Christmas Sugar Cookies

Christmas Sugar Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that brings smiles and warmth to every celebration. These cookies are soft, sweet, and perfect for decorating with colored sugar. They fill your home with a wonderful aroma and create a fun activity for families and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Christmas Sugar Cookies is an enjoyable tradition during the holiday season. They are easy to prepare and offer endless possibilities for decoration. Kids love to roll the dough and coat the cookies in colorful sugar, making it a fun and festive activity. Plus, these cookies make great gifts for friends and neighbors!

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies

Here’s a simple guide to making delicious Christmas Sugar Cookies that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 egg, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Colored sugars (for rolling)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed until smooth.
Scoop about a teaspoon of dough, roll it into a ball, and coat in colored sugar.
Place the dough balls on the baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart, and bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are golden and cookies are puffed.
Cool on the pan for 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookies

Once your cookies are cool, you can serve them on a festive platter. Consider adding some hot cocoa or milk for a cozy treat. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with your family.

How to Store Christmas Sugar Cookies

To keep your Christmas Sugar Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for about one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them by placing them in freezer bags.

Tips to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for a light and fluffy texture.
Use high-quality vanilla and almond extracts for a better flavor.
Roll the dough balls in colored sugar right before baking for vibrant cookies.
To ensure even baking, rotate your baking sheets halfway through the cooking time.

Variation

You can add a twist to your sugar cookies by mixing in chocolate chips or nuts. You can also try using different extracts like lemon or peppermint for a unique flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to three days before baking.

Q: How can I decorate my sugar cookies?
A: In addition to colored sugar, you can use icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter to decorate your cookies.

Enjoy making and sharing these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookies this holiday season!