Holiday Cookies Icing Drizzle

Featured in: Decadent Desserts

These buttery holiday cookies feature a tender, round shape enhanced by a sweet, festive icing drizzle. The dough blends softened butter, sugar, and vanilla with all-purpose flour and a hint of baking powder for lightness. Baked until just golden, the cookies cool before being adorned with a smooth icing made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Optional food coloring and sprinkles add holiday flair. Easy to prepare and ideal for sharing during festive seasons.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:37:00 GMT
Golden, freshly baked Holiday Cookies with Icing Drizzle, perfect for sharing during the festive season. Save
Golden, freshly baked Holiday Cookies with Icing Drizzle, perfect for sharing during the festive season. | tastybattle.com

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

This recipe brings warmth to every holiday party and is a family favorite year after year.

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

Preheat the oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add egg and vanilla:
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Mix dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine dough:
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Form cookies:
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
Flatten dough balls:
Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm to form rounds.
Bake cookies:
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.
Make icing:
In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle-able. Add food coloring if desired.
Drizzle icing:
Drizzle icing over cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Allow icing to set before serving.
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Baking these cookies has become a cherished tradition that fills our home with joy and delicious smells every holiday season.

Notes

For a citrus twist, add 1 tsp lemon or orange zest to the dough.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains: Wheat (gluten), egg, milk (dairy). Double-check all ingredients for traces of nuts or other allergens if needed.

These homemade Holiday Cookies with Icing Drizzle showcase delicate, iced tops over buttery, round treats, ready to be enjoyed. Save
These homemade Holiday Cookies with Icing Drizzle showcase delicate, iced tops over buttery, round treats, ready to be enjoyed. | tastybattle.com

This easy cookie recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite with your family and friends.

Recipe Questions

What ingredients create the cookie dough?

The dough combines softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt for balanced sweetness and texture.

How do I achieve the perfect cookie texture?

Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, mix in wet ingredients thoroughly, then gently fold in dry ingredients. Bake until edges are light golden for a tender interior.

How is the icing drizzle prepared?

The icing is made by mixing powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle-able. Food coloring can be added for festive touches.

Can I add decorations to these cookies?

Yes, add festive sprinkles on the icing before it sets to enhance holiday look and flavor.

How should I store the cookies to maintain freshness?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to preserve softness and flavor.

Are there options to vary the cookie flavor?

Try adding citrus zest, like lemon or orange, to the dough for a bright, fresh twist.

Holiday Cookies Icing Drizzle

Buttery round cookies with a sweet icing drizzle, perfect for holiday gatherings or gifts.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
12 min
Complete duration
32 min
Created by Alex Ramirez


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 24 Portions

Nutritional specifications Meat-free

Components

Cookie Dough

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

Icing Drizzle

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

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined.

Phase 04

Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.

Phase 05

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

Bake Cookies: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges turn lightly golden. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Phase 09

Prepare Icing: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle-able. Add food coloring if desired.

Phase 10

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), egg, and dairy.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 120
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 1 g