Requiring simple ingredients, these cookies are a go-to for the holidays. Get into the holiday spirit with these sweet treats that can be made right at home. 

Classic Sugar Cookie Recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Bake Time: 8 minutes 

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 tsp almond extract

1 egg

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

3 cups all-purpose flour 

Heat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract, almond extract and egg. In a separate bowl, combine baking powder, salt and flour. Slowly mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients, until well combined. Roll dough onto floured surface, until 1/4 inch thick. Cut out desired shapes. Bake for eight minutes. Cool for five minutes.

Recipe courtesy of inkatrinaskitchen.com

Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Chill Time: 1 hour

Bake Time: 8 minutes 

3/4 cup unsalted butter

3/4 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup molasses

1 tsp salt

2 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp cloves

1 egg

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 

Place butter in microwave safe bowl. Melt butter for 45 seconds. Mix in brown sugar, molasses, salt, cinnamon, ground ginger and cloves. Allow mixture to cool. Beat in egg. In a separate bowl, combine baking powder, baking soda and flour. Slowly mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Divide dough in half, and pat into rectangle. Wrap dough well with cling wrap. Refrigerate for one hour. Heat oven to 350°. Roll dough onto floured surface, until 1/4 inch thick. Cut out desired shapes. Bake for eight minutes. Cool for five minutes. 

Recipe courtesy of kingarthurflour.com

Royal Icing Recipe  

Prep Time: 5 minutes

3 oz pasteurized egg whites

1 tsp vanilla extract

4 cups powdered sugar 

In a large bowl of a stand mixer, combine egg whites and vanilla extract until frothy. Slowly add in powdered sugar, mix on low. Turn speed up to high, until mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks. Add food coloring, if desired. Transfer icing into pastry bag, for immediate use. Icing can be stored in airtight container in refrigerator for 3 days. 

Recipe courtesy of foodnetwork.com