Holiday Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing (diabetic)
Printed from Inclusive Kitchen — Holiday Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
Holiday sugar cookies are a cherished tradition, bringing warmth and joy to gatherings throughout the season. These cookies, with their delicate sweetness and festive shapes, have been enjoyed for centuries, originating from Europe where they were often decorated with intricate designs. Our diabetic-friendly version swaps out traditional sugar for a blend of sugar substitutes, ensuring everyone can indulge without compromising their health.
The beauty of these cookies lies not only in their taste but also in their versatility. You can cut them into various shapes, from stars to snowflakes, and decorate them with royal icing that is just as delightful as the original. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a cookie that looks as good as it tastes? Just remember, if you eat too many, you might need to roll yourself out the door—though that could be a fun way to make an exit at a holiday party!
As you prepare these cookies, you’ll find that the process is as enjoyable as the end result. The dough comes together easily, and the royal icing can be customized with colors to match your holiday decor. Plus, the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and delicious is a gift in itself. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some memories—just don’t forget to save a cookie for Santa, even if he’s watching his sugar intake too!
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.75 cups sugar substitute (like erythritol)
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup royal icing mix
- 3 tablespoons water (for icing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for baking cookies, allowing them to rise and brown evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 0.5 cups of softened unsalted butter and 0.75 cups of sugar substitute until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, giving your cookies a nice texture.
- Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until fully combined. The egg helps bind the ingredients together, while the vanilla adds a lovely flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2.5 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 0.25 teaspoons of salt. This ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Divide the dough into two portions, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies maintain their shape.
- Once chilled, roll out one portion of the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and makes decorating easier.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the royal icing by mixing 1 cup of royal icing mix with 3 tablespoons of water until smooth. The consistency should be thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to pipe.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, use a piping bag to decorate them with the royal icing. You can create designs or simply outline the cookies for a classic look.
- Allow the icing to dry completely before storing the cookies in an airtight container. This will keep them fresh and prevent the icing from smudging.
- Enjoy your holiday sugar cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee, knowing you’ve made a delicious treat that everyone can enjoy. Remember, moderation is key, even with diabetic-friendly sweets!
- Share your cookies with friends and family, and watch as they delight in the flavors and festive spirit of the season.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 80
- Carbs g: 10
- Protein g: 1
- Fat g: 4
- Sugar g: 1
