holiday sugar cookies recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best holiday sugar cookies recipe

I’ve been making holiday sugar cookies for my family for years, and it’s a tradition that we all look forward to. The recipe is simple yet elegant, and the end result is a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, measuring out the flour and sprinkling on the colored sugar.

It’s a great way to spend quality time together and create memories that will last a lifetime. As for me, I love how the cookies turn out – they’re soft and chewy on the inside, with a crispy edge that’s just right. And let’s not forget about the flavor – it’s a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house is enough to make anyone feel cozy and welcoming. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just need a pick-me-up, these sugar cookies are sure to hit the spot. And the best part?

They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and some basic baking skills. I like to use this recipe as a base and get creative with different flavors and decorations. My family loves when I add in nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.

And of course, no holiday cookie is complete without a glass of cold milk on the side.

Holiday Sugar Cookies

4.7 from 1405 votes

Delicious holiday sugar cookies perfect for festive gatherings. These classic cookies are soft, buttery, and can be decorated with your favorite icing and sprinkles.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time8-10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 24Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 150 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract

For the Icing

2 cups powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Food coloring and sprinkles for decorating

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
3In a large bowl, cream together butter and white sugar until light and fluffy.
4This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
5Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined, about 1 minute.
6In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
7Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
8The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
9Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to make it easier to roll out.
10On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
11Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them on the prepared cookie sheets about 1 inch apart.
12Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
13Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
14While the cookies are cooling, prepare the icing by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
15Add food coloring if desired.
16Dip the bottom of the cookies into the icing, or use an icing spatula to spread the icing on the cookies.
17Add sprinkles for extra festive decoration.
18Allow the icing to set for a few minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Cookie sheets
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters
Icing spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 150 kcal🧈Total Fat: 7g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 25mg🧂Sodium: 85mg🌾Total Carbs: 21g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 18g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

Tips: For a fun twist, add a bit of peppermint extract to the icing for a minty flavor. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Holiday sugar cookies are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed year-round. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, but they are also a great option for any occasion.

I love making a big batch of these cookies and storing them in an airtight container. I have found that they keep well at room temperature for up to a week.

If you need to store them for longer, you can freeze the undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw and decorate as desired.

I have found that they are perfect for family gatherings as they are loved by all and are a great way to get the whole family involved in a fun activity. They are a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen and make some great memories together.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Sugar Cookies

Q: What kind of flour should I use for this recipe?

I recommend using all-purpose flour for this recipe, as it will give your cookies the right balance of texture and structure.

Q: Can I substitute other types of sugar for granulated sugar?

Yes, you can substitute other types of sugar for granulated sugar in this recipe.

Q: How do I ensure my cookies don’t spread too much during baking?

To prevent your cookies from spreading too much during baking, make sure to chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

You can make these cookies ahead of time by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Q: What is the best way to store leftover cookies?

The best way to store leftover cookies is in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

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