Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked Christmas cookies wafting through your kitchen. These classic sugar cookies are the perfect holiday treat that brings joy to bakers of all skill levels. This recipe creates beautifully soft cookies with a slightly crisp edge that are perfect for decorating.

They hold their shape wonderfully, making them ideal for festive cookie cutters. With just a handful of pantry staples and about 30 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a batch ready for decorating with your favorite royal icing or a simple sprinkle of colored sugar. These cookies are destined to become your go-to holiday tradition.

Nutrition Facts

*Per 100 g (approximately 3 medium cookies):*

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fat: 17 g
• Sugar: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g

Ingredients

• 280 g all-purpose flour
• 150 g granulated sugar
• 115 g unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Workspace

Start by gathering all your ingredients and measuring them out precisely. Baking is a science, so accurate measurements are crucial for perfect cookies.

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning on the bottom of your cookies.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes.

The mixture should become light and fluffy with a pale color. This step incorporates air into your dough, creating tender cookies with a nice texture.

3. Add the Egg and Extracts

Crack the egg into the butter mixture and add the vanilla extract. If you’re using almond extract, add it now as well.

Beat on low speed until everything is fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure even mixing.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This distributes the leavening agent evenly throughout the flour.

Mixing dry ingredients separately prevents overmixing the final dough, which can make cookies tough.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions. Mix on low speed after each addition until just combined.

The dough will come together and pull away from the sides of the bowl. Don’t overmix-stop as soon as you don’t see any flour streaks.

6. Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half and flatten each portion into a disk. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.

Chilling firms up the butter, making the dough easier to roll and cut. It also helps cookies maintain their shape during baking.

7. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and allow it to fully preheat. A properly heated oven ensures even baking and consistent results.

Use this time to get your cookie cutters ready and clear some counter space for rolling.

8. Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll one dough disk to about 5mm thickness, working from the center outward.

If the dough becomes too soft while working, pop it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Cold dough cuts cleaner shapes.

9. Cut Out Your Cookies

Press your favorite Christmas cookie cutters firmly into the dough. Stars, trees, snowflakes, and gingerbread people are all festive choices.

Transfer the cut shapes to your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2cm between each cookie. They won’t spread much, but a little space ensures even air circulation.

10. Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of your cookies.

The cookies are done when the edges are just barely golden. The centers may look slightly underdone, but they’ll firm up as they cool.

11. Cool and Decorate

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This allows them to set without breaking.

Once completely cool, decorate with royal icing, colored sugar, or sprinkles. Let your creativity shine during this fun step!

Tips for Variations or Side Dishes

Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Replace 30g of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate version.

Citrus Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, refreshing flavor.

Spiced Cookies: Mix in ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg for warmth.

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Sandwich Cookies: Spread jam, Nutella, or buttercream between two cookies for an extra special treat.

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or a warm glass of eggnog.

Serving Suggestions

Display your decorated Christmas cookies on a beautiful tiered serving stand for holiday parties. They become an edible centerpiece that guests can enjoy throughout the evening.

Package them in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts. Add a personalized tag with the recipe for an extra special touch.

For a cozy family moment, serve these cookies warm alongside mugs of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. Let children decorate their own cookies for a fun holiday activity.

Create a cookie exchange platter featuring different shapes and decorating styles. Mix and match colors to create a visually stunning dessert table display.

FAQ

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.

2. Why did my cookies spread too much?

This usually happens when the butter is too warm or the dough wasn’t chilled enough. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and always chill the dough before rolling.

3. How should I store the finished cookies?

Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent the decorations from sticking together.

4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is strongly recommended for the best flavor and texture. Margarine contains more water and can cause cookies to spread excessively and taste less rich.

5. What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?

Royal icing is the classic choice for detailed designs and dries to a smooth finish. For quick decoration, simply brush unbaked cookies with beaten egg and sprinkle with colored sugar before baking.