When it comes to the holidays, nothing beats the magic of freshly baked Sugar Cookies (Christmas Style). With their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and endless decorating possibilities, these cookies aren’t just a treat—they’re a tradition. Whether you’re baking with family, preparing for a holiday party, or creating a thoughtful homemade gift, Christmas sugar cookies are the ultimate festive delight.
In this comprehensive recipe guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know: ingredients, tools, step-by-step instructions, decorating tips, storage, and even nutritional information. By the end, you’ll be ready to bake a batch of Sugar Cookies (Christmas Style) that look as good as they taste.
Why Sugar Cookies (Christmas Style) Are a Holiday Must-Have
Every holiday season, the aroma of warm vanilla and buttery sugar cookies fills kitchens worldwide. Sugar Cookies (Christmas Style) stand out because they are:
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Easy to make: A simple dough with everyday ingredients.
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Customizable: Shape them with cookie cutters into stars, trees, snowflakes, and more.
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Perfect for decorating: Icing, sprinkles, edible glitter—you can make each cookie unique.
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Family-friendly: Kids love helping roll, cut, and decorate these festive cookies.
Let’s dive into the recipe so you can bring the holiday cheer right to your table.
Ingredients for Sugar Cookies (Christmas Style)
Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic batch of about 30 cookies, depending on the size of your cutters:
For the Cookies:
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2 ¾ cups (350 g) all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Royal Icing (Decoration):
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3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
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2 tablespoons meringue powder or 1 egg white (pasteurized if possible)
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4–6 tablespoons warm water
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Food coloring (gel recommended for vibrant colors)
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Holiday sprinkles, edible glitter, or decorative sugar (optional)
Required Kitchen Tools
To make Sugar Cookies (Christmas Style), gather the following tools:
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Mixing bowls (large and medium)
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Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
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Rolling pin
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Cookie cutters (Christmas-themed shapes: stars, trees, bells, snowflakes, etc.)
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Baking sheets
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Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
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Cooling racks
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Piping bags and tips (for icing decoration)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer).
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Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until well combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
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Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours (or overnight). Chilled dough makes it easier to roll and cut shapes.
2: Roll and Cut the Cookies
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll out one disc of dough to about ¼-inch (6 mm) thickness.
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Use Christmas-themed cookie cutters to cut shapes. Transfer cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Re-roll scraps and cut more cookies until the dough is used. Repeat with the second disc of dough.
3: Bake the Cookies
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Bake cookies in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned.
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Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4: Prepare the Royal Icing
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In a bowl, combine powdered sugar and meringue powder (or egg white). Add water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the icing reaches your desired consistency.
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Thicker icing is best for outlining.
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Thinner icing works for filling or “flooding” the cookie.
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Divide icing into separate bowls and add different food colorings.
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Transfer icing to piping bags fitted with small round tips.
5: Decorate the Cookies
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Outline the edges of each cookie with thicker icing.
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Flood the center with thinner icing, spreading gently with a toothpick or small spatula.
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Add sprinkles or edible glitter before the icing sets.
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Allow decorated cookies to dry completely (several hours or overnight) before stacking or packaging.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies (Christmas Style)
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Chill the Dough: Always refrigerate the dough before rolling to prevent cookies from spreading.
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Even Thickness: Use rolling pin guides or rolling bands to ensure uniform cookie thickness.
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Avoid Overbaking: Sugar cookies should be pale in color; remove them before the edges brown too much.
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Flavor Variations: Add lemon zest, cinnamon, or nutmeg to the dough for festive twists.
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Make Ahead: Dough can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
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Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Iced cookies last longer if dried fully before storage.
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Freezing: You can freeze baked cookies (without icing) for up to 2 months. Defrost before decorating.
Nutritional Value (Per Cookie, Approximate)
Based on one medium cookie (without icing):
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Calories: 110
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Total Fat: 5 g
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Saturated Fat: 3 g
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Cholesterol: 20 mg
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Sodium: 60 mg
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Total Carbohydrates: 15 g
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Sugars: 8 g
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Protein: 1 g
With icing, calories may increase by about 20–30 per cookie depending on decoration.
Why You’ll Love Making Sugar Cookies (Christmas Style)
What makes Sugar Cookies (Christmas Style) so special isn’t just the taste—it’s the tradition. These cookies become part of holiday memories: rolling dough with your kids, decorating with friends, or packaging them as gifts for neighbors.
Unlike other holiday desserts, Christmas sugar cookies are both beautiful and delicious. They’re versatile enough to match any theme and simple enough for even beginner bakers. Once you’ve tried this recipe, you’ll never go another holiday season without it.
Final Thoughts: Bake Joy into Every Bite
The holidays are about sharing love, warmth, and joy—and nothing does that better than a batch of homemade Sugar Cookies (Christmas Style). With their buttery sweetness, festive decorations, and endless customization, these cookies are more than just dessert—they’re a holiday tradition worth cherishing.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and bring your creativity to life. Whether you enjoy them plain or decorate them with sparkling icing, these sugar cookies will light up your Christmas table and your heart.