Holiday Cookies Icing Drizzle

Featured in: Simple Sweet Treats

These holiday cookies feature a classic buttery dough shaped into soft, round treats and baked to golden perfection. Once cooled, a smooth, sweet icing drizzle flavored with vanilla adds a festive touch, perfect for gatherings or gifting. The dough is easy to prepare, combining simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and vanilla, then baked briefly until edges turn lightly golden. Customize with sprinkles or citrus zest to enhance flavor and presentation. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:02:00 GMT
Close-up of freshly baked Holiday Cookies with Icing Drizzle, perfect for a sweet holiday treat. Pin this
Close-up of freshly baked Holiday Cookies with Icing Drizzle, perfect for a sweet holiday treat. | terrawhisk.com

Classic, buttery round cookies with a sweet, festive icing drizzle—perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.

Ingredients

  • Cookie Dough: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened, 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt
  • Icing Drizzle: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, 2 3 tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3:
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4:
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5:
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 6:
Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
Step 7:
Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm to form rounds.
Step 8:
Bake for 10 12 minutes, or until edges are just lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9:
For the icing: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle able. Add food coloring if desired.
Step 10:
Drizzle icing over cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Allow icing to set before serving.
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Golden-brown Holiday Cookies with Icing Drizzle, awaiting a festive gathering, topped with a delicate glaze. Pin this
Golden-brown Holiday Cookies with Icing Drizzle, awaiting a festive gathering, topped with a delicate glaze. | terrawhisk.com

Recipe FAQs

How long should the cookies bake?

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden for a tender texture.

What ingredients make up the icing drizzle?

The icing is made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixed until smooth and easy to drizzle.

Can I add flavors or decorations to the cookies?

Yes, adding citrus zest to the dough or festive sprinkles before the icing sets adds brightness and holiday flair.

How should I store the cookies?

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to keep them fresh.

Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, these cookies contain no meat or gelatin and are suitable for a vegetarian diet.

Holiday Cookies Icing Drizzle

Buttery round cookies topped with a sweet, festive icing drizzle—perfect for celebrations.

Time to prep
20 min
Time to cook
12 min
Overall time
32 min
Created by Naomi Carter


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 24 Portions

Dietary notes Vegetarian-friendly

What you need

Cookie Dough

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 1 large egg
04 2 tsp vanilla extract
05 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
06 1/2 tsp baking powder
07 1/4 tsp salt

Icing Drizzle

01 1 cup powdered sugar
02 2 to 3 tbsp milk
03 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
04 Food coloring (optional)

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 03

Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 04

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 05

Form Dough: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.

Step 06

Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 07

Flatten Dough Balls: Gently press each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm to form round cookies.

Step 08

Bake Cookies: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 09

Prepare Icing: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable; incorporate food coloring if desired.

Step 10

Apply Icing Drizzle: Drizzle the icing over fully cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag and allow to set before serving.

Tools needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack
  • Spoon or piping bag

Allergens

Review ingredients for allergies and speak with your healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), egg, and dairy

Nutrition details (each serving)

This info is a reference and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor.
  • Energy: 120
  • Lipids: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 1 g