The most wonderful time of the year is upon us once again! Christmas, to me, has always been about joy and celebration. As the year draws to an end, I am reminded of everything I cherish. Sometimes, that happiness can be found in little things like a Christmas star, a sprig of mistletoe, or an ornament. As a foodie, my joy often comes in the form of a simple Christmas sugar cookie recipe! It's one Christmas treat I simply cannot do without each year!
Get Ready for Baking!
In need of some instant warm & fuzzy feelings? Holiday cookies can fill your belly with sweet creamy deliciousness and get everyone in the mood for celebrating. This classic Christmas sugar cookie recipe has been put to the test, and guess what? It's the absolute best!
I baked sugar cookies with my mom all throughout my childhood. Each season or holiday would bring a new excuse for us to spend quality time together, whipping up a fresh batch of sugary, buttery goodness—and each holiday would inspire new decoration ideas.
Christmas and the winter holiday season in general were not complete without our mother-daughter cookie sessions. Over the years we learned that the perfect Christmas sugar cookie recipe should not only taste magical but also freeze well and produce dough that maintains its shape when baking. This makes decorating easier and, ultimately, prettier!
This sugar cookie recipe, inspired by Make Bake Celebrate, has it all: they’re soft, keep their shape when baked, and are oh-so-tasty! Read on for step-by-step directions on how to make your own amazing sugar cookies.
Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookies
- 3 cups flour (do not firmly pack)
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Prep:
Before you start baking, let your butter and egg sit out on your counter to come to room temperature; avoid over-softening the butter. If it’s too hard, chop it into little pieces and never heat it in the microwave!
Step 1: Whisk
Start by whisking together the baking powder and flour in a bowl. This step ensures the ingredients are well combined for an even rise!
Step 2: Use your Mixer
Next, using your mixer, combine the softened butter and sugar until creamy. Once mixed, add the egg and beat again until incorporated. Lastly, mix in the vanilla extract for that essential flavor!
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour Mixture
Now that your wet ingredients are ready, add your flour mixture about a cup at a time. Mix until everything clumps together into a dough.
Step 4: Make the Dough and Knead
Knead the dough with your hands until it's nice and smooth. Shape it into a ball, wrap it in cling or plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge to chill for about 20 minutes. The dough should feel firm but not hard.
Tip: If the dough gets too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a bit or knead it with your hands to soften it. For quicker results, break it in two and knead each half until softer.
Want to see the full tutorial?
Head over to our sister website DIY Projects to learn more!
Decorating Your Cookies
Once your dough is chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to create fun shapes and designs. Transfer the cutouts to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, until the edges are slightly golden.
After they cool, let your creativity shine! Decorate with icing, sprinkles, and other festive toppings to make your cookies truly special. Culinary creativity is something to celebrate, especially during the holiday season!
Storing Your Christmas Sugar Cookies
Your Christmas sugar cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. For longer preservation, freeze them! Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They'll taste just as delightful when thawed!
Conclude Your Baking Journey
My Christmas simply isn't complete without my special sugar cookie. I hope this recipe has made you realize what treats and trinkets mean to you during the holidays. This Christmas sugar cookie recipe not only guarantees delight in every bite but also makes sure that there's plenty to go around!
Want more Christmas recipes? Why not try these 16 Christmas Dinner Ideas Guaranteed to Make Your Night Memorable? What’s one Christmas treat you simply can’t do without? Let us know in the comments section!
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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published in December 2016 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
