Why Make This Recipe
Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that brings joy and warmth to your festive celebrations. These cookies are not only easy to make, but they are also perfect for sharing with family and friends. Their simple yet sweet flavor makes them a favorite among both children and adults. Plus, decorating these cookies is a fun activity that can be enjoyed by all ages, making it a wonderful family tradition during the holiday season.
How to Make Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional, but adds a festive, delicate flavor)
- Sprinkles, colored sugar, or icing for decorating (optional)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. The paper helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before adding them to the wet ingredients. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy — about 3-4 minutes. This step creates the perfect texture for the cookies, making them soft and tender. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and beat until fully incorporated. The combination of vanilla and almond gives these cookies that signature holiday flavor.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until everything is combined.
Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two halves. Wrap each half in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much when baking.
Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes to soften slightly. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. The thicker the dough, the softer and chewier the cookies will be, but you can adjust it based on your preference. Use holiday-themed cookie cutters (think stars, trees, snowflakes, or gingerbread men) to cut out fun shapes. The dough should yield about 24-30 cookies, depending on the size of your cutters. Place the cut-out cookies about 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheets.
Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes. The edges should be set but not browned. The cookies should still be soft to the touch when you remove them from the oven. Don’t worry — they’ll firm up as they cool. Once baked, let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate and Serve: After the cookies have cooled, it’s time to decorate! Use royal icing or buttercream frosting to create festive designs. Add sprinkles, colored sugar, or edible glitter for extra sparkle. Get creative with each design, and don’t forget to enjoy the process — decorating cookies with loved ones is a cherished part of the tradition! Once decorated, let the icing set before serving or storing.
How to Serve Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies
Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies make a wonderful addition to any holiday gathering. Serve them on a festive plate during a party or have them for dessert after a holiday meal. You can also package them as gifts for friends and family. Their appealing designs and sweet flavor are sure to be a hit!
How to Store Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies
Store your sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the unbaked dough or the decorated cookies in a freezer-safe container. Just remember to let them thaw completely before enjoying!
Tips to Make Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
- Experiment with different extracts like peppermint or lemon for a unique twist.
- If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it’s manageable.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the cookies, which can yield cleaner edges and more defined shapes.
Variation
You can add colorful chocolate chips or nuts to the cookie dough for a different flair. Another fun twist is to incorporate seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the holiday flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.
2. How long can I keep these cookies?
When stored in an airtight container, they can last up to one week at room temperature or longer if frozen.
3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
Now you can enjoy the festive spirit with these Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies!
