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Chamomile Charm Holly Cookies

Embrace the enchanting holiday spirit with these delightful cookies that combine soothing chamomile flavors with festive holly shapes, perfect for gatherings or gifts.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Base
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour Tender and finely milled, providing the perfect structure for our cookies.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Creamy and rich, it melts beautifully to create a luxurious texture.
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar Sweet and sparkling, it sweetens every bite.
  • 1 large egg Binding elements together, lending moisture and richness.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Aromatic and warm, adding a nostalgic sweetness.
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional) A hint of nuttiness that adds depth to the flavor profile.
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder A light, airy touch to ensure our cookies rise perfectly.
  • 1/4 tsp salt Enhancing flavors and balancing sweetness.
Royal Icing
  • 4 cups powdered sugar Essential for our icing, providing a sweet canvas for decoration.
  • 3 tbsp meringue powder Adds stability and that lovely glossy finish to our icing.
  • 5-6 tbsp water To achieve the perfect consistency for our royal icing.
  • 1 drop white gel food coloring To create a pure white icing for festive decoration.
  • to taste gold edible paint or luster dust For adding holiday magic and shimmer on cookies.
  • to taste small gold sugar pearls Charming accents that add elegance to festive creations.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), mixing until fully incorporated.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a smooth dough forms.
  6. Divide the dough into two portions and roll out each portion between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Baking
  1. Use a cookie cutter to cut out holly-shaped cookies and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
  2. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
  3. Let them cool completely on the baking sheets before decorating.
Decorating
  1. For the royal icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth and stiff peaks form.
  2. Add a few drops of white gel food coloring and mix until you achieve a lovely bright white icing.
  3. Once cooled, use a piping bag to decorate each cookie with royal icing, creating festive designs.
  4. Brush the edges of the cookies with gold edible paint or luster dust and sprinkle small gold sugar pearls as decoration.
  5. Allow the icing to dry completely before serving or packaging.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier blending. Practice icing on parchment paper before decorating cookies. The perfect cookie is one made with joy!