If you’re looking to fill your kitchen with the delightful aroma of holiday cheer, this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe is absolutely the one to try. With just the right balance of sweetness, a tender crumb, and that perfect festive crunch from the colored sugar sparkle, these cookies are truly the heart and soul of any holiday gathering. Every bite invites memories of joyful celebrations while the bright red and green sugar toppings bring that unmistakable Christmas magic to your baking tray.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and festive look you’ll love decorating and sharing.
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure and that tender crumb we adore in sugar cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a light rise, so the cookies aren’t too dense.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and moisture, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetness that also helps create a slight crisp edge.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together with a subtle tenderness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting depth to the cookie’s flavor.
- Red decorating sugar: Perfect for that festive sparkle and bright color.
- Green decorating sugar: Complements red sugar for a classic Christmas vibe.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures even baking and keeps your cookies from sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Combining these first helps distribute the leavening agents and salt evenly throughout the dough, vital for consistent texture and flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes 2 to 3 minutes and is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth, tender texture.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. These ingredients add moisture and that beautiful, inviting aroma we all love in holiday cookies.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your butter mixture, mixing gently until the dough just forms. Be careful not to overmix here; you want tender cookies, not tough ones!
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheets, allowing enough space between each so they can spread slightly while baking.
Step 7: Create the Criss-Cross Pattern
Flatten each dough ball with a fork pressed in a criss-cross pattern. This classic detail not only looks lovely but helps the cookie bake evenly and beautifully.
Step 8: Add Festive Sugar Toppings
Sprinkle the tops of each cookie generously with red or green decorating sugar for that iconic Christmas sparkle that everyone will admire before it disappears into happy mouths.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set but not browned. This timing keeps them soft and chewy in the center, with just a slight crisp around the edges.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and helps them set perfectly.
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic red and green sugars are perfect on their own, you can add a dusting of powdered sugar or use royal icing to pipe delicate snowflakes or festive holiday messages. Sprinkles shaped like tiny stars or snowmen can also add that extra joyful touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of mulled cider, peppermint hot chocolate, or a classic eggnog for an indulgent and cozy holiday treat. Their sweet, buttery flavor complements those drinks beautifully, transforming any snack time into a festive celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter surrounded by sprigs of fresh rosemary or pine needles to channel holiday spirit. You can also package them in clear gift bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift that anyone would treasure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Christmas Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to a week, perfect for enjoying during holiday movie nights or sharing with friends and family.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months, ready for spontaneous holiday cravings.
Reheating
To refresh the cookies after freezing or storage, pop them in a warm oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This gently revives their tender texture and buttery flavor, making them taste freshly baked once again.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but be sure to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty cookie. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the flavor balance.
Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding a few drops of food coloring to the dough before baking can create colorful cookies that are just as fun and festive as the sugar-coated ones.
How do I make the cookies crispier?
For crispier cookies, bake them a minute or two longer until the edges gain a deeper golden color. Just be careful not to overbake to avoid a burnt taste.
Is this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe suitable for kids to help with?
Definitely! Kids love shaping the dough balls, pressing the fork pattern, and sprinkling the decorating sugar. It’s a fun and safe recipe for little hands in the kitchen.
Can I substitute the granulated sugar with brown sugar?
You can substitute some of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a slightly moister and richer flavor, but keep in mind this might change the classic sugar cookie texture and color.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe is truly a festive treasure in your holiday baking lineup. It’s straightforward, fun to make, and results in irresistibly delicious cookies that capture the warmth and joy of the season. I can’t wait for you to try it and share these sweet moments with your loved ones!
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these classic Christmas Sugar Cookies, perfect for holiday celebrations. Soft and buttery with a tender crumb, these cookies are beautifully decorated with festive red and green sugar, making them a favorite treat for all ages during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Toppings
- Red decorating sugar, for topping
- Green decorating sugar, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the large egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms without overmixing.
- Form Cookie Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets.
- Flatten and Decorate: Use a fork to gently flatten each dough ball in a criss-cross pattern, then generously sprinkle the tops with red or green decorating sugar for a festive touch.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set but not browned, ensuring a tender cookie.
- Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly.
Notes
- For softer cookies, do not overbake; remove as soon as edges are set.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Optional: Add almond extract for a different flavor profile.
- Decorating sugar colors can be customized for various holidays or themes.
- Make sure butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
