Looking for the perfect treat to sweeten up your Christmas celebrations? This Christmas Sugar Cookies recipe is your go-to solution. These cookies are not only easy to make but also versatile, allowing you to customize them with festive decorations. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, gifting to friends, or indulging yourself, these cookies are a holiday classic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With basic ingredients and simple steps, even novice bakers can succeed.
- Customizable: Use your favorite holiday-themed cookie cutters and decorate them to match the season.
- Perfect for Gifting: Wrap them up in holiday-themed packaging for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients
To make these delightful sugar cookies, you’ll need:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional for extra flavor)
- Sprinkles, royal icing, or colored sugar for decorating
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
2. Chill the Dough
- Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial for easier rolling and cutting.
3. Roll and Cut
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating.
5. Decorate
- Use royal icing, colored sugar, or sprinkles to decorate your cookies. Get creative and involve the kids for a fun holiday activity!
Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: Chilling prevents the dough from spreading too much during baking.
- Uniform Thickness: Roll the dough evenly to ensure all cookies bake at the same rate.
- Storage: Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for later use. Decorated cookies are best enjoyed within 3-5 days.
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Spiced Sugar Cookies: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, holiday spice flavor.
- Lemon or Orange Zest: For a citrusy twist, incorporate zest into the dough.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This Christmas Sugar Cookies recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and creativity. The buttery, tender cookies serve as an ideal canvas for holiday decorations, making them a favorite for bakers of all skill levels.
Serving and Storage Tips for Christmas Sugar Cookies
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Platters: Arrange cookies on a festive platter for holiday parties or family gatherings. Mix with other treats like gingerbread cookies and peppermint bark for variety.
- Hot Beverage Pairing: Serve with hot chocolate, mulled cider, or a cup of coffee for the ultimate holiday treat.
- Gifting: Wrap cookies in decorative bags or boxes tied with ribbon for thoughtful gifts. Add a personalized note for extra charm.
- Cookie Exchange: Bring these cookies to a cookie swap for a crowd-pleasing contribution.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature:
- Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
- Keep decorated cookies in a single layer or separated by wax paper to protect the decorations.
- Freezing Undecorated Cookies:
- Freeze baked, undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
- Freezing Cookie Dough:
- Roll the dough into a log or flatten it into disks, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting.
- Preventing Staleness:
- Add a slice of bread to the storage container to help keep cookies soft. Replace the bread as it dries out.
- Refrigeration:
- Avoid refrigerating baked cookies, as it can dry them out. Instead, use the freezer for longer storage.
With these serving and storage tips, you’ll ensure your Christmas sugar cookies remain fresh, delicious, and ready to impress throughout the holiday season! 🎄
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly for easier rolling.
2. What’s the best way to decorate the cookies?
You can use royal icing for intricate designs or spread buttercream frosting for a simple, delicious option. Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored sugar to enhance the festive look. Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before decorating.
3. Can I freeze decorated cookies?
While undecorated cookies freeze best, you can freeze decorated cookies if needed. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Thaw at room temperature, ensuring decorations are intact.
4. Why do my cookies spread too much during baking?
Cookies may spread if the dough is too warm. Ensure the dough is well-chilled before rolling and cutting. Also, avoid over-creaming the butter and sugar, as this incorporates too much air and causes spreading.
Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Christmas Sugar Cookies are buttery, soft, and perfect for cutting into festive shapes! Decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter to make them the star of your holiday dessert table.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Royal Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 3–4 tablespoons water
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Make the Cookies:
- Prepare the dough:
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, if using.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the dough:
- Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).
- Cut out cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use festive cookie cutters (like stars, trees, or snowflakes) to cut out shapes, and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
- 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 them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
Make the Royal Icing:
- Prepare the icing:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and meringue powder.
- Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the icing reaches your desired consistency (thicker for outlining, thinner for flooding).
- Divide the icing into small bowls and tint with food coloring, if desired.
- Decorate the cookies:
- Use piping bags or squeeze bottles to decorate the cookies. Add sprinkles or edible glitter while the icing is wet.
- Allow the icing to dry completely (about 4-6 hours) before stacking or storing the cookies.
Notes
- For a softer cookie, roll the dough thicker (about 1/3 inch). For a crisper cookie, roll thinner.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months.