There's just something magical about pulling a tray of warm, perfectly shaped sugar cookies out of the oven during the holidays. This Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe is one of my go-tos because those soft edges, sweet vanilla flavor, and endless decorating possibilities never disappoint.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, I've tried tons of sugar cookie recipes over the years, but this one stands out because it’s reliable, easy to make, and yields cookies that are soft yet sturdy enough to decorate. It’s like the perfect blank canvas for your festive creativity.
- Consistently Soft Texture: These cookies stay tender without becoming too crumbly or overly dense, which is a tricky balance to strike.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry, making it super convenient for last-minute baking sessions.
- Perfect for Decorating: The dough rolls out smoothly and holds shapes beautifully, so your cookie cutters and icing have a field day.
- Quick and Fuss-Free: From start to finish, it takes about 30 minutes. Just enough time for some holiday tunes and a cup of cocoa.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe plays a key role in achieving that classic taste and texture. Let me walk you through why they matter, so you can make the most of them.
- Unsalted Butter: I always go for unsalted so I can control the saltiness myself; plus, softened butter creams nicely with sugar, giving cookies that tender crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: It adds sweetness and helps with that slight crisp edge, balancing the buttery softness perfectly.
- Egg: Acts like a binder and gives the dough structure without making it tough.
- Vanilla Extract: The star flavor enhancer that makes the cookies smell heavenly and taste rich.
- All-Purpose Flour: Measured correctly by spooning it into your measuring cup (not scooping) to avoid dense cookies.
- Baking Powder: Using aluminum-free ensures your cookies don’t get any unwanted bitter aftertaste while giving just enough lift.
- Salt: Just a pinch to brighten all the flavors and tame the sweetness.
Make It Your Way
I love that this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe feels like a foundation you can build on. Whether you want to add a hint of almond extract or dip half the cookie in chocolate, there’s plenty of room to make it personal.
- Lemon Zest Variation: One holiday, I added a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the dough, and it gave a bright, fresh twist that was a real crowd-pleaser. So don’t be afraid to experiment with extracts or zest!
- Gluten-Free Swap: I’ve tried substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it has xanthan gum, or your cookies won’t hold their shape as well.
- Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a subtle warmth that complements the sugar-sweetness.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep your ingredients and preheat
Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and place the rack in the center—this helps your cookies bake evenly. While the oven warms, sift together your flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl to keep everything light and clump-free.
Step 2: Cream butter and sugar
Using a stand mixer or handheld beaters, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until it’s fluffy and pale. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes and is key to creating that soft texture we’re aiming for.
Step 3: Add egg and vanilla
Beat in the vanilla extract and the egg until just combined. Make sure you scrape down the bowl to mix everything evenly.
Step 4: Incorporate the dry ingredients
Add the flour mixture in three batches, mixing gently each time until everything is just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should come together into a soft but firm ball.
Step 5: Roll and cut your cookies
Divide the dough in two and lightly flour your surface. Roll each portion out to about ¼-inch thickness—a nice medium that bakes evenly without losing shape. Use your favorite cookie cutters, from classic stars to snowflakes, and place the shapes on parchment-lined sheets.
Step 6: Bake to perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for around 10 minutes. You'll know they're ready when the edges start to take on a very light golden hue. Don’t wait for them to brown fully because that means the center will dry out.
Step 7: Cool and decorate
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set nicely without breaking. Once completely cooled, it's your time to shine with decorating – whether with royal icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter.
Top Tip
I’ve baked sugar cookies many ways, and these tips helped me get consistently great results. I hope sharing them saves you some trial-and-error headaches!
- Butter Softness is Key: Don’t rush softening butter — if it’s too cold, the dough gets tough; too melted, and your cookies will spread too much.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add flour, stir gently and only enough to combine. Overworking develops gluten and makes your cookies tough.
- Rolling Thickness Matters: Aim for ¼-inch to balance tenderness and hold cut-out shapes well.
- Watch the Bake Time Closely: Cookies can go from perfectly baked to dry in just a couple of minutes, so set a timer and peek near the end.
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of classic royal icing with vibrant colors and a sprinkle of sanding sugar or tiny nonpareils. Sometimes, I dust powdered sugar lightly for a snowy effect. My kids love decorating with colorful candies and edible glitter for that extra holiday sparkle.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair perfectly with a warm cup of hot chocolate, spiced apple cider, or even a simple glass of cold milk. During parties, I like to set them out alongside gingerbread and peppermint bark to create a festive cookie platter.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, I layer cookies between parchment paper in a pretty tin or wrap them with colorful ribbons tied around clear cellophane bags. At holiday parties, arranging them on tiered cake stands or decorating them to look like little yuletide figures always sparks joy and conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once decorated and fully cooled, store the Christmas Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about a week, but I swear they never last that long at my house!
Freezing
I often freeze the cut-out dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, I thaw it overnight in the fridge. Alternatively, baked cookies freeze well if placed in airtight containers separated by parchment sheets—perfect for making batches ahead of busy holiday days.
Reheating
If you want that fresh-baked feel, pop your leftover cookies in a 300 °F oven for 3-5 minutes—they’ll soften up nicely without drying out. Just avoid the microwave since it can make sugar cookies rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can, but I recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the salt content. Using salted butter may throw off the balance and make your cookies slightly saltier than intended.
Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and avoid overmixing the dough once flour is added. Also, chilling the dough before rolling can help maintain cookie shape during baking.
Absolutely! This Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe is ideal for decorating with royal icing because the cookies hold their shape well and have a smooth surface for intricate designs.
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for up to a week. If decorated, be sure the icing has fully dried before storing to prevent smudging.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe is truly one I come back to year after year because it brings the family together—not just with the baking but in the decorating and sharing too. Once you try it, I’m confident it’ll become a cherished holiday staple for you as well. So, grab your cookie cutters, get that dough out, and let the festive fun begin!
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies that are buttery, soft, and perfect for holiday decorating. These festive treats are easy to make with simple ingredients and bake perfectly in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, measured correctly
- 1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 °F with a rack positioned in the center to ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and well combined.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: To the creamed butter mixture, add the large egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the flour mixture in three parts to the wet ingredients, mixing after each addition until the dough comes together completely.
- Roll Out Dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion out to about ¼ inch thickness to prepare for cutting.
- Cut Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out your favorite festive shapes from the rolled dough.
- Bake: Place the cut-out cookies on a parchment or silicone-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 °F for 10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate: Once cooled, decorate with your choice of cookie icing for a festive touch.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid any metallic taste.
- Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off to prevent dense cookies.
- Chilling the dough briefly can help with cleaner cookie shapes but is optional.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking during baking.
- Let cookies fully cool before decorating to avoid melting your icing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
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