If you’re dreaming of a classic treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the season, look no further than this delightful Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies are wonderfully soft yet hold a lovely shape, making them ideal for cutting into festive shapes and decorating with colorful frostings and sprinkles. Each bite offers just the right balance of buttery sweetness and a subtle vanilla aroma, turning your kitchen into a joyful holiday haven. This recipe is a must-have for anyone eager to bake cookies that bring back warm memories while creating new ones with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is the key to making this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe truly shine. Each component plays an essential role in building the perfect texture and flavor—whether it’s the creamy butter giving richness or the vanilla bean paste adding a warm, aromatic note.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, barely softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that helps the cookies melt in your mouth.
- Sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the dough and aids in achieving that tender crumb.
- Large Egg (1) and Egg Yolk (1): These add moisture and bind everything together for perfect dough consistency.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the sweet, buttery flavor, making the cookies taste truly festive.
- Flour (2 1/2 cups): The backbone of the cookies, giving them structure without overpowering their softness.
- Baking Powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the cookies rise slightly, keeping them light and tender.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances out sweetness and enhances flavors; reduce to 1/2 teaspoon if using salted butter.
- Butter (1/2 cup, softened): For the frosting, creating a luscious, creamy texture.
- Cream Cheese (8-ounce package, softened): Adds tangy richness to the frosting, making it irresistibly smooth.
- Powdered Sugar (3 1/2 to 4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to just the right consistency.
- Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract (2 teaspoons): Adds depth and speckles of flavor to the frosting, elevating the overall taste.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Start by combining the barely softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat them together for about four minutes until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, giving the cookies their delicate texture. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing. Then add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing for an additional minute to blend everything smoothly.
Step 2: Fold in Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. This step brings the dough together and ensures your cookies will hold their shape beautifully when cut and baked.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Divide your dough into two equal portions and roll each out between sheets of lightly floured parchment paper to your desired thickness—between 1/4 and 1/2 inch works well. Lightly flour the surface of one rolled dough and layer the second on top with parchment paper between them. Refrigerate the dough stack for at least one to two hours. This chilling step helps develop flavors and keeps the dough firm, making it easier to cut neat shapes.
Step 4: Cut and Bake
Once chilled, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Use cookie cutters to cut festive shapes from the dough. Gather and roll any leftover scraps to cut more cookies. Bake the cookies for seven to ten minutes until the edges are just starting to turn golden but the centers remain soft. This ensures each cookie will be tender yet sturdy enough to hold frosting and decorations.
Step 5: Prepare the Sugar Cookie Frosting
While your cookies cool, whip up the frosting by creaming softened butter and cream cheese for two to three minutes until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste, adjusting the powdered sugar amount depending on your preferred frosting thickness. For a thinner glaze-like consistency, add a teaspoon or two of heavy cream. Finally, add food coloring if you want to create themed colors for your Christmas cookies.
Step 6: Decorate and Enjoy
Spread the frosting onto cooled cookies or transfer it into piping bags for intricate designs. Top with your favorite sprinkles or edible decorations, and let them set. Store them chilled in an airtight container if you’re not serving right away to keep them fresh and beautiful.
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe is how wonderfully versatile it is when it comes to garnishing. Consider adding holiday-themed sprinkles, edible glitter, or small candy pieces. A dusting of powdered sugar can also add a charming snowy effect that’s perfect for the season.
Side Dishes
Pair these delightful cookies with a warm cup of spiced tea, hot cocoa, or even a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic treat. They also make a festive companion to cheese platters or fruit trays during holiday gatherings, adding a sweet contrast to savory bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your presentation as festive as the cookies themselves by arranging them on decorative holiday platters or tiered stands. Wrapping a batch as a gift in colorful tins or cellophane with ribbon is a thoughtful way to spread holiday cheer. You can even create a cookie decorating station for a fun activity with family or friends, making the entire experience memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cookies store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, maintaining their fresh, soft texture. If they start to harden, a quick zap in the microwave for a few seconds can revive their softness.
Freezing
This Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe freezes well either as dough or baked cookies. Wrap cut dough tightly in plastic and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking. Baked cookies should be frozen in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent sticking and crushing.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, allow them to thaw at room temperature. For a freshly baked feel, warm them in the oven at a low temperature (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back that perfect softness and enhances the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes! If you use salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the recipe to about 1/2 teaspoon to avoid making the cookies too salty. The flavor balance is delicate, so adjusting this helps keep them perfectly sweet.
How thick should I roll the cookie dough?
Between 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch thickness works best. Thinner cookies will be crispier and bake faster, while thicker ones stay soft and chewy in the center. Choose the thickness based on your preferred texture, but remember to adjust baking time accordingly.
What’s the best way to decorate these sugar cookies?
Use the creamy frosting provided in the recipe and divide it into smaller bowls to tint with various colors. You can either spread the frosting with a knife for a rustic look or use piping bags for precise designs. Don’t forget to add festive sprinkles or edible decorations for that extra holiday magic.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to two days or frozen for longer storage. Chilling the dough enhances flavor and texture, so making it ahead actually improves your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe experience.
How do I keep my cookies soft and fresh for longer?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread inside. The bread adds moisture, keeping cookies soft for several days. If refrigerated, bring cookies back to room temperature before serving as cold temperatures can harden the frosting.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about baking your own Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe, especially when shared with loved ones. From the simple selection of ingredients to the joy of decorating and savoring every bite, this recipe offers a perfect holiday tradition. Don’t hesitate—grab your mixing bowl, roll out that dough, and dive into making a batch of these sweet, buttery cookies that will brighten any holiday celebration!
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 26 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These classic Christmas Sugar Cookies are tender, buttery, and perfect for holiday decorating. Rolled to the ideal thickness and baked to a light golden perfection, they pair beautifully with a rich cream cheese frosting that can be customized with colors and sprinkles. A delightful festive treat for cookie exchanges or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (barely softened)
- 1 1/2 cups Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1 Egg Yolk
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 2 1/2 cups Flour
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt (reduce to 1/2 teaspoon if using salted butter)
Frosting
- 1/2 cup Butter (softened)
- 8 ounce package Cream Cheese (softened)
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups Powdered Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract
- Optional: Food Coloring
- Optional: 1-2 teaspoons Heavy Cream (for thinner frosting)
- Optional: Sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup barely softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar for about 4 minutes or until light and fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract to the bowl and mix for 1 minute more until thoroughly combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Fold in 2 1/2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt (adjust salt if using salted butter) until just combined to form the cookie dough.
- Chill the Dough: Divide dough into two equal parts. Place each portion on lightly floured parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Roll each to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness based on desired cookie thickness. Lightly flour one rolled dough, cover with parchment, then place the second rolled dough on top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to firm up.
- Cut the Cookies: After chilling, remove dough from refrigerator. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes from the dough. Re-roll any scraps to cut additional shapes.
- Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a light-colored baking sheet and bake for 7-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Allow cookies to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened butter and 8 ounces softened cream cheese for 2-3 minutes. Scrape bowl sides. Gradually add 3 1/2 to 4 cups powdered sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract, mixing well. Adjust powdered sugar for desired thickness or add 1-2 teaspoons heavy cream for thinner consistency.
- Decorate Cookies: Add food coloring to frosting if desired. Spread frosting on cooled cookies or use piping bags for detailed decoration. Add sprinkles on top as a finishing touch. Cookies can be served immediately or chilled in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter for better control over salt content, or reduce added salt accordingly if using salted butter.
- Chilling dough is essential to help shape the cookies cleanly and to prevent spreading during baking.
- If you want softer cookies, roll dough thicker; for crisper cookies, roll thinner.
- Light-colored baking sheets help prevent over-browning the cookie bottoms.
- Ensure cookies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store frosted cookies in an airtight container, refrigerated if frostings contain cream cheese, to maintain freshness.
