classic christmas sugar cookie recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best classic christmas sugar cookie recipe

I’ve been making this classic Christmas sugar cookie recipe for years, and it’s still a favorite in our household. It’s a simple yet elegant recipe that’s perfect for the holiday season. The combination of sugar, butter, and vanilla is a classic for a reason – it’s a timeless taste that never goes out of style.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, measuring out the ingredients and mixing the dough. It’s a great way to spend quality time together, and they always seem to enjoy the process more than the finished product (although they do love devouring those cookies!) This recipe is a staple in many American households, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, delicious, and can be customized to fit any occasion.

I like to make a big batch of these cookies during the holidays, using festive sprinkles and colors to get into the spirit of things. They’re perfect for packing in lunchboxes or serving at parties. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a warm, chewy cookie fresh from the oven?

The best part about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can use different types of sugar (like brown sugar or turbinado), add-ins (like nuts or chocolate chips), or even make them into shapes like trees or snowmen. The possibilities are endless!

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that this recipe is all about technique. You want to make sure your butter is softened to room temperature, your sugar is granulated finely, and your eggs are beaten until they’re light and fluffy. It may take a little practice to get it just right, but trust me – it’s worth it.

Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies

4.6 from 1288 votes

These Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies are perfect for the holiday season. They are soft, sweet, and delicious.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 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
3-4 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Sprinkles for decorating

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 350°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
Set aside.
4In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
5Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
6Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
7The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
8On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
9Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
10Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
11Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
12Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
13To make the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
14Add more powdered sugar or milk as needed to reach desired consistency.
15Dip the top of each cookie into the icing, then decorate with sprinkles.
16Allow the icing to set for at least 30 minutes before serving.
17This will allow the icing to harden and the cookies to be easier to handle.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 150 kcal🧈Total Fat: 6g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 20mg🧂Sodium: 100mg🌾Total Carbs: 22g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 15g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

Tips: For a festive touch, use holiday-themed cookie cutters and sprinkles. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Watch Video Of How Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies Works

I’m so glad you asked about this classic Christmas sugar cookie recipe! It’s truly a timeless treat that never goes out of style.

Not only are they delicious, but they’re also incredibly versatile – perfect for any occasion or holiday gathering. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to pack in lunchboxes or something special to serve at parties, these cookies are surefire winners.

And let’s not forget about the health benefits – with only 10g of added sugar per cookie (and most of that coming from natural sources like milk and butter), you can feel good about indulging in one (or two… or three…)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Sugar Cookies

Q: What kind of flour should I use?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use all-purpose flour with a high protein content (around 12% or higher). This will help your cookies retain their shape better and give them a more tender texture.

Q: Can I use artificial flavorings instead of vanilla extract?

No! Vanilla extract is what gives these cookies their unique flavor profile. Artificial flavorings won’t provide the same depth and richness as real vanilla extract.

Q: How do I store these cookies?

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend (such as almond flour or coconut flour). Keep in mind that gluten-free flours can behave differently than traditional flours.

Q: What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?

The best way to decorate these cookies depends on your personal preference! Some people like to use frosting and sprinkles, while others prefer a simple powdered sugar glaze. Experiment with different techniques until you find one that works for you.

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