten to twelve minutes, checking earlier for small shapes and continuing until edges are lightly golden and centers set.
06 -
Cool completely on racks. Prepare the meringue powder with lemon juice and water according to its label, gradually beating in powdered sugar.
07 -
Adjust with only small additions of water after checking consistency. Color, decorate and let the icing dry before arranging the cookies.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Aim for one-quarter inch throughout the sheet.