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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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.
Notes
- 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.