Nothing brings the spirit of Christmas to life quite like the sweet smell of freshly baked sugar cookies filling the house. These Christmas Sugar Cookies are not only a delicious treat, but they also make for a fun family activity when decorating them with festive sprinkles, icing, or even a little extra holiday cheer. In this easy-to-follow recipe, we’ll guide you through creating perfectly soft and buttery sugar cookies that are ideal for your holiday celebrations.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Sugar Cookies
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies have the perfect balance of a crispy edge and a soft center.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and a straightforward method make this recipe ideal for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Decorating: The smooth, buttery surface of the cookies makes them an ideal canvas for colorful icing, sprinkles, and holiday-themed decorations.
- Versatile: You can cut the dough into any festive shape, from stars to Christmas trees and reindeer!
Ingredients
To create these festive cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds a lovely flavor!)
- Red and green sprinkles (optional for decorating)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients throughout the dough.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This is an essential step in achieving a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Continue mixing until well combined. The extracts add depth to the flavor of the cookies, making them extra special for the holiday season.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing at a low speed until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the cookies dense.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Once the dough is mixed, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
Step 7: Roll and Cut the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes like stars, snowflakes, or trees. If you’re feeling creative, you can even try making custom holiday shapes.
Step 8: Bake
Place the cut cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake 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 the thickness of the cookies.
Step 9: Decorate
Once the cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to get festive! Decorate them with colorful royal icing, sprinkles, or even edible glitter for a sparkling touch. Let the icing dry completely before storing or serving.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookies
- Use Softened Butter: It’s important to use softened butter for the best texture. Cold butter will result in a dough that’s too stiff to work with.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and helps them maintain their shape.
- Don’t Overbake: For soft, chewy cookies, bake just until the edges start to turn golden. Overbaking will result in a crispy texture.
- Customization: Feel free to get creative with the flavors and decorations. Try adding a few drops of peppermint extract or rolling the cookies in colored sugar for extra festive fun.
Storage
These Christmas Sugar Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, and once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Conclusion
Christmas Sugar Cookies are a timeless treat that can easily be adapted to suit your style, whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a cookie exchange, or just a sweet holiday snack. With their soft texture and buttery flavor, these cookies will surely become a staple in your Christmas traditions.
Serving and Storage Tips for Christmas Sugar Cookies
Serving Tips
- Decorative Platter: Serve your Christmas Sugar Cookies on a festive platter or tray. Adding holiday-themed decorations like sprigs of holly, candy canes, or small ornaments will enhance the festive presentation.
- Pair with Hot Beverages: These cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of drinks. Serve them alongside a mug of hot cocoa, eggnog, or even a cup of warm spiced tea for the ultimate holiday treat.
- Cookie Boxes: For gifting, arrange the cookies in a beautiful cookie box lined with parchment paper. Add a ribbon or bow for a personalized touch.
- Cookie Sandwiches: Spread frosting or jam between two cookies to create delicious cookie sandwiches. This adds a fun twist to the classic sugar cookie.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to enjoy the cookies within the next few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. Make sure the cookies are fully cooled before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies. Arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let the cookies sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Freezing Cookie Dough: You can also freeze the sugar cookie dough if you want to bake the cookies at a later date. Roll the dough into a log or flatten it into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before rolling and cutting out the cookies.
- Keep Decorations Separate: If you decorate your cookies with icing or sprinkles, it’s best to store them in a single layer to avoid smudging the designs. You can also store the cookies and icing separately, decorating them when you’re ready to serve.
By following these simple serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Christmas Sugar Cookies stay fresh and look festive for as long as possible, whether you’re gifting them, serving them at a holiday party, or enjoying them at home with family.
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sugar cookie dough ahead of time. Simply wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the refrigerator before rolling it out and cutting into shapes.
2. How do I prevent my sugar cookies from spreading too much while baking?
To prevent spreading, make sure to chill the dough for at least 1 hour before baking. Cold dough holds its shape better while baking. Additionally, avoid overworking the dough, as this can lead to a softer, spreadable texture. Lastly, be sure your baking sheets are lined with parchment paper to help with even baking.
3. Can I use a different type of sugar for these cookies?
While granulated sugar is recommended for the best texture and sweetness, you can experiment with other types of sugar. Brown sugar will give the cookies a slightly different flavor and texture, making them chewier. However, using only brown sugar may change the overall structure of the cookie.
4. How long do Christmas Sugar Cookies stay fresh?
Christmas Sugar Cookies will stay fresh for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before storing to maintain their texture.
Print
Best Soft Christmas Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24–30 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Treat
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Christmas Sugar Cookies are buttery, soft, and perfect for decorating with icing and sprinkles. A holiday classic, they’re easy to make and a joy to share with family and friends. Perfect for creating festive shapes and designs with cookie cutters!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Royal Icing (Optional):
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp meringue powder
- 4–6 tbsp water (adjust for consistency)
- Food coloring (optional)
Decorations:
- Holiday sprinkles
- Colored sugars
- Edible glitter
Instructions
1. Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
2. Chill the Dough:
- Divide the dough in half and flatten each portion into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).
3. Roll and Cut:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
4. Bake:
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
5. Make the Royal Icing (Optional):
- In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and meringue powder.
- Add water 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the icing reaches your desired consistency (thicker for piping, thinner for flooding).
- Divide the icing into bowls and add food coloring as desired.
6. Decorate the Cookies:
- Use piping bags or a spoon to decorate the cooled cookies with icing. Add sprinkles, colored sugars, or edible glitter for festive touches.
- Allow the icing to set for 2-3 hours before stacking or storing.
Notes
- Prevent Spreading: Chill the cut-out cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
- Storage: Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Decorated cookies can be stored for 3-4 days once the icing is set.
- Freezing: Freeze the dough for up to 3 months, or freeze baked cookies before decorating.