The holiday season isn’t complete without the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home. Christmas sugar cookies are a timeless classic, perfect for decorating, gifting, or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa. They’re soft, buttery, and versatile enough for endless holiday creativity. In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about making the perfect Christmas sugar cookies, from ingredients to decoration tips, so your holiday table will be both delicious and festive.
Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookies
To create these delightful Christmas sugar cookies, gather the following ingredients:
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2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for a subtle nutty flavor)
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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Colored sugar or sprinkles (for decoration)
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Royal icing or buttercream (optional for intricate designs)
Kitchen Tools Needed
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Mixing bowls
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Electric mixer (or stand mixer)
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Rolling pin
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Cookie cutters (Christmas-themed shapes: stars, trees, snowmen, etc.)
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Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
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Cooling racks
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Spatula
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Icing bags and tips (optional, for decorating)
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
1: Prepare the Dough
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
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Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until fully combined.
2: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps prevent cookies from spreading too much and keeps shapes crisp.
3: Roll and Cut the Cookies
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin.
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Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
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Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4: Decorate Before or After Baking
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Sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles before baking for a simple touch.
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For detailed designs, bake plain cookies first, cool completely, and decorate with royal icing or buttercream.
5: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to maintain soft centers.
6: Cool and Store
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
Decorating Ideas for Christmas Sugar Cookies
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Classic Royal Icing Designs – Outline trees, stars, or snowflakes with white icing, then flood with colored icing.
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Festive Sprinkles – Roll dough in colored sugar before baking for a sparkling effect.
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Layered Icing – Add multiple icing layers for intricate designs like Santa hats or ornaments.
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Chocolate Dipped – Dip half of the cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
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Personalized Messages – Use edible markers to write names or holiday greetings on each cookie.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookies
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Use room temperature butter – This ensures a smooth, creamy dough.
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Don’t overmix – Overmixing can make cookies tough.
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Chill dough – Helps cookies keep their shape.
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Rotate baking sheets – For even baking, especially if making multiple trays at once.
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Experiment with flavors – Add peppermint extract, lemon zest, or orange zest for a unique holiday twist.
Pairing Christmas Sugar Cookies
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Pair cookies with hot chocolate or mulled cider for cozy evenings.
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Serve on a festive platter as part of a holiday cookie exchange.
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Use as edible gifts, wrapped in cellophane with ribbons.
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Combine with other holiday treats like gingerbread men or peppermint bark for a complete cookie tray.
Approximate Nutritional Value (Per Cookie)
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Calories: 120–150
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Carbohydrates: 18 g
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Sugars: 10 g
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Fat: 6 g
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Protein: 1 g
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Fiber: 0.5 g
Why Christmas Sugar Cookies Are a Holiday Favorite
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Tradition: Baking and decorating cookies is a family favorite every holiday season.
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Customizable: You can change flavors, shapes, and decorations for every celebration.
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Versatile: Perfect for parties, gifts, or just enjoying at home.
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Festive and Fun: Kids and adults alike enjoy decorating these sweet treats.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked Christmas sugar cookies filling your home during the holiday season. With this detailed guide, you can create beautiful, delicious cookies that everyone will love. From simple sprinkle-topped cookies to intricate royal icing designs, these cookies are a timeless holiday tradition that brings joy to bakers and eaters alike.
This Christmas, gather your family, preheat the oven, and let the magic of sugar cookies make your celebrations unforgettable.
