If you’re searching for that perfect holiday treat to fill your kitchen with warmth and cheer, look no further than this delightful Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe. These classic sugar cookies boast a tender, buttery crumb that melts in your mouth, topped with festive sprinkles or colored sugar for that irresistible holiday sparkle. Whether you’re baking with family, gifting friends, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe delivers timeless flavor and joyful nostalgia in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe plays a key role in creating the ideal balance of flavor, texture, and holiday fun. From the creamy butter providing richness to the vanilla extract that adds depth, these simple staples come together beautifully to produce perfect cookies every time.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Ensures a rich, tender base without extra salt interfering with sweetness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that caramelizes slightly for a delicate crunch on the crust.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough together and adds moisture for soft cookies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, enhancing the buttery flavor.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure while keeping the cookies soft.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps with slight leavening, making cookies light and tender.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- Holiday sprinkles or colored sugar, for decorating: Adds festive color and crunch, making each cookie holiday-perfect.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Creaming Butter and Sugar
Begin by creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step incorporates air which helps give the cookies a tender texture with just the right amount of rise.
Step 2: Adding Egg and Vanilla
Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly until fully incorporated. The egg adds structure while the vanilla gives your cookies that warm, classic flavor that feels like holiday in every bite.
Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed for consistent texture and flavor throughout your dough.
Step 4: Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. You want the dough pliable enough to shape but not sticky, perfect for rolling into balls.
Step 5: Shaping the Cookies
Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them spaced apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This size creates a perfect balance of crispy edges and chewy centers.
Step 6: Pressing and Decorating
Press each dough ball lightly with a fork in a crisscross pattern. Then generously sprinkle your holiday sprinkles or colored sugar on top to add festive flair and texture that makes these sugar cookies irresistible.
Step 7: Baking to Perfection
Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden hue. This precise heat and timing ensure they remain tender inside while crisping just enough outside.
Step 8: Cooling Before Enjoying
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents breakage and keeps the bottoms from becoming soggy, so each cookie stays beautifully crisp.
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While sprinkles and colored sugar are classic, experimenting with edible glitter, chopped nuts, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar can elevate your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe to new festive heights. These simple garnishes add extra texture and eye-catching charm.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside warm drinks like hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or peppermint tea for the ultimate cozy holiday experience. The comforting warmth of these beverages pairs perfectly with the cookie’s buttery sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Display your cookies on a festive platter lined with holiday napkins or stacked in clear jars tied with ribbons for gifting. You can also sandwich frosting or jam between two cookies for a fun twist that delights both kids and adults.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to five days, making them just as delightful days after baking.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead of time, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer to a sealed freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well frozen for up to three months.
Reheating
For that just-baked feel, warm frozen or stored cookies in a low oven for a few minutes or microwave briefly. This revives their soft texture and freshly baked aroma, perfect when you want a quick treat anytime.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can, but be mindful to reduce or omit additional salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty. Unsalted butter gives you greater control over seasoning.
What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
Classic colored sugar or holiday sprinkles work beautifully, but royal icing or melted chocolate can turn these cookies into personalized masterpieces for special occasions.
Can I make the dough ahead and bake later?
Absolutely! Refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking. This rest time can even enhance flavor and make the dough easier to handle.
How do I keep sugar cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or an apple wedge to maintain moisture. Avoid uncovered air exposure that dries cookies out.
Can I use alternative flours?
All-purpose flour works best for classic texture, but experimenting with half whole wheat or gluten-free blends is possible—just expect slight texture differences.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe is truly a holiday treasure that brings joy, flavor, and a touch of magic to your baking adventures. I encourage you to gather your favorite sprinkles, turn on some festive tunes, and create these sweet memories one delicious batch at a time.
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these classic Christmas Sugar Cookies, featuring a buttery, tender texture and decorated with festive holiday sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges, these cookies are easy to make and bake to golden perfection in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Decoration
- Holiday sprinkles or colored sugar, for decorating
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined to create the base of the cookie dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring an even, smooth batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms without overmixing.
- Form Dough Balls: Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Shape and Decorate: Press the top of each dough ball gently with a fork in a crisscross pattern. Sprinkle holiday sprinkles or colored sugar on top for festive decoration.
- Bake Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies on the middle rack for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For softer cookies, bake closer to 8 minutes; for crispier edges, bake closer to 10 minutes.
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the best dough texture.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help maintain cookie shape.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and even baking.
