Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies

One of the most enjoyable aspects of sugar cookies is the decorating process. From vibrant royal icing to edible glitter and sprinkles, the possibilities are endless. Growing up, decorating sugar cookies was always a family event in my house. We’d gather around the kitchen table, armed with colorful icing and an assortment of sprinkles. Each cookie became a little piece of edible art—sometimes beautiful, sometimes hilariously imperfect, but always delicious.

Decorating sugar cookies also makes for a great group activity. Invite friends or family over, provide a variety of decorating supplies, and let everyone’s creativity shine. Not only does this make for a fun event, but it also results in a stunning array of cookies to serve at your holiday party or give as gifts.

Why Chilling the Dough Makes All the Difference

For the perfect sugar cookies, chilling the dough is a step you can’t skip. This simple yet essential step keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring they maintain their festive shapes. Trust me, there’s nothing more disappointing than cutting out an intricate snowflake design only to have it morph into an unrecognizable blob in the oven. With properly chilled dough, your cookies will emerge from the oven crisp-edged and picture-perfect every time.

Pro tip: You can make the dough a day ahead and let it chill overnight. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavor, allowing the vanilla and almond extracts to fully meld with the other ingredients.

Versatility: A Cookie for Every Occasion

While these sugar cookies are a Christmas classic, their versatility makes them suitable for other holidays or special occasions too. Simply swap out the cookie cutters and decorations to match the theme. For example, heart shapes with pink and red icing are perfect for Valentine’s Day, while pumpkins and fall colors make them ideal for Halloween or Thanksgiving.

Customizing the flavor is another way to make these cookies unique. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough infuses it with warm, seasonal spices. Or, for a citrusy twist, try incorporating a little orange or lemon zest. These small changes can transform a classic recipe into something new and exciting.

The Joy of Homemade Treats

There’s something undeniably satisfying about baking your own sugar cookies from scratch. It fills the house with a warm, buttery aroma that instantly evokes feelings of comfort and holiday cheer. Plus, homemade cookies always taste better than store-bought, and they make a thoughtful gift for friends, family, or neighbors. Package them in a decorative tin or festive cellophane bags tied with ribbons for a personal touch.

Baking these cookies is also a wonderful way to slow down during the hectic holiday season. With so much focus on shopping, parties, and errands, taking time to bake and decorate cookies provides a moment of calm and creativity. It’s a chance to connect with loved ones, whether you’re baking with kids, a partner, or friends.

Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies Every Time

Achieving the perfect sugar cookie is all about attention to detail. Start by measuring your ingredients accurately—baking is a science, and even small deviations can affect the final product. Softened butter is crucial for creating a creamy dough, so let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before starting.

When it’s time to roll out the dough, work on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. A consistent thickness of about ¼ inch ensures even baking. Keep an eye on your cookies in the oven; they’re ready when the edges just start to turn golden. Overbaking will result in a dry cookie, so it’s better to err on the side of caution.

Storing and Sharing Your Creations

Once your cookies are baked and decorated, proper storage is key to keeping them fresh. Undecorated cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. Decorated cookies should be stored in a single layer to avoid smudging the icing. These cookies also travel well, making them an excellent choice for holiday cookie exchanges or care packages.

If you’re planning to give these cookies as gifts, consider pairing them with a small bottle of homemade icing or sprinkles so the recipient can add their own finishing touches. This interactive element makes the gift even more special and fun.

Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 2 ¾ cups (343g) all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

• 3 tablespoons (45ml) milk

For the icing (optional):

• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar

• 3 tablespoons (45ml) milk (more as needed)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract

• Food coloring (optional)

• Sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored sugar

Instructions

• Prepare the Dough:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.

  • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

  • Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, until a soft dough forms.

• Chill the Dough:

  • Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).

• Shape and Bake:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

  • Roll out one disk of dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.

  • Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets and bake for 7-9 minutes, or until edges are just golden.

  • Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Decorate the Cookies (Optional):

  • Mix powdered sugar, milk, and extract until smooth to make the icing. Divide into bowls and add food coloring as desired.

  • Use a piping bag, spoon, or brush to decorate cooled cookies, and top with sprinkles before the icing sets.

  
  

Notes

1. Chilling is Key: Chilling the dough prevents spreading and helps the cookies retain their shape.

2. Customizable Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a festive twist.

3. Storage Tips: Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Decorate as needed.

What to Pair It With

Classic Christmas sugar cookies pair beautifully with a steaming mug of Homemade Hot Cocoa topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy treat. For a more festive flair, serve them alongside eggnog or a spiced holiday latte. If you're hosting, these cookies are a delightful complement to a dessert charcuterie board filled with chocolates, dried fruits, and candied nuts. Whether paired with a glass of milk for Santa or sparkling cider for your guests, these cookies shine as a sweet holiday indulgence.