Christmas Sugar Cookies

Looking for the ultimate festive treat? Bake the best Christmas Sugar Cookies with this easy recipe! These cookies are perfectly sweet and soft, delivering that nostalgic holiday magic with every bite. Whether you’re decorating them with colorful icing or enjoying them plain with a cup of cocoa, these Christmas Sugar Cookies bring warmth and joy to every holiday celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Soft Texture: These cookies stay tender and chewy, not hard or overly crisp, making every bite melt in your mouth.
• Simple Ingredients: Basic pantry staples create a classic cookie with no need for fancy or hard-to-find products.
• Easy to Customize: Whether you love sprinkles, royal icing, or colored sugar, you can adapt this recipe to match your holiday style.
• Festive and Fun: Perfect for holiday baking sessions with family or friends, these cookies double as delicious gifts.
• Reliable and Consistent: This recipe has been tested to yield the same delicious results every time you bake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple but essential ingredients to make Christmas Sugar Cookies that are flavorful, tender, and perfectly sweet. Each ingredient contributes to the cookie’s classic taste and delightful texture.

• All-purpose flour: The base for structure and softness in these cookies.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with slight crispiness on the edges.
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and tenderness, plus a buttery aroma that enhances flavor.
• Eggs: Bind the dough and add moisture for that soft, chewy texture.
• Baking powder: A gentle leavening agent to help the cookies rise evenly.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cookie’s flavor.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
• Optional decorations: Such as colored sugar, sprinkles, or icing for festive flare.

Variations for Christmas Sugar Cookies

Feel free to get creative and adapt the classic Christmas Sugar Cookies to your liking. Whether you have dietary needs or just want to try something new, this recipe is easy to customize without losing its charm.

• Gluten-free version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for allergy-friendly treats.
• Vegan adaptation: Replace butter with vegan margarine and use a flax egg instead of real eggs.
• Spiced cookies: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm holiday spice twist.
• Chocolate dipped: Dip half of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate for an elegant finish.
• Flavored icing: Mix lemon, peppermint, or almond extract into your frosting for extra festive flavor.

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a smooth dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes without sticking.

Step 4: Roll and Cut

Dust your workspace with flour and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes like stars, trees, or bells and place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake

Bake your cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

Step 6: Decorate

Once the cookies have cooled, decorate with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar to add that festive sparkle and personality to your Christmas Sugar Cookies.

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Sugar Cookies

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smooth mixing and better texture.
• Don’t overbake: Remove cookies as soon as edges look set to keep the soft, chewy center intact.
• Chill dough properly: Cold dough rolls easier and keeps shapes sharp during baking.
• Use parchment paper: For easy cookie removal and cleanup.
• Customize decorating timing: Wait for cookies to cool completely before icing to avoid melting.

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Decorate generously with royal icing, festive sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored sugar to make your Christmas Sugar Cookies truly stand out during celebrations.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside warm holiday drinks like hot cocoa, mulled cider, or a spiced latte to elevate your cookie experience into a cozy seasonal treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your beautifully decorated cookies on festive platters, gift them in decorative tins, or create cookie stack towers wrapped with ribbon for a charming holiday display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Christmas Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, keeping them soft and fresh.

Freezing

Wrap decorated cookies individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer a warm cookie, gently heat for 10-15 seconds in the microwave or briefly in a low oven to revive that fresh-baked softness and aroma.

FAQs

Can I use butter substitutes in this Christmas Sugar Cookies recipe?

Yes! You can use margarine or vegan butter alternatives, but keep in mind these may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Chilling the dough thoroughly before rolling and baking is key to preventing excessive spreading and maintaining sharp cookie shapes.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Absolutely, you can make the dough up to 24 hours ahead and keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge until ready to bake.

What’s the best way to decorate Christmas Sugar Cookies?

Use royal icing for detailed designs and colorful sprinkles or edible glitter for easy, festive decoration that kids and adults will love.

Are these cookies suitable for kids to help make?

Definitely! This recipe is simple and fun, making it a perfect holiday activity for kids with minimal supervision needed.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Sugar Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a joyful tradition that brings people together through baking, decorating, and sharing. Try this easy-to-follow recipe and add your own personal touch to create sweet memories that last long after the holiday season ends.

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