This Christmas sugar cookies recipe is the ultimate holiday treat, offering a soft, buttery texture that’s perfect for decorating with festive cookie icing. These easy-to-make cookies are ideal for Christmas baking and family gatherings, with a simple dough that’s rolled out and cut into your favorite shapes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, these sugar cookies are a classic favorite that everyone will love. Bake them for the holidays, gift them in decorative tins, or enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa. With a few simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and vanilla extract, this recipe is perfect for making traditional Christmas cookies that are sure to impress.

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour (measured correctly)
1 tbsp baking powder (aluminum-free)
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) with a rack positioned in the center. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then set it aside.
In a stand mixer or with a handheld mixer, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until well combined.
Gradually add the flour mixture in three parts, mixing until the dough comes together smoothly.
Divide the dough in half, then roll each half out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes.
Place the shaped cookies on a parchment or silicone-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with cookie icing as desired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Christmas sugar cookies are the perfect combination of soft and crisp, with a delicate buttery flavor that’s loved by everyone. They’re easy to make and provide the ideal canvas for festive decorating. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, family gathering, or simply as a fun seasonal treat, these cookies are a classic choice that never disappoints. With a straightforward ingredient list and minimal prep time, you’ll find yourself making them year after year.

Tips

Softening Butter: Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature, not melted, for the best texture and consistency in the dough.
Measuring Flour: To ensure accurate measurements, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid overpacking.
Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too soft to roll out easily, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before rolling and cutting.

Variations and Substitutions

Flavored Sugar: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest to the dough for a different flavor twist.
Colorful Icing: Decorate the cookies with royal icing in various colors to create a festive, personalized design.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to two days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you’re ready to roll and bake.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, both the dough and baked cookies freeze well. To freeze the dough, wrap it tightly and store it in an airtight container for up to three months. For frozen cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature before decorating.

How do I make my cookies soft?
To keep your sugar cookies soft, avoid overbaking them. They should be lightly golden on the edges, not browned.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Christmas sugar cookies as a sweet treat at your holiday dessert table, alongside other festive cookies like gingerbread or snickerdoodles.
Package them in a cute tin or festive bag as a homemade gift for friends, family, or coworkers.
Pair with a warm cup of hot cocoa, milk, or coffee for a cozy snack.