Ultimate Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe
Christmas simply isn’t Christmas without a tray full of beautifully decorated sugar cookies. These festive treats bring joy, nostalgia, and that irresistible holiday cheer to every celebration. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, cookie swaps, or gifting, this ultimate Christmas sugar cookie recipe guarantees soft, buttery, perfectly shaped cookies every single time.
So what makes this recipe the ultimate? It’s the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and ease. The dough rolls smoothly, doesn’t spread while baking, and gives you that bakery-style finish—ideal for decorating.
Let’s dive into the magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Core Baking Ingredients
To start, gather these essentials:
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract (optional but recommended for holiday flavor)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
Flavor-Boosting Add-Ins
Zest of 1 lemon or orange (optional for a citrus twist)
A pinch of nutmeg for a warm Christmas vibe
Decorating Essentials
Royal icing (recipe below)
Food coloring
Sprinkles
Piping bags + tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mixing the Dough
Start by creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to getting soft, tender cookies.
Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt, then slowly add it to the wet mixture. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Chilling for the Perfect Texture
Don’t skip this step! Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents spreading.
Rolling and Cutting the Cookies
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use Christmas-themed cookie cutters like stars, reindeer, snowflakes, or classic gingerbread men.
Baking Time and Tips
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. The edges should remain pale—this keeps the cookies soft. Overbaking makes them crispy, so keep a close eye!
Let them cool completely before decorating.
Perfect Royal Icing Recipe
Ingredients for Royal Icing
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp meringue powder
4–6 tbsp warm water
1 tsp vanilla extract
Mixing Technique
Beat everything together for 5–7 minutes until the icing becomes smooth and glossy. Adjust water to thin or thicken as needed.
Coloring and Piping Tips
Use gel food coloring for vibrant holiday colors.
Separate icing into bowls and mix each color individually.
Use small piping bags for detailed designs and flooding.
Pro Tips for the Softest, Most Delicious Cookies
How to Avoid Overbaking
Remove cookies when the edges are just set. Even if they appear slightly underbaked, they will finish cooking on the baking sheet.
Getting the Perfect Shape
If your dough gets too soft, pop the cut shapes into the freezer for 5 minutes before baking.
Storage Tips for Freshness
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Undecorated cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Fun Decorating Ideas
Classic Christmas Shapes
Create snowflakes with white icing, Christmas trees with green and gold accents, or Santa hats in bright red.
Creative Designs Kids Will Love
Let the kids go wild with:
Polka dot patterns
Cute reindeer faces
Melting snowman cookies
Glamorous Holiday-Themed Decorating Ideas
Try metallic edible paint, pearl sprinkles, or ombre icing for Instagram-worthy cookies.
Variations You Can Try
Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Replace 1/2 cup of flour with cocoa powder for a rich, chocolaty twist.
Lemon-Vanilla Twist
Add lemon zest and an extra splash of vanilla for a bright, refreshing flavor.
Gluten-Free Christmas Sugar Cookies
Swap regular flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.
Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Gifting
Packaging Ideas
Use festive tins, clear treat bags, or decorated cookie boxes.
Making Cookie Gift Boxes
Combine various shapes and designs to create a delightful assortment.
Adding Personal Touches
Include handwritten notes or customized cookies with the recipient’s name.
Conclusion
The holiday season is all about spreading warmth, love, and joy—and nothing does that better than homemade Christmas sugar cookies. With this recipe, you’re guaranteed soft, delicious cookies that look as amazing as they taste. Whether you’re baking with family or preparing gifts, this ultimate recipe will become your go-to Christmas tradition.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.
2. How do I keep my cookies from spreading?
Chilling the dough and using the correct flour measurements will prevent spreading.
3. Can I use buttercream instead of royal icing?
Absolutely! Buttercream works great for softer, creamier designs.
4. How long do decorated cookies last?
Up to one week stored in an airtight container.
5. What’s the best way to get bright icing colors?
Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for rich, vibrant shades.
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