Nothing says Christmas like the smell of sugar cookies baking in the oven! These soft, buttery treats have been my family’s holiday tradition since I was little. My mom would let me decorate them with colorful sprinkles while she told stories about how her grandmother used to make them with just a pinch of cinnamon. The best part? These cookies come together so easily – no fancy techniques needed. Just simple ingredients that transform into festive magic. Whether you’re making them with kids or prepping for a cookie exchange, these sugar cookies always disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cookies Sugar
Oh my gosh, where do I even start? These cookies are seriously the highlight of my holiday baking every year! First off, that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture? Absolute perfection. They’re sturdy enough to hold all your festive sprinkles but still tender enough to make you sigh with happiness. And speaking of decorating – this dough is SO forgiving. Whether you’re a piping pro or just slapping on some icing with a butter knife (no judgment here!), they always turn out adorable.
The best part? You can whip up a batch in no time flat. From mixing bowl to cooling rack in under 30 minutes means more time for decorating (or sneaking tastes of raw dough – I won’t tell!). They make your whole house smell like Christmas magic while they bake too. Honestly, these cookies check all the boxes: easy, delicious, and totally festive. What’s not to love?
Ingredients for Christmas Cookies Sugar
Okay, let’s talk ingredients – because using the right stuff makes ALL the difference with these cookies! You’ll need 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled, please – no packing!), 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder for that perfect lift. The magic starts with 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (leave it out for 30 minutes – it should dent when you poke it).
For sweetness, 1 1/2 cups white sugar (yes, packed – we want that caramelized edge!), 1 large egg (room temp blends better), and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. My secret? A splash of 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional but SO good). And of course, loads of festive sprinkles or icing for decorating – because what’s Christmas without color?
Equipment You’ll Need
Grab your favorite mixing bowl and a sturdy wooden spoon – or go wild with a hand mixer if you’re feeling fancy! You’ll need a baking sheet (no need to grease it!) and some parchment paper for easy cleanup. Festive cookie cutters are optional but oh-so-fun for holiday shapes. Oh, and don’t forget a cooling rack – those golden edges need to crisp up just right!
How to Make Christmas Cookies Sugar
Ready to make some holiday magic? These cookies come together quicker than you can say “Santa Claus”! Just follow my foolproof steps, and you’ll have perfect Christmas sugar cookies in no time.
Mixing the Dough
First things first – preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C)! While it’s warming up, let’s make the dough. Start by creaming together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy – about 2 minutes of beating should do it. Then crack in that egg and add the vanilla (and almond extract if you’re using it). Now here’s the trick: gradually mix in your dry ingredients just until combined. I mean it – stop mixing the second you don’t see flour streaks! Overmixing makes tough cookies, and we want these babies tender.
Shaping and Baking
Okay, time for the fun part! Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls between your palms. If the dough feels sticky, pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes – no big deal. Place them about 2 inches apart on your baking sheet, then gently flatten each one with the bottom of a glass or your palm. Bake for 8-10 minutes until you see those perfect golden edges forming. They’ll look slightly underdone in the center – that’s perfect! They’ll firm up as they cool.
Decorating Your Christmas Cookies Sugar
Resist the urge to decorate right away – let them cool completely on the rack first (about 20 minutes). Once they’re ready, go wild! Dip them in simple icing, drizzle with melted chocolate, or cover them in colorful sprinkles. My family loves using different colored sugars to make each cookie unique. Pro tip: let little kids decorate with small bowls of toppings – it keeps the mess contained and makes adorable memories!
Tips for Perfect Christmas Cookies Sugar
Let me share my hard-earned cookie wisdom! First – if your dough feels sticky, don’t panic. Just chill it for 30 minutes (I’ve been known to sneak a spoonful of dough while waiting). For even baking, rotate your sheet halfway through – oven hotspots are sneaky! Store cooled cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread – sounds weird, but it keeps them soft for days. And here’s my favorite trick: freeze unbaked dough balls for instant cookie emergencies – just add 1-2 minutes to bake time!
Variations for Christmas Cookies Sugar
Who says you have to stick to the classic? Sometimes I love shaking things up with fun twists! A teaspoon of lemon zest brightens the whole batch – perfect for citrus lovers. Or try 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for a cozy, spiced version that smells like Christmas morning. Feeling adventurous? Swap half the vanilla for peppermint extract – just a touch gives that festive candy cane vibe without being overpowering. The possibilities are endless!
Storing and Freezing Christmas Cookies Sugar
Here’s my secret to keeping these cookies fresh and festive all season long! Once cooled completely, stack them in an airtight container with parchment between layers – they’ll stay soft for up to a week. Want to get ahead? Freeze baked cookies for 2-3 months (just thaw at room temp) or freeze dough balls to bake fresh whenever the craving hits. Pro tip: toss a slice of bread in the cookie jar – it works wonders for keeping them perfectly soft!
Nutritional Information
Each Christmas sugar cookie clocks in at about 120 calories (give or take – it depends on your sprinkles!). Remember, nutrition can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. Enjoy in moderation – or don’t, it’s Christmas!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the dough for later?
Absolutely! I freeze dough balls all December long – just pop them in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. When cookie cravings hit, bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time. Works like a charm!
Why do my cookies spread too much?
Oh honey, we’ve all been there! Usually it’s because the butter was too soft or the dough wasn’t chilled enough. Next time, try popping the shaped cookies in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking – makes all the difference!
Can I make these without almond extract?
Of course! The almond extract is totally optional (though it does add something special). Just use all vanilla if you prefer – they’ll still be delicious. My niece actually loves them with a splash of orange extract instead!
How long do decorated cookies stay fresh?
If you’ve iced them, they’ll keep beautifully for about 4-5 days in an airtight container. Pro tip: wait until the icing fully sets before stacking – nobody wants smeared snowflakes!
Share Your Christmas Cookies Sugar
I’d love to see your cookie creations! Snap a photo of your decorated masterpieces and tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing your holiday baking adventures. Don’t forget to rate the recipe if you try it!
Print
35-Minute Christmas Cookies Sugar That Melt in Your Mouth
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious sugar cookies perfect for Christmas, with a soft texture and festive decorations.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Festive sprinkles or icing for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until combined.
- Roll dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Flatten slightly with a spoon or your hand.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden.
- Let cool before decorating with sprinkles or icing.
Notes
- Chill dough for 30 minutes if it’s too soft to handle.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Use cookie cutters for festive shapes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Christmas cookies, sugar cookies, holiday baking, festive treats
