The Recipe: Holiday Sugar Cookies with Citrus Zest and Almond Glaze
These holiday sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and full of festive flavor thanks to a hint of fresh citrus zest and a delicate almond glaze. Perfect for gifting, decorating, or simply enjoying with a warm drink, this recipe brings a bright twist to a classic treat — just in time for the holidays.
Equipment
- 1 Oven – To bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C).
- 1 Baking Sheets – To arrange and bake the cookies. Make sure they are lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- 1 Parchment Paper – To line the baking sheets, preventing the cookies from sticking and ensuring an even bake.
- 1 Medium Mixing Bowl – For whisking the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt).
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl – To cream together the butter and sugar, and to combine the wet ingredients.
- 1 Electric Mixer or Handheld Mixer – To beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- 1 Whisk – For mixing the dry ingredients and for whisking the glaze.
- 1 Measuring Cups – For accurately measuring the flour, sugar, milk, and other ingredients.
- 1 Measuring Spoons – For measuring smaller quantities like baking powder, salt, vanilla, and almond extract.
- 1 Microplane or Zester – For zesting the lemon to extract the citrus peel.
- 1 Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon – To portion out the dough into 1-inch balls. A cookie scoop is ideal for uniform size.
- 1 Glass or Flat Object – To flatten the cookie dough balls before baking (you can use a drinking glass or measuring cup).
- 1 Cooling Racks – To cool the cookies after baking and allow the glaze to set.
- 1 Small Bowl or Measuring Cup – For mixing the glaze ingredients (powdered sugar, milk, almond extract).
- 1 Small Spoon or Drizzle Bottle – For drizzling the glaze over the cookies.
- 1 Cookie Cutter (if you want to make shapes other than round cookies). Optional
- 1 Decorative Sprinkles (for decorating the cookies after glazing). Optional
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 2 ¾ cup cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbs baking powder
- ½ tbsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 pcs large egg
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp almond extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (or almond milk)
- 1/2 cup almond extract
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.2. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.4. Add egg, vanilla, almond extract, and citrus zest. Mix well.5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.6. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and space them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets..7. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.8. Bake 8–10 minutes, until edges are just golden. Allow the cookies to rest on the sheets for five minutes, then transfer to cooling racks.9. Mix the glaze ingredients with a whisk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies. Let glaze set before serving.
Video
Notes
While this video isn’t the exact recipe I used, it’s a great visual guide to help you understand the steps involved in making classic sugar cookies.