Christmas Sugar Cookies: A Classic Holiday Treat

The holiday season brings with it a special magic that only the combination of family, traditions, and delicious food can evoke. One treat that never fails to spread joy is the sugar cookie. Simple yet delightful, these Christmas sugar cookies are perfect for gifting, sharing at holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and the ability to be customized with festive decorations, they’re an essential part of any Christmas celebration.

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These sugar cookies come together with minimal ingredients and effort, making them an easy go-to recipe for both experienced bakers and beginners. The best part? They are versatile, offering endless options for icing and decoration. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic, simple look, or you want to go all out with colorful designs and sprinkles, these cookies can be dressed up however you like. Let’s take a look at how you can make these delicious treats.

Ingredients

To make these easy and delicious sugar cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (measured correctly)
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) with a rack positioned in the center. Next, in a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a stand mixer or using a handheld electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until everything is fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts. Mix until the dough comes together and the flour is fully incorporated into the batter. At this point, you should have a smooth, soft dough that is slightly sticky but not overly wet.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough out to about a ¼-inch thickness. Using your favorite cookie cutters, cut the dough into shapes. Classic Christmas shapes like stars, trees, and snowflakes are always a hit, but feel free to get creative with any shapes you like.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Place the cut-out cookies onto a parchment paper or silicone-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies just begin to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking, as sugar cookies can become too crispy if left in the oven for too long.

Step 6: Cooling and Decorating

Once the cookies are baked, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart when you transfer them. After that, use a wire rack to cool the cookies completely before decorating.

When the cookies have cooled, you can add your favorite cookie icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar to add a festive touch. If you’re looking to take your sugar cookies up a notch, consider making a batch of royal icing or using store-bought fondant for smooth, professional-looking designs.

Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies

• Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft to handle while rolling it out, or if you want to ensure that your cookies keep their shape during baking, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling. This will help prevent spreading and ensure clean-cut edges.
• Customization: While the cookies themselves are simple, the possibilities for customization are endless. You can decorate them with colored icing, sprinkle them with edible glitter, or even dip them in chocolate. Whether you go for a minimalist approach with a dusting of powdered sugar or a more intricate design, these cookies will be sure to impress.
• Flavor Variations: If you want to change up the flavor a bit, you can add citrus zest (lemon, orange, or lime) to the dough for a refreshing twist, or stir in a bit of almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor.
• Freezing: If you want to get ahead of the holiday rush, you can freeze the dough before baking. Simply wrap the dough in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling it out and cutting the cookies.

Serving Suggestions

These sugar cookies are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in so many ways:

• Holiday Cookie Platters: Arrange the cookies on a platter with other holiday favorites like gingerbread men or snickerdoodles. Add a few sprigs of greenery for a festive touch.
• Gift Giving: Sugar cookies make a wonderful homemade gift. You can package them in decorative boxes or cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful, edible present.
• Serve with Hot Cocoa or Tea: These cookies pair perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea. The sweet, buttery flavor complements the rich, warm drinks and makes for the perfect holiday snack.

Why You’ll Love These Sugar Cookies

There’s something about the classic combination of butter, sugar, and vanilla that makes these cookies irresistible. They’re soft and chewy on the inside with just the right amount of crispness on the edges. The simplicity of the ingredients means the flavors shine through, and the vanilla adds a lovely fragrance to the dough. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just indulging in a few for yourself, these sugar cookies will fill your home with the warmth and joy of the holiday season.

This recipe is also incredibly easy to follow, making it a great option for novice bakers or anyone looking for a stress-free way to make delicious holiday cookies. The dough comes together quickly, and the baking time is short, so you won’t be spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the cookies are customizable, allowing you to create different designs and flavors to suit your tastes and your festive plans.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas sugar cookie recipe is a must-have for your holiday baking repertoire. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll create melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are sure to delight friends, family, and guests. Whether enjoyed as part of a holiday cookie platter or savored with a cup of tea, these cookies will bring a little extra sweetness to your holiday season. Get your baking supplies ready, preheat the oven, and let the holiday magic begin with these irresistible Christmas sugar cookies!