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The Best Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

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  • Author: Maria B. Evans
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert, Holiday
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These classic Christmas Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating! Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or a fun baking night with the kids, these cookies hold their shape beautifully and taste absolutely delicious.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Cookies:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds great flavor)
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Royal Icing:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Food coloring (red, green, and other holiday colors)
  • Sprinkles for decorating (optional)

Instructions

  • Make the Cookie Dough:
    • In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
    • Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until combined.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  • Chill the Dough:
    • Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (this helps the cookies hold their shape).
  • Roll & Cut the Cookies:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
    • Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
    • Use Christmas-themed cookie cutters (trees, stars, snowflakes) to cut out shapes.
    • Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them.
  • Bake the Cookies:
    • Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
    • Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Decorate with Icing:
    • In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk for thinner icing or more sugar for thicker icing.
    • Divide the icing into separate bowls and color with food coloring.
    • Transfer icing to piping bags or use a spoon to decorate cooled cookies. Add sprinkles while the icing is still wet.
    • Let icing set for at least 1 hour before stacking or serving.

Notes

  • The dough can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • If you prefer softer cookies, bake them for the shorter time. For crispier edges, bake a bit longer.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 140
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 40mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg