As the scent of vanilla and almond wafts through the house, I can’t help but feel the warmth of the holiday spirit embracing me. These Festive Christmas Sugar Cookies have a way of bringing families together, creating moments of joy amidst the hustle and bustle of the season. What’s wonderful about this classic dessert recipe is its ease and versatility, making it perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. Plus, the colorful sprinkles add a delightful pop of cheer, turning each cookie into a mini masterpiece that the whole family will adore. Whether it’s for a festive gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to make every occasion extra special. Ready to fill your kitchen with holiday magic? Let’s get baking!
Why are Christmas Sugar Cookies a must-try?
Joyful baking experience: Making these cookies transforms your kitchen into a festive haven, filling the air with comforting aromas.
Colorful celebrations: The vibrant sprinkles turn each cookie into a cheerful delight—perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Customizable flavors: Switch up the almond extract for peppermint or citrus for a delightful twist that keeps things exciting!
Perfect texture: Enjoy delightful softness in the center with charming, crisp edges that everyone loves.
Imagine pairing these festive treats with a warm cup of hot chocolate or sharing them on a tiered tray alongside other holiday delights, like Tiramisu Christmas Cookies or Christmas Marble Sugar.
Christmas Sugar Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure and a tender crumb essential for classic Christmas Sugar Cookies.
- Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise slightly for that perfect texture.
- Baking Powder – Works hand-in-hand with baking soda to ensure your cookies remain soft and chewy.
- Unsalted Butter – Offers richness and flavor; be sure to cream it well for airiness.
- Substitution: You can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
- White Sugar – Sweetens the dough while helping create a delightful crisp edge.
- Egg – Binds ingredients together, adding moisture for that coveted softness.
- Vanilla Extract – Infuses warm, familiar sweetness, making it essential for flavor.
- Almond Extract – Adds a subtle nutty undertone that’s perfect for the holiday theme.
- Milk – Adjusts dough consistency, ensuring it’s ideal for rolling and shaping.
- Salt – Enhances flavor and beautifully balances the sweetness.
For the Topping
- Colored Sugar or Sprinkles – Creates a decorative touch that adds a festive pop and delightful crunch.
With these ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to baking up a batch of joyful, festive cookies that fill your home with delightful aromas and warm memories!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This crucial step ensures that your Christmas Sugar Cookies bake evenly and rise beautifully, achieving that perfect golden color. As the oven warms up, gather your baking sheets and set them aside, ready to be filled with your delightful cookie creations.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients will provide structure to your cookies, ensuring they have a tender crumb. Set the bowl aside and let the dry ingredients mingle while you prepare the butter and sugar mixture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and white sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help incorporate air and create that soft texture we all love in Christmas Sugar Cookies.
Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs and Extracts
Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamy butter and sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined, and you can see the rich, mixed colors come together. This step not only adds flavor but also moisture to your cookie dough, ensuring each bite is delightful.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending on low speed until just combined. If the dough seems too crumbly, add a splash of milk to achieve a cohesive consistency. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep your cookies soft and tender.
Step 6: Shape the Cookie Dough
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the dough into teaspoon-sized balls. Arrange these dough balls on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. At this point, your Christmas Sugar Cookies are starting to take shape, and the excitement builds!
Step 7: Flatten and Decorate
Gently flatten each cookie dough ball with the palm of your hand, then sprinkle adorable colored sugar or festive sprinkles on top. This not only adds a decorative touch but also a delightful crunch to each cookie. Your cookie sheets should now be brimming with cheerful cookie dough ready for baking!
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as you want the centers to remain soft. The wonderful aroma of Christmas Sugar Cookies will fill your kitchen, signaling that they’re almost ready.
Step 9: Cooling Stage
Once baked, remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes. This allows them to set slightly before transferring them to wire racks. After a few minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to the racks to cool completely, enjoying the sweet anticipation of tasting your delightful Christmas Sugar Cookies.
Christmas Sugar Cookies Variations
Feel free to sprinkle your creativity into these delicious cookies for delightful twists and flavors!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a scrumptious alternative that everyone can enjoy.
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Chocolate-Dipped: Melt dark or white chocolate and dip half of each cookie once cooled for a rich chocolate contrast. It adds decadence that pairs beautifully with the sugar cookie sweetness.
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Zesty Lemon: Replace almond extract with lemon extract for a refreshing citrusy twist that brightens up every bite. Imagine the cheery brightness of lemon infusing the warm scents of your holiday kitchen!
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Spicy Chai: Add a pinch of chai spice mix—cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom—for a cozy flavor that adds warmth reminiscent of winter nights. These cookies will transport you to a cozy café!
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Raspberry Jam: Press a small thumbprint into the center of each dough ball and fill it with your favorite raspberry jam before baking for a sweet, fruity surprise.
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Nutty Almond Crunch: Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans into the dough for added texture and a delightful nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.
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Peppermint Delight: Mix in crushed peppermint candies for a festive twist that’s perfect for the holidays. The cool mint flavor combined with sweetness creates a refreshing treat!
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Seasonal Sprinkles: Change up your decorating game by using themed sprinkles for different occasions, or try a mix of edible glitter to add sparkle to your cookies!
These variations can make your Christmas Sugar Cookies as unique as the memories you’ll create while baking them. For more festive inspiration, consider checking out Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites or adding flavors from DIY Christmas Bubble Gum!
Expert Tips for Christmas Sugar Cookies
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Softened Butter Needed: Ensure your butter is just softened at room temperature, not melted, for a light and airy texture in your cookies.
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Dough Mixing Caution: Be careful not to overmix your dough; stop mixing as soon as the dry ingredients are combined to avoid tough cookies.
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Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Pull them out as soon as the edges are lightly golden for that perfect soft center.
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Chill for Better Shapes: If the dough feels sticky, chilling it for 30 minutes can make rolling easier and improve the shapes of your Christmas Sugar Cookies.
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Festive Sprinkle Ideas: Use holiday-themed sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration to make your cookies extra festive and visually appealing.
Storage Tips for Christmas Sugar Cookies
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Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This keeps them soft and fresh, maintaining their delightful taste throughout the holiday season.
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Fridge: If you want to keep them longer, place the cookies in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Just be aware that this may slightly alter their texture.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their festive flavors.
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Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes for that freshly baked taste! Enjoy those Christmas Sugar Cookies all season long!
What to Serve with Christmas Sugar Cookies?
As the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills your kitchen, it’s time to think about delightful accompaniments that elevate your holiday treats.
- Hot Chocolate: A classic pairing that brings warmth and indulgence; the rich chocolatey flavor complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
- Milk: A simple yet classic choice; nothing beats the nostalgia of dipping soft cookies into a glass of cold milk.
- Fruit Salad: Fresh, juicy fruits offer a crisp contrast and lighten the sweetness, balancing the indulgence of your cookies.
- Coffee: A warm cup of coffee adds a touch of sophistication and a delightful bitterness that harmonizes beautifully with the cookies’ sweetness.
- Tea: Opt for a festive spiced chai or soothing herbal tea; the herbal notes provide a comforting contrast to the sugary treats.
- Ice Cream: Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for a deliciously creamy surprise that enhances the festive spirit.
- Christmas Punch: A tangy, fruity punch brings a refreshing element to the table, invigorating your dessert experience with lively flavors.
- Cheese Board: Pair with a selection of mild cheeses to create an interesting blend of sweet and savory for a holiday charcuterie delight.
These pairings not only enhance your Christmas Sugar Cookies but also create an inviting atmosphere full of warmth and joy for all your holiday gatherings!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Sugar Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you’re looking to prep even further ahead, you can roll the cookie dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months; just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a cookie sheet and bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, you’ll achieve deliciously fresh cookies without any last-minute hassle!
Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of flour should I use for Christmas Sugar Cookies?
I recommend using all-purpose flour for the best texture and structure in your cookies. However, if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, feel free to substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that has xanthan gum included for structure.
How should I store my Christmas Sugar Cookies?
Store your Christmas Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them soft and flavorful. Alternatively, if you want to prolong their freshness, place them in the fridge, where they’ll last for up to 2 weeks, though this may slightly affect their texture.
Can I freeze baked Christmas Sugar Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze your baked cookies for up to 3 months. To do this, place a sheet of parchment paper between each layer of cookies in an airtight container. This technique prevents them from sticking together and helps maintain their delightful flavors. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much while baking?
A great tip to prevent spreading is to ensure your butter is softened properly but not melted. Also, after shaping the cookie dough, chilling it for about 30 minutes can help maintain the shape while baking. Lastly, avoid overmixing the dough, as it can lead to tougher cookies that might spread more.
Are Christmas Sugar Cookies safe for pets to eat?
While Christmas Sugar Cookies are safe for humans, they often contain ingredients like sugar and butter, which aren’t ideal for pets. If you’re looking to share the holiday spirit with your furry friends, I recommend making dog-safe treats specially designed for them, which can be both healthy and delicious!
What can I do if my cookie dough is too crumbly?
If your dough appears too crumbly, don’t worry! Simply add a tablespoon of milk at a time, mixing gently until the dough reaches a cohesive, rollable consistency. This will restore the moisture balance and yield those delightful soft cookies you’re aiming for!
Deliciously Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies for Holiday Cheer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the mixture. Beat until well combined.
- Gradually add in the dry ingredients, blending on low speed until just combined. If too crumbly, add a splash of milk.
- Shape the dough into teaspoon-sized balls and arrange on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball and sprinkle with colored sugar or festive sprinkles.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
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