The holidays at Doctor Delicious Dishes are always a magical time, filled with laughter, family traditions, and the unmistakable aroma of fresh-baked Christmas sugar cookies. Every December, the kitchen transforms into a workshop of sugary creativity, and these Christmas sugar cookies have become the centerpiece of our festivities. From the moment the butter hits the mixing bowl to the final sprinkle of edible glitter, every step is a celebration of togetherness and holiday cheer.
This Christmas sugar cookie recipe takes me back to snowy evenings spent baking with my kids. We’d roll out the dough, press our favorite Christmas cookie cutters into the soft surface, and excitedly peek through the oven window as the cookies turned golden. Decorating was always the highlight, with an explosion of colors and sprinkles turning each cookie into a unique masterpiece—and, yes, a few sneaky bites of icing in between!
These cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a tradition. Their soft texture and buttery flavor make them irresistible, while the versatility of this Christmas sugar cookie recipe ensures there’s room for everyone to add their personal touch. Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday party or leaving them out for Santa, these Christmas sugar cookies bring joy to every bite. And the memories they create are as sweet as the cookies themselves, lasting far longer than the treats on the plate.
If you’re looking for more holiday baking inspiration, don’t miss our Holiday Peppermint Cake for a minty festive treat or our comforting Blueberry Apple Crumble to add a touch of warmth to your dessert table.
The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity. The dough is forgiving, allowing little hands to roll, cut, and decorate with ease. The decorating step is where the fun really begins—an array of vibrant icings, sprinkles, and edible glitter transforms these simple Christmas sugar cookies into miniature works of art. Whether you’re crafting a winter wonderland of snowflakes or a festive forest of Christmas trees, each cookie tells its own story.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (480g): The foundation of these Christmas sugar cookies, providing structure and the perfect texture for rolling and cutting. High-quality flour ensures a consistent dough that holds its shape.
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder: A gentle leavening agent to give your Christmas sugar cookies a soft, tender crumb without making them puff up too much.
- 1 cup regular butter, softened (227g): Using regular salted butter adds just a hint of salt, balancing the sweetness without the need for added salt. Softened butter also makes creaming easier and creates a light, fluffy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g): Adds the perfect level of sweetness while helping create a soft and light texture during creaming. Granulated sugar also caramelizes slightly during baking, enhancing the flavor of these Christmas sugar cookies.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the rich, soft consistency of your Christmas sugar cookies. Eggs also add moisture to the dough, ensuring a tender bite.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting aroma and flavor, making these Christmas sugar cookies undeniably festive. High-quality vanilla extract elevates the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies
Prepare the Ingredients:
Gather all your ingredients for these Christmas sugar cookies. Pre-measure the flour, baking powder, sugar, and vanilla extract. Soften the butter ahead of time for easy creaming.
Whisk Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder until well combined. Set aside. Ensure there are no lumps in the flour for a smooth dough.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating air pockets that result in soft, tender cookies.
Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract until combined. The batter should be smooth and fragrant at this stage.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.
Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling ensures the dough is firm enough to roll and cut without sticking.
Roll and Cut:
On a floured surface, roll out one dough disk to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite festive Christmas cookie cutters to create shapes. Transfer the cutouts to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Christmas sugar cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft.
Decorate:
Once the Christmas sugar cookies are completely cool, decorate them with icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter. For a professional touch, consider using a cookie decorating kit. Let the icing set before serving. Personalize each cookie for a touch of creativity.
Pro Tips
- Butter Choice: Regular salted butter works perfectly for this Christmas sugar cookie recipe, adding a subtle depth of flavor. Ensure it’s softened but not melted for optimal creaming.
- Chill Thoroughly: Don’t skip the chilling step—it helps the Christmas sugar cookie dough hold its shape when cutting and baking.
- Use Parchment: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Rotate Baking Sheets: Rotate your baking sheets halfway through baking for even results.
- Cool Completely: Ensure Christmas sugar cookies are completely cool before decorating to prevent icing from melting.
FAQ
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling.
Q: Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, but if you do, consider adding a pinch of salt (about â…› teaspoon) to balance the sweetness in your Christmas sugar cookies.
Q: How do I store decorated cookies?
Store your decorated Christmas sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Undecorated cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Q: What if I don’t have cookie cutters?
No problem! Use the rim of a glass or get creative with a knife for freehand Christmas sugar cookie shapes.
History of Sugar Cookies
The origins of Christmas sugar cookies trace back to the 1700s in Pennsylvania, where German settlers created the simple and versatile “Nazareth Cookie.” Over time, Christmas sugar cookies evolved into a holiday tradition, celebrated for their ability to be shaped and decorated in countless festive ways.
Christmas sugar cookies hold a special place in holiday traditions worldwide, symbolizing warmth, togetherness, and creativity. Today, they are a canvas for festive expression, from intricate royal icing designs to simple sprinkles that add a cheerful touch.
So grab your cookie cutters, unleash your creativity, and make some delicious memories. As we like to say at Doctor Delicious Dishes, the best Christmas sugar cookies are made with love, shared with joy, and eaten with holiday cheer. Happy baking!
Nutritional Benefits
While sugar cookies are a delightful holiday treat, they aren’t typically packed with significant nutritional benefits due to their high sugar and butter content. However, this recipe’s focus on simple, natural ingredients—such as real butter and eggs—provides small amounts of essential nutrients. The butter offers a touch of fat-soluble vitamins (like Vitamin A), while the eggs contribute a bit of protein and choline, which is important for brain health.
Additionally, the act of making these cookies with family or friends has intangible benefits for emotional well-being. The joy of creating something festive together and the satisfaction of indulging in a handmade treat can be as nourishing to the soul as the cookies are to your taste buds.
Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies
Description
Bring the magic of the holidays to life with these classic Christmas sugar cookies! Soft, buttery, and perfect for festive decorating, they’re ideal for family fun and creating cherished traditions. Don’t forget to leave a few for Santa—he deserves the best!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Prepare Ingredients:
Gather all ingredients and pre-measure the flour, baking powder, sugar, and vanilla extract. Soften the butter for easy mixing.
-
Mix the Dough:
Whisk together the dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in eggs and vanilla. Gradually combine with the dry ingredients to form the dough.
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Chill:
vide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours.
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Roll and Cut:
Roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use cookie cutters to create shapes.
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Bake:
Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, or directly on a rimmed n,on-stick baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 6-12 minutes depending on size and thickness. Cool completely.
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Cool Completely:
Allow cookies to cool fully on a wire rack before decorating to prevent icing from melting.
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Decorate:
Use icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter to decorate the cookies. Let set before serving.
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 367.03kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 16.54g26%
- Saturated Fat 9.87g50%
- Cholesterol 71.67mg24%
- Sodium 45.25mg2%
- Potassium 62.57mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 48.75g17%
- Dietary Fiber 1.12g5%
- Sugars 16.92g
- Protein 5.5g11%
- Vitamin A 142.72 IU
- Calcium 43.95 mg
- Iron 2.13 mg
- Vitamin D 0.16 IU
- Vitamin E 0.62 IU
- Vitamin K 1.47 mcg
- Thiamin 0.33 mg
- Riboflavin 0.25 mg
- Niacin 2.47 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.03 mg
- Folate 16.56 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.1 mcg
- Phosphorus 104.13 mg
- Magnesium 10.82 mg
- Zinc 0.41 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Important Reminder
Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the best texture in the cookies.
Chilling the dough is essential for easy rolling and maintaining the shape of the cookies.
For even baking, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the bake time.
Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft; they should just begin to turn golden at the edges.
Allow cookies to cool completely before icing to avoid runny decorations.
Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze undecorated cookies for longer storage.
