Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe – Festive, Soft & Easy to Bake

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Christmas sugar cookies bring back memories of flour-dusted countertops, the sweet aroma of vanilla filling the kitchen, and little hands eagerly waiting to press festive cookie cutters into rolled dough.

There’s something magical about the tradition of baking these beloved holiday treats – whether you’re continuing a family recipe passed down through generations or starting your own sweet traditions. The anticipation builds as each batch emerges golden from the oven, ready to be transformed into edible works of art with colorful icing and sprinkles.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sugar cookie recipe has been my go-to for over a decade, tested through countless holiday seasons and family gatherings. What makes it special isn’t just the perfect balance of buttery sweetness, but how forgiving it is for bakers of all skill levels. I discovered these seven game-changing hacks after years of minor disasters – cookies that spread too much, dough that stuck to everything, and icing that never quite set right.

The real magic happens when you see children’s faces light up as they decorate their own festive sugar cookie creations, or when you bite into that perfect combination of tender cookie and smooth icing. These easy Christmas cookies deliver consistent results every single time, making your holiday baking stress-free and enjoyable.

Explore more quick & easy dinner recipes here to complete your holiday meal planning beyond these delicious cookies.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these perfect holiday cookie treats:

For the Cookies	Amount
All-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)	2 and 1/4 cups (281g), plus more for rolling
Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature	3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g)
Granulated sugar	3/4 cup (150g)
Large egg, at room temperature	1
Pure vanilla extract	2 teaspoons
Baking powder	1/2 teaspoon
Salt	1/4 teaspoon
Almond extract (optional)	1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon

For the Easy Icing	Amount
Confectioners’ sugar	3 cups (360g)
Room temperature water	4.5–5 Tablespoons (67–75ml)
Pure vanilla extract	1/2 teaspoon
Light corn syrup	2 teaspoons
Salt	pinch
Gel food coloring & sprinkles	optional for decorating

Find more delicious lunch ideas here to keep your holiday menu diverse and satisfying.

Step-by-Step Directions

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then set aside.

Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully combined. Gradually mix in the flour mixture on low speed until just incorporated – avoid overmixing.

Divide the dough in half and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This chilling step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading during baking.

Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use Christmas cookie cutters to cut shapes, placing them 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Re-roll scraps as needed, keeping unused dough refrigerated.

Bake for 8-11 minutes, until the edges are very lightly golden. The centers should still look slightly underbaked. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the icing, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, water, vanilla extract, corn syrup, and salt until smooth. Adjust consistency with additional water if needed. Divide into bowls and add gel food coloring as desired. Decorate cooled Christmas Sugar Cookies with icing and sprinkles, allowing each layer to set before adding details.

Exact Timing to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies

The complete process requires approximately 4-5 hours, including essential chilling time. Active preparation takes 30 minutes for mixing dough, followed by 2-4 hours of refrigeration. Rolling and cutting requires 20-30 minutes, while baking takes 8-11 minutes per batch. Allow 45 minutes for cooling and 30-45 minutes for decorating, depending on your design complexity.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the comprehensive nutritional breakdown per decorated cookie (recipe yields approximately 36 cookies):

Nutrient	Amount per Cookie	% Daily Value
Calories	145	7%
Total Fat	4.2g	5%
Saturated Fat	2.6g	13%
Trans Fat	0g	0%
Cholesterol	18mg	6%
Sodium	45mg	2%
Total Carbohydrates	26g	9%
Dietary Fiber	0.3g	1%
Total Sugars	18g	–
Added Sugars	16g	32%
Protein	1.8g	4%
Vitamin A	35mcg	4%
Calcium	12mg	1%
Iron	0.8mg	4%

Nutritional data based on USDA guidelines and standard ingredient analysis. Values may vary based on specific brands and decoration amounts used.

Healthier Alternatives

Transform your traditional Christmas Sugar Cookies into more nutritious treats with these strategic ingredient swaps:

Original Ingredient	Healthier Alternative	Benefits
All-purpose flour	Half whole wheat pastry flour + half almond flour	Adds fiber, protein, and reduces refined carbs
Granulated sugar	Coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener	Lower glycemic index, natural minerals
Butter	Greek yogurt (½ butter, ½ yogurt)	Reduces saturated fat, adds protein
Regular icing	Cream cheese frosting with stevia	Lower sugar content, added protein
Food coloring	Natural alternatives (beet juice, turmeric, spirulina)	Eliminates artificial additives
Vanilla extract	Pure vanilla + orange zest	Adds vitamin C and natural flavor complexity

For gluten-free versions, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Vegan adaptations work well using plant butter and flax eggs. These modifications maintain the beloved Christmas Sugar Cookies texture while boosting nutritional value.

Explore more delicious Desserts here for additional holiday baking inspiration that fits your dietary preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Holiday Presentation Platters: Arrange your decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies on tiered serving stands, grouping similar colors and designs together for maximum visual impact. Create themed displays using festive tablecloths, pinecones, and twinkling lights to make your cookies the centerpiece of holiday gatherings.

Gift Packaging Ideas: Package individual cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or create beautiful cookie tins lined with parchment paper. These make perfect teacher gifts, neighbor treats, or party favors that guests will treasure long after the holidays end.

Pairing Beverages: Serve alongside hot cocoa, mulled cider, or milk for children’s parties. For adult gatherings, consider pairing with coffee, dessert wines, or holiday-spiced teas that complement the vanilla and almond flavors in your Christmas Sugar Cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the Chill Time: The most critical error is not refrigerating the dough long enough. Room temperature dough spreads excessively during baking, resulting in cookies that lose their defined shapes. Always chill for at least 2 hours, and keep cut cookies cold until they go into the oven for best results.

Overbaking Issues: Christmas Sugar Cookies continue cooking on the hot pan after removal from the oven. Remove them when edges are barely set and centers still look slightly underbaked – they’ll finish cooking during the cooling process and maintain that perfect tender texture.

Icing Too Soon: Decorating warm or even slightly warm cookies causes icing to melt and run off. Ensure cookies are completely cool to room temperature before applying any decorative elements, allowing your artistic efforts to set properly and look professional.

Storing Tips

Room Temperature Storage: Store decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies in airtight containers at room temperature for up to one week. Layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking, and avoid stacking heavily decorated pieces to maintain their beautiful appearance.

Freezing for Later: Undecorated baked cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months when wrapped individually in plastic wrap and stored in freezer bags. You can also freeze the shaped, unbaked dough on baking sheets, then transfer to bags once frozen solid.

Dough Storage: Raw cookie dough keeps in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freezes for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in airtight containers to prevent absorption of other flavors and maintain optimal texture for rolling and cutting.

FAQs

Why do my Christmas Sugar Cookies spread too much during baking?

Cookie spreading typically occurs when the dough is too warm or contains too much butter. Ensure your dough is properly chilled for at least 2 hours, and avoid overbeating the butter-sugar mixture. Also, check that your oven temperature is accurate – too low heat causes spreading before the cookies set.

How can I make my Christmas Sugar Cookies hold their shape better?

The key to shape retention lies in proper dough consistency and temperature management. Use the exact flour measurements specified, chill cut cookies on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before baking, and avoid re-rolling scraps more than twice, as this can make the dough tough.

What’s the best way to get smooth icing on Christmas Sugar Cookies?

Achieve professional-looking icing by using the “flood” technique – outline the cookie edges with thicker icing, then fill with slightly thinned icing using a squeeze bottle or piping bag. Use a toothpick to guide the icing into corners and pop any air bubbles for a flawless finish.

How long do decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies need to set before serving?

Allow decorated cookies to set at room temperature for at least 2-4 hours before handling or packaging. Royal icing takes longer to completely harden (6-8 hours), while simple glaze icing sets more quickly. Avoid covering or stacking until completely dry to prevent smudging your beautiful designs.