Description
Trisha’s Ree Drummond’s Favorite Christmas Cookies are soft, citrus-scented holiday treats that combine classic sugar cookie flavor with festive egg yolk glaze and decorative icing. Perfect for family baking, gifting, or seasonal celebrations, this easy recipe captures the warmth and joy of Christmas in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2/3 cup vegetable shortening
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon grated orange or lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 4 teaspoons milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling out dough
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 large egg yolk (for glaze)
- 2 to 3 drops food coloring (for glaze)
- 2 pounds powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons pasteurized egg whites
Instructions
- Cream together the vegetable shortening, sugar, orange or lemon zest, and vanilla in a stand mixer for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and beat for another minute, then mix in the milk until combined.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together, then gradually blend into the creamed mixture.
- Divide dough into halves, flatten between wax paper, and refrigerate for 1 hour or freeze for 20 minutes.
- Roll out dough 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured surface and cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
- Transfer cookies to greased baking sheets and chill for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine egg yolk, 1 teaspoon water, and food coloring for glaze. Brush onto cookies.
- Bake cookies for 6–7 minutes until slightly puffed but not browned. Cool completely on wire racks.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and egg whites until thick for icing. Pipe or drizzle over cooled cookies to decorate.
Notes
- Chill dough twice to prevent spreading and ensure clean cookie shapes.
- Do not overbake; cookies should stay pale for a soft texture.
- Adjust glaze color before baking, as it darkens slightly in the oven.
- Store cookies in airtight containers for up to one week or freeze for two months.
- Add extra citrus zest for a stronger flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Trisha’s Ree Drummond’s Favorite Christmas Cookies, holiday cookies, sugar cookies, Christmas baking, festive desserts, easy cookie recipe, citrus cookies