Christmas Lights Cookies – Easy, Festive, and Fun

The kitchen feels different when it smells like butter and sugar. There’s a spark in the air, a hint of cinnamon from somewhere else, and the twinkle of Christmas lights in the window. That’s when I know it’s time for Christmas Lights Cookies—bright, joyful, and easy enough to make with kids on a chilly afternoon.

These Christmas Lights Cookies have a soft sugar cookie base and a shiny royal icing that sets just right. They’re simple, cheerful, and absolutely made for sharing. Plus, decorating them feels like stringing real lights—only sweeter.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Lights Cookies

They’re the kind of cookies that make you smile before the first bite. The decorating process is fun, especially for kids or friends gathered around the kitchen table.

You don’t need fancy tools—just black icing and mini M&Ms. Also, they’re perfect for gifting or adding color to your holiday dessert tray. Every cookie looks different, which makes them even more charming.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies

• 3/4 cup flour, plus extra for rolling
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

For the Royal Icing

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 large egg white (or 2 tablespoons beaten)

For Decorating

• 1 small tube of black writing icing
• Handful of mini M&Ms

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Make the Dough

In a small bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg yolk, vanilla, and almond extract.

Then, slowly add the dry mixture. Stir until combined, but don’t overmix. The dough should hold together softly.

Step 2 – Cut and Bake

Lightly flour your surface, then roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thick. Cut into round shapes.

Place cookies on a parchment-lined sheet and chill while you preheat the oven to 350°F.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are slightly golden. Let them cool fully on a wire rack.

Step 3 – Prepare the Royal Icing

In a clean bowl, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and egg white until smooth and glossy.

Do not add extra liquid. The icing should spread easily but stay thick enough to set.

Step 4 – Decorate Like Christmas Lights

Spoon icing onto each cookie and smooth the surface with a small spatula.

Allow the icing to dry completely. Then, pipe two curved black lines across each cookie.

Press mini M&Ms sideways into the icing to look like little Christmas bulbs. It’s fun and colorful, like a cookie version of your tree lights.

Tips & Decorating Notes

Let the cookies cool before frosting so the icing stays clean.

Decorate in stages if you’re working with kids—it keeps things neat and relaxed.

Pre-filled icing tubes make drawing the black “wires” much easier than melted chocolate.

You can also add edible glitter for sparkle or mix M&M colors for variety.

These cookies are great for beginners and perfect for family baking days.

Christmas Lights Cookies with Royal Icing

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More Such Recipes

If you love fun, festive bakes, try my 4th of July Sprinkle Cookies – colorful and fun for decorating with kids or Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies – bite-sized holiday delights.

You might also enjoy All-American Vanilla Cupcakes – a festive treat perfect for celebrations and Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Cake – a patriotic dessert centerpiece.

FAQ

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Lights Cookies bring the holiday spirit right to your kitchen. Each bite tastes like sweet butter and vanilla joy. And while they look fancy, they’re easy to make and decorate.

Share them with friends, pack them in tins, or leave a few for Santa.

If you make them, tag your photos on Instagram—I’d love to see your bright and happy creations!

You can find more holiday baking ideas on my Pinterest page or follow along on Facebook.