The holiday season is synonymous with delicious food and festive traditions, and Christmas Sugar Cookies are a must-have on any Christmas baking list. These soft, sweet, and buttery cookies are a favorite for both kids and adults. Decorated with colorful sprinkles or royal icing, they’re perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the perfect Christmas Sugar Cookies that are sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookies 🛒
Before we get baking, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for these delightful cookies:
| Category | Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Ingredients | All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp | |
| Salt | ½ tsp | |
| Wet Ingredients | Unsalted butter (room temperature) | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 ¼ cups | |
| Large egg | 1 | |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | |
| Sour cream | 2 tbsp | |
| Optional Toppings | Colored sprinkles, sanding sugar, royal icing | As desired |
Instructions for the Perfect Sugar Cookies 👩🍳
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s fully heated before baking the cookies. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set the bowl aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Make sure the butter is at room temperature for the best results.
Step 4: Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Sour Cream
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until smooth and well-combined.
Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll out.
Step 7: Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to create your desired shapes—stars, trees, or circles are classic choices for Christmas cookies.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the cut-out cookie shapes on the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorating Your Christmas Sugar Cookies ✨
Once the cookies are cool, it’s time to get creative with your decorations. Here are a few options to try:
- Colored Sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles to the top of the cookies before baking for a fun, colorful touch.
- Royal Icing: Pipe intricate designs using royal icing. This works well for more elaborate decorations like snowflakes or Christmas trees.
- Sanding Sugar: Give the cookies a sparkle by coating them in sanding sugar after they cool.
You can also mix and match decorations for a variety of looks. Have fun experimenting and get the whole family involved!
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Sugar Cookies ❤️
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple, making it perfect for beginner bakers.
- Customizable: You can change the shape of the cookies and use different toppings to match your holiday theme.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack these cookies into cute holiday tins or bags for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Tips for the Best Sugar Cookies 🎅
- Use Room Temperature Butter: This ensures the butter incorporates better with the sugar, creating a light, airy dough.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking. They should be golden at the edges but still soft in the center.
- Decorate with Care: If using royal icing, allow the cookies to dry completely before stacking or packaging them.
Variations of Christmas Sugar Cookies 🎄
If you’re feeling adventurous, try these variations to add a unique twist to your sugar cookies:
- Peppermint Sugar Cookies: Add a teaspoon of crushed peppermint candy to the dough for a festive flavor.
- Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Substitute ½ cup of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolatey version of this classic treat.
- Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a fresh, citrusy flavor that pairs wonderfully with royal icing.
Serving Suggestions for Your Christmas Sugar Cookies 🎁
Here are some fun ways to serve your Christmas Sugar Cookies:
- Cookie Platters: Arrange your decorated cookies on a festive platter with holiday napkins and a cup of hot cocoa.
- Cookie Exchange: These cookies are perfect for a holiday cookie exchange party. Bake a batch and share the festive spirit with your friends and family.
- Holiday Cookie Decorating Party: Get together with friends and family and have fun decorating the cookies with different icings, sprinkles, and toppings.
FAQ 🤔
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling it out.
Q: How do I make royal icing for decorating?
A: Combine 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 egg white (or 2 tablespoons of meringue powder), and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Beat until stiff peaks form. Add food coloring as desired.
Q: Can I use cookie cutters other than traditional Christmas shapes?
A: Absolutely! Use any cookie cutter shape you like. Heart-shaped cookies, circles, or even animals will work perfectly.
Nutritional Information 🍴
Here’s the approximate breakdown for one cookie (based on the recipe making 24 cookies):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Protein | 1g |
Why Christmas Sugar Cookies Are a Holiday Must-Have 🌟
Christmas Sugar Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a part of the holiday tradition. The simple, sweet flavors and the joy of decorating them with loved ones create lasting memories. Plus, they’re versatile enough to adapt to any holiday theme, making them a staple for parties, gift-giving, and celebrations.
Whether you’re baking solo or with the whole family, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. They’re perfect for kids and adults alike, and can even become part of your own holiday traditions year after year.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Sugar Cookies are the perfect sweet treat for the holiday season. With their soft texture, customizable decorations, and delicious flavor, they’re sure to become a beloved recipe in your holiday repertoire. Enjoy them with family, share them with friends, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Happy baking and Merry Christmas! 🎅🎁
