Christmas Sugar Cookies
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Christmas time is a season filled with warmth, joy, and, of course, delightful treats. One of my all-time favorite holiday recipes is the classic Christmas Sugar Cookie. These cookies—not only festive with their sugary glaze and delightful shapes but also packed with buttery goodness—are perfect for sharing with family and friends or leaving out for Santa. The aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is enough to get everyone into the holiday spirit. This is a recipe that’ll have kids and adults alike smiling with delight as they decorate each cookie.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Christmas Sugar Cookie recipe stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly simple to whip together, making it an excellent choice for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices. The ingredients are common household staples, so you likely have most of them on hand. These cookies are also wonderfully versatile; kids will enjoy rolling and decorating them with all kinds of fun icing and sprinkles. Whether you’re having a holiday gathering, a cookie swap, or just a cozy night in, these cookies fit the bill perfectly.
"I made these for a family get-together, and they were a hit! The kids loved decorating them, and the adults couldn’t stop eating them. I definitely recommend this recipe!" – Sarah T.
Step-by-Step Overview
Creating the perfect Christmas Sugar Cookies is as easy as following a few simple steps. The process begins with mixing the soft and sweet butter with sugar until combined, followed by adding eggs and vanilla. Next, you’ll incorporate the dry ingredients, forming a delightful dough that’s easy to handle. The rolling and decorating can be a fun family activity, allowing everyone to join in the holiday cheer. Finally, it’s all about baking those dough balls to a lightly browned perfection!
What You’ll Need
For this delightful cookie recipe, gather the following:
- 1 1/2 Cups Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter, softened
- 1 1/2 Cups Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 Tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 4 1/4 Cups Flour
- 1 1/2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/4 Teaspoon Cream of Tartar
- 1 Container of Christmas Sanding Sugar
Note: For those in need of substitutes, you can use margarine instead of butter, or experiment with gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free alternative.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a standing mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until they form a light and fluffy mixture.
- Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before moving onto the next.
- Mix in the pure vanilla extract until evenly mixed.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cream of tartar until thoroughly combined.
- Gradually introduce the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined.
- Using a small ice cream scooper, portion out the dough and roll each piece into a ball. Set them aside on your cookie sheets.
- Pour the Christmas sanding sugar into a bowl. Roll each dough ball in the sugar, then place them back on the sheets, leaving about 2-3 inches between each ball.
- Gently flatten each dough ball into a thick disk using the palm of your hand.
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. The center may look slightly undercooked, which is perfectly fine!
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving. They’re best enjoyed with a cold glass of milk!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These sugar cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience with a few fun serving ideas. Consider offering them with a selection of flavored icings for guests to decorate their own cookies. A sprinkle of festive sprinkles can also enhance the holiday spirit. Pair these cookies with a warm cup of cocoa or a classic eggnog for an additional festive flair.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To store your delightful cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze beautifully for up to three months—perfect for making them in advance! Just ensure they are completely cooled before wrapping them in tightly-cling film or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Don’t overmix after adding the flour to keep your cookies tender.
- Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling can help keep the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Creative Twists
Looking to jazz up your Christmas Sugar Cookies? Consider adding a touch of zest—like lemon or orange—in the dough for a refreshing flavor. You can also experiment by incorporating sprinkles directly into the batter or using different flavored extracts like almond. Consider adding seasonal spices like nutmeg or cinnamon for a warm touch!
Your Questions Answered
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes! Margarine can work as a substitute, but it may affect the flavor slightly.
2. Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
3. What’s the best way to ensure my cookies don’t spread too much?
Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking, and make sure your oven is preheated correctly.
Christmas Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a standing mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until they form a light and fluffy mixture.
- Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before moving onto the next.
- Mix in the pure vanilla extract until evenly mixed.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cream of tartar until thoroughly combined.
- Gradually introduce the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined.
- Using a small ice cream scooper, portion out the dough and roll each piece into a ball. Set them aside on your cookie sheets.
- Pour the Christmas sanding sugar into a bowl. Roll each dough ball in the sugar, then place them back on the sheets, leaving about 2-3 inches between each ball.
- Gently flatten each dough ball into a thick disk using the palm of your hand.
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.
