Warm, buttery, and perfectly shaped, these Christmas Sugar Cookies are the ultimate holiday baking treat. This easy recipe creates cookies that hold their shape, bake evenly, and taste deliciously soft and sweet. Perfect for decorating with family and friends during the festive season.
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Why You’ll Love These Christmas Sugar Cookies
These Christmas Sugar Cookies are everything you love about holiday baking. They are simple, buttery, and beautifully golden. The dough is soft yet sturdy, which means the cookies keep their shape while baking. You’ll love that they’re made from everyday pantry ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour, so no special shopping trips are needed. The flavor is rich and buttery with just the right touch of sweetness, making them perfect for decorating or enjoying plain with hot cocoa. The dough can be halved, frozen, or made gluten-free without losing taste or texture. Plus, they bake quickly, so you can easily whip up a big batch for family gatherings or festive cookie swaps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll only need a few basics for these Christmas Sugar Cookies. Softened butter adds richness, while granulated sugar brings sweetness and a perfect texture. One egg binds everything together, and vanilla extract gives that cozy holiday aroma. All-purpose flour provides structure, baking powder adds a light lift, and salt balances the flavors. Use aluminum-free baking powder for the best taste. Also, make sure to measure flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method so your dough stays soft and easy to roll.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies
Prepare and Mix the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F and position the rack in the center. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients in three portions, blending well after each addition. The dough should feel soft and pliable, not sticky.
Roll and Cut the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Lightly flour your surface, or roll directly on parchment paper to prevent sticking. Roll each portion to about ¼ inch thickness. Then, use festive cookie cutters like trees, stars, or snowflakes to shape your cookies. Place them about an inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn golden. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This recipe makes about 40 cookies in only 30 minutes from start to finish.
Expert Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies
Always use room-temperature butter that’s soft but not melted. Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent dryness. Keep your dough thickness even for consistent baking. If the dough feels too dry, add a small splash of milk or water. Watch your oven carefully and bake only until the edges begin to brown for soft, tender cookies. You can freeze both the dough and baked cookies for up to two months. When stored properly, they’ll taste freshly baked every time.
Decorating Your Christmas Cookies
Decorating these Christmas Sugar Cookies is the best part. Once completely cooled, top them with colorful icing, sprinkles, or crushed candy canes. Try classic Christmas designs such as snowflakes, ornaments, or candy canes. Have fun with food coloring for cheerful holiday tones. For a family-friendly activity, set up a decorating station and let everyone personalize their cookies. You can even wrap decorated cookies in cellophane and add ribbons for thoughtful homemade gifts.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
Store your Christmas Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely, then layer with parchment paper in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. You can also freeze unbaked dough by wrapping it tightly and storing it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking. The cookies keep their shape and buttery texture perfectly, even after freezing.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
To make these cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. For a flavor twist, add citrus zest, almond extract, or a dash of cinnamon for a cozy aroma. You can also adapt the recipe for other occasions by using themed cutters and different color icing. If you want a smaller batch, halve the recipe and use half a beaten egg. For more creative Christmas treats, try the Soft and chewy Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars that use similar ingredients for an easy bar-style option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you describe Christmas cookies?
They’re sweet, buttery, and often decorated with icing and sprinkles, capturing the cozy joy of the holidays.
Why do people like sugar cookies?
Sugar cookies are soft, simple, and delicious. Their mild flavor makes them perfect for decorating and gifting.
Are sugar cookies a Christmas thing?
Yes, sugar cookies are a Christmas favorite, often baked and decorated with family during the festive season.
What are common Christmas cookies?
Favorites include gingerbread cookies, shortbread, peanut butter blossoms, and Classic Christmas Candy Cane Cookies.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Flaky Pie Crust Perfect for Christmas Baking
- Buttery Homemade Christmas Butter Cookies
- Festive Cherry Snowball Cookies for the Holidays
- Whipped Shortbread Cookies – Easy Christmas Treat
Final Thoughts
Holiday baking doesn’t get better than these soft and buttery Christmas Sugar Cookies. They’re quick, easy, and filled with festive flavor. Perfect for cookie exchanges, family baking days, or thoughtful homemade gifts, this recipe brings joy to every kitchen. So grab your favorite cookie cutters, dust the counter with flour, and start baking sweet memories. For more holiday decorating ideas, visit my Pinterest page and get inspired.
Christmas Sugar Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowls For wet and dry ingredients.
- electric mixer To cream butter and sugar.
- Rolling Pin To roll dough evenly.
- Cookie cutters For shaping festive cookies.
- Baking sheet Line with parchment paper.
- Wire cooling rack Cool cookies completely before decorating.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, measured properly
- 1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and position the rack in the center. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, then beat until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients in three portions, mixing after each addition until a soft, pliable dough forms.
- Divide dough in half. Roll out to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured or parchment-lined surface. Cut into festive shapes.
- Place cookies 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until edges start to turn golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
