Description
Bake the best Christmas Sugar Cookies with this easy-to-follow recipe! These perfectly soft and tender cookies bring nostalgic holiday magic to every bite, whether decorated festively or enjoyed plain. Simple ingredients and customizable options make these cookies a joyful treat for holiday baking sessions, gifts, and celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (for gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or vegan margarine for vegan adaptation)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan adaptation)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Decorations
- Colored sugar
- Sprinkles
- Royal icing
- Melted dark or white chocolate for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- 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.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up the dough for easier rolling and cutting.
- Roll and Cut: Dust your workspace with flour and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut shapes like stars, trees, or bells. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until edges just start to turn golden. Let cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
- Decorate: Once cooled, decorate with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar to add festive sparkle and personality.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for smooth mixing and better cookie texture.
- Do not overbake; remove cookies as soon as edges look set to maintain soft, chewy centers.
- Chill dough properly to ensure easier rolling and sharper cookie shapes.
- Use parchment paper on baking sheets for easy removal and clean-up.
- Wait for cookies to cool completely before icing to avoid melting decorations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas sugar cookies, holiday cookies, festive cookies, soft sugar cookies, holiday baking, customizable cookies, cookie decorations
