Name: Magical Christmas Sugar Cookies to Sweeten Your Holidays
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (A versatile base that gives structure to your Christmas Sugar Cookies.); 1 teaspoon baking soda (Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy, ensuring a delightful texture.); 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (Adds extra lift, making your cookies perfectly soft and chewy.); 1 cup unsalted butter (Gives a rich flavor and creamy texture; make sure it's softened for easy mixing.); 1 1/2 cups white sugar (Sweetens the cookies and contributes to the lovely golden color once baked.); 1 large egg (Binds the ingredients together while adding moisture for a tender crumb.); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Infuses warm, sweet notes, making every bite feel like home.); 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (Adds a unique twist and depth of flavor that complements the vanilla perfectly.); to taste milk (Adjusts the dough’s consistency; use as needed to achieve the perfect texture.); 1/2 teaspoon salt (Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.); colored sugar or sprinkles (Add a fun, festive flair to your cookies; let your creativity shine!)

As the scent of warm cookies wafts through the air, it’s hard to resist the magnetic pull of tradition. Christmas Sugar Cookies have a wonderful ability to transform any ordinary kitchen into a joyous holiday haven. With quick prep and a delightful opportunity for creativity through colorful decorations, these cookies are not only a crowd-pleaser but also a cherished way to connect with family and friends. Picture yourself rolling the dough, choosing the perfect sprinkles, and sharing stories with loved ones as the cookies bake to golden perfection. Ready to dive into a recipe that promises both nostalgia and fun? Let’s get baking!

Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Unmatched Flavor: The blend of vanilla and almond extracts elevates the traditional sugar cookie to new heights.
Time-Saving Delight: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up these festive treats without a hassle.
Fun for Everyone: Rolling and decorating these cookies invites creativity and laughter, making it a perfect holiday activity with family or friends.
Customizable Touch: Sprinkle your favorite colored sugars or festive toppings, turning these cookies into personalized delights for any occasion.
A Holiday Staple: These Christmas Sugar Cookies have a timeless appeal that brings warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings. If you love baking, check out our classic cookie recipes for more inspiration!

Christmas Sugar Cookies Ingredients

• Get ready to create joyful treats!

For the Cookie Dough

All-purpose flour – A versatile base that gives structure to your Christmas Sugar Cookies.
Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy, ensuring a delightful texture.
Baking powder – Adds extra lift, making your cookies perfectly soft and chewy.
Unsalted butter – Gives a rich flavor and creamy texture; make sure it's softened for easy mixing.
White sugar – Sweetens the cookies and contributes to the lovely golden color once baked.
Egg – Binds the ingredients together while adding moisture for a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract – Infuses warm, sweet notes, making every bite feel like home.
Almond extract – Adds a unique twist and depth of flavor that complements the vanilla perfectly.
Milk – Adjusts the dough’s consistency; use as needed to achieve the perfect texture.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

For Decoration

Colored sugar or sprinkles – Add a fun, festive flair to your cookies; let your creativity shine!

Now you're all set to create some magical Christmas Sugar Cookies that are sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This step is crucial as it ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that lovely golden edge. While the oven heats, you can prepare your baking sheets by leaving them ungreased, ready for your delightful cookie creations.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir these dry ingredients until well combined and set this mixture aside. This step ensures your Christmas Sugar Cookies will have the perfect texture and rise when baked.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 ½ cups of white sugar. Using an electric mixer set to medium speed, cream these together for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for incorporating air into the dough, creating soft cookies that melt in your mouth.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of almond extract into the butter and sugar mixture until fully combined. This adds richness and flavor to your Christmas Sugar Cookies. Make sure to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually blend the dry flour mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula or mixer on low speed. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough. If the dough appears too crumbly, add milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing until you reach the right consistency for shaping your cookies.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using rounded teaspoonfuls of dough, roll them into balls and place them onto your prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing helps ensure your Christmas Sugar Cookies have room to spread while baking. Keep them uniform in size for even baking.

Step 7: Flatten and Decorate
Gently flatten each dough ball with the bottom of a glass or your hands. Sprinkle colored sugar or festive sprinkles on top for decoration. This step adds a fun and vibrant touch, making your Christmas Sugar Cookies visually appealing and festive for the holiday season.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the edges turn lightly golden. This visual cue indicates they are perfectly baked. Remember, do not overbake, as they will continue to harden as they cool.

Step 9: Cool and Transfer
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes. This resting time helps them set. After that, carefully transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. Allowing them to cool properly will help maintain their delightful texture and flavor.

What to Serve with Christmas Sugar Cookies?

Create a delightful and memorable holiday gathering by pairing these enchanting treats with delicious accompaniments that will warm hearts and spread joy.

Hot Cocoa: Rich and creamy hot cocoa perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookies, adding an indulgent touch.
Eggnog: This spiced holiday classic complements the festive spirit of Christmas Sugar Cookies, creating a cozy pairing full of warmth.
Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits brings a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies, making every bite feel balanced.
Gingerbread Cake: Serve alongside moist gingerbread cake for an extra layer of holiday flavor that harmonizes beautifully with sugar cookies.
Peppermint Bark: This crunchy, chocolatey treat introduces a delightful minty twist, echoing holiday cheer with each delicious nibble.
Holiday Cheesecake: A creamy cheesecake with festive toppings can be a decadent addition, offering a rich, indulgent contrast to the cookies’ sweetness.
Milk: Classic and comforting, a tall glass of cold milk pairs fabulously with freshly baked cookies, evoking childhood memories of simple joys.
Spiced Chai Tea: Warm and aromatic spiced chai tea complements the sweetness of the cookies, creating a perfect comforting duo for chilly evenings.

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Sugar Cookies are perfect for make-ahead baking, allowing busy home cooks to enjoy the festive season without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the ingredients and shaping the cookie balls, then refrigerating them covered in plastic wrap. This helps maintain their freshness and flavor until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, simply place the chilled dough on your baking sheets, flatten them, decorate with your chosen sprinkles, and bake. You’ll have warm, delicious cookies that taste just as delightful as if made fresh!

Christmas Sugar Cookies Variations

Want to put your personal twist on these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookies? Let your imagination run wild and create something unique!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for delicious cookies everyone can enjoy.
Chocolate Lovers: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for rich, cocoa-infused Christmas Sugar Cookies.
Spiced Up: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, festive spice that lifts your cookies to new heights.
Citrus Zest: Add a tablespoon of grated lemon or orange zest to the dough, brightening the cookies with a refreshing citrus note. This small tweak can make a big difference!
Nutty Goodness: Mix in ½ cup of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a delightful crunch and added flavor.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute in place of unsalted butter to enjoy a vegan-friendly version of these tasty treats.
Iced Delight: Once baked and cooled, drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finish.
Fancy Sprinkles: Get creative with colored sprinkles, edible glitter, or even crushed candies for a holiday sparkle that brightens up your cookies.

Feel free to get playful with these ideas and craft your own version of Christmas Sugar Cookies! For more inspiration, check out our ideas on how to use leftovers or other classic cookie recipes for even sweeter treats!

Expert Tips for Christmas Sugar Cookies

Chill the Dough: Let your cookie dough chill for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and results in thicker cookies.

Use Quality Extracts: Opt for pure vanilla and almond extracts for the best flavor. I’ve found store brands often lack that magical essence!

Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so treat the dough gently.

Check for Doneness: Watch your cookies closely as they bake. They should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Experiment with Decor: Feel free to mix up the toppings! Use crushed nuts, chocolate chips, or colored icing for an extra festive flair on your Christmas Sugar Cookies.

Store Properly: For the best texture, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week—if they last that long!

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Sugar Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your Christmas Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their freshness and texture.

Fridge: For longer freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies, but be sure to wrap them well. They should stay good for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

Freezer: Freeze the cookies by placing them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy frozen cookies, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight, then warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes until soft again.

Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of flour is best for Christmas Sugar Cookies?
Absolutely! All-purpose flour is the perfect choice for these cookies as it provides the right balance of structure and softness. I recommend sifting it before using to ensure a light texture.

How do I store my Christmas Sugar Cookies?
To maximize freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to 1 week without losing that delightful chewiness. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them for up to 2 weeks, just make sure they are well wrapped.

Can I freeze the Christmas Sugar Cookies?
Very! Freezing is a fantastic option if you want to prep ahead. Place the cookies in a single layer inside a freezer-safe container, putting parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy them, just thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes until soft.

What should I do if my cookie dough is too crumbly?
If you find your dough isn't holding together, don't worry! Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until you achieve the desired consistency. This will help the dough come together without making it too wet. Remember, it’s all about finding that perfect balance!

Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
While the ingredients in the Christmas Sugar Cookies can be modified for nut allergies (just avoid almond extract), be cautious with cross-contamination if you're serving someone with allergies. You might want to substitute with extra vanilla extract instead. Always double-check ingredient labels to stay safe!

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
I’ve tried this swap, and while you can use margarine, it may alter the flavor and texture of your Christmas Sugar Cookies. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, choose a stick-style margarine that has a similar fat content to butter. Always remember that fresh ingredients yield the best results!