DisclaimerTerms Of UseGDPR PolicyCookie Policy

lazychefmagic

Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies Tasty and Simple Recipe

by
To make classic Christmas sugar cookies, you will need: - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar - 1 large egg, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon almond extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional) You can make your cookies unique with optional flavors. Try adding: - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for warmth - Zest from an orange or lemon for brightness - 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract for a festive twist These additions can enhance the flavor and add a fun twist to your cookies. Decorating your cookies makes them even more special. Here are some supplies I recommend: - Colored sugar or sprinkles in festive colors - Royal icing for detailed designs - Edible glitter for a sparkly touch - Cookie cutters in fun shapes like stars or Christmas trees These supplies will help you create eye-catching cookies that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather your ingredients. You need flour, baking powder, salt, butter, sugar, an egg, and extracts. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mix is ready for later. In a large bowl, cream 1 cup of softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. The mix should be light and fluffy. Now crack in 1 large egg and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of almond extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg if you like. Beat until smooth. Gradually mix in the flour blend on low speed. Do not overmix. Now, you need to chill the dough. Divide it into two equal parts. Shape each part into a disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap. Place them in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the flavors blend and keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking. After chilling, it's time to roll out the dough. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to make festive shapes. Carefully place each cookie on a lined baking sheet. If you want, sprinkle colored sugar or decorative sprinkles on top. This adds a nice touch before baking. Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn light golden brown, but keep the centers soft. Once done, take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these festive treats! To get the best texture in your sugar cookies, start with room-temperature butter. This helps it cream well with sugar. Cream the butter and sugar until they look light and fluffy. This step adds air to the mix, which makes your cookies soft. When you add the flour mixture, mix on low speed. Stop mixing as soon as it's combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough. After mixing, chill the dough. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape. Decorating cookies is fun! Use colorful sugar or sprinkles before baking. This makes them look festive and bright. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top after they cool. If you want to add icing, wait until they are cool. Use a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. You can color the icing with food dye for extra cheer. One common mistake is not chilling the dough. If you skip this, cookies may spread too much. Another mistake is baking them too long. You want the edges to be light golden and centers soft. Lastly, don’t skip the salt! It enhances the flavor. Even a pinch makes a big difference. Follow these tips, and your cookies will be a hit! Pro Tips Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough not only makes it easier to roll out but also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to switch up the extracts! Try using lemon or orange extract for a citrusy twist on these classic cookies. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be just set and slightly golden at the edges for the perfect soft and chewy texture. Decoration Techniques: For a beautiful finish, consider icing the cookies after they cool down or adding edible glitter for a festive sparkle. {{image_4}} You can change the taste of your sugar cookies easily. Try adding lemon zest for a fresh twist. A dash of orange zest gives a bright flavor. For something cozy, mix in ground cinnamon or allspice. You can swap vanilla for peppermint extract for a minty touch. Each change adds a new fun flavor. Decorating cookies is a fun way to show creativity. Instead of colored sugar, use royal icing to create designs. You can make simple shapes with icing or draw fun patterns. Consider using edible glitter for some sparkle. You can even add small candies or chocolate chips to make the cookies pop. If you need gluten-free cookies, use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has a good binding agent, like xanthan gum. For dairy-free cookies, swap butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. These options keep the cookies tasty while meeting dietary needs. Enjoy your festive treats without worry! To keep your classic Christmas sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent them from sticking. This helps keep them soft and delicious. Place the container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. You can freeze the dough before baking. Wrap the dough disks tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to bake, thaw the dough in the fridge overnight before rolling and cutting. For baked cookies, let them cool completely first. Then, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Baked cookies can be frozen for up to two months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying. When stored properly, sugar cookies can last about one week at room temperature. If refrigerated, they can last up to two weeks. Freezing extends their life, allowing you to enjoy them for months. This makes them perfect for holiday gift giving or last-minute celebrations. To make sugar cookies softer, add more butter. You can also reduce baking time. A higher oven temperature can help keep them chewy. Consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a lighter texture. Finally, chill the dough before baking. This helps maintain a soft center. Yes, you can substitute some ingredients. If you need a dairy-free option, use vegan butter. For a gluten-free version, try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You can also swap granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Just remember, each change may alter the final texture. Decorating sugar cookies can be fun and creative. Use colored sugar or sprinkles for a simple touch. You can also make royal icing for detailed designs. For a classic look, use white icing and add festive sprinkles. Consider using edible glitter for a sparkling finish. Sugar cookies last about one week at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Baked cookies can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw them before serving. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious sugar cookies. We covered the key ingredients and optional flavors to inspire creativity. Following the step-by-step instructions, you can mix, chill, roll, and bake the perfect cookies. We shared tips and tricks to ensure great texture and festive decorations while avoiding common mistakes. Lastly, we discussed variations and storage options to keep your cookies fresh. With this knowledge, you can enjoy baking and sharing these treats for any occasion. Happy baking!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Classic Christmas sugar cookies are a holiday favorite. They are easy to make and taste divine! In this recipe, I’ll show you how to create soft, sweet cookies perfect for sharing. With step-by-step instructions, handy tips, and fun variations, you’ll impress friends and family with festive treats. Let’s get started on making your holiday baking a sweet success!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a batch of festive cookies without a trip to the store.
  2. Customizable Shapes: With cookie cutters, you can create a variety of shapes, making these cookies perfect for any holiday celebration or personal preference.
  3. Deliciously Soft: The combination of butter and sugar creates a wonderfully soft and chewy texture that’s simply irresistible.
  4. Fun Decorating: Decorating these cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles allows for creativity, making baking a fun activity for families and friends.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

To make classic Christmas sugar cookies, you will need:

– 3 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon baking powder

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

– 1 large egg, at room temperature

– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

– 1 teaspoon almond extract

– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Optional Flavor Additions

You can make your cookies unique with optional flavors. Try adding:

– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for warmth

– Zest from an orange or lemon for brightness

– 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract for a festive twist

These additions can enhance the flavor and add a fun twist to your cookies.

Recommended Decoration Supplies

Decorating your cookies makes them even more special. Here are some supplies I recommend:

– Colored sugar or sprinkles in festive colors

– Royal icing for detailed designs

– Edible glitter for a sparkly touch

– Cookie cutters in fun shapes like stars or Christmas trees

These supplies will help you create eye-catching cookies that everyone will love.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mixing and Preparing the Dough

First, gather your ingredients. You need flour, baking powder, salt, butter, sugar, an egg, and extracts. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mix is ready for later. In a large bowl, cream 1 cup of softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. The mix should be light and fluffy. Now crack in 1 large egg and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of almond extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg if you like. Beat until smooth. Gradually mix in the flour blend on low speed. Do not overmix.

Chilling the Cookie Dough

Now, you need to chill the dough. Divide it into two equal parts. Shape each part into a disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap. Place them in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the flavors blend and keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Rolling and Cutting the Cookies

After chilling, it’s time to roll out the dough. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to make festive shapes. Carefully place each cookie on a lined baking sheet. If you want, sprinkle colored sugar or decorative sprinkles on top. This adds a nice touch before baking.

Baking Instructions

Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn light golden brown, but keep the centers soft. Once done, take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these festive treats!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Texture

To get the best texture in your sugar cookies, start with room-temperature butter. This helps it cream well with sugar. Cream the butter and sugar until they look light and fluffy. This step adds air to the mix, which makes your cookies soft.

When you add the flour mixture, mix on low speed. Stop mixing as soon as it’s combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough. After mixing, chill the dough. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape.

Decorator’s Guide for Festive Touches

Decorating cookies is fun! Use colorful sugar or sprinkles before baking. This makes them look festive and bright. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top after they cool.

If you want to add icing, wait until they are cool. Use a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. You can color the icing with food dye for extra cheer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is not chilling the dough. If you skip this, cookies may spread too much. Another mistake is baking them too long. You want the edges to be light golden and centers soft.

Lastly, don’t skip the salt! It enhances the flavor. Even a pinch makes a big difference. Follow these tips, and your cookies will be a hit!

Pro Tips

  1. Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough not only makes it easier to roll out but also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
  2. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to switch up the extracts! Try using lemon or orange extract for a citrusy twist on these classic cookies.
  3. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be just set and slightly golden at the edges for the perfect soft and chewy texture.
  4. Decoration Techniques: For a beautiful finish, consider icing the cookies after they cool down or adding edible glitter for a festive sparkle.

Variations

Flavor Variations to Try

You can change the taste of your sugar cookies easily. Try adding lemon zest for a fresh twist. A dash of orange zest gives a bright flavor. For something cozy, mix in ground cinnamon or allspice. You can swap vanilla for peppermint extract for a minty touch. Each change adds a new fun flavor.

Alternative Decorating Ideas

Decorating cookies is a fun way to show creativity. Instead of colored sugar, use royal icing to create designs. You can make simple shapes with icing or draw fun patterns. Consider using edible glitter for some sparkle. You can even add small candies or chocolate chips to make the cookies pop.

Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free Options

If you need gluten-free cookies, use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has a good binding agent, like xanthan gum. For dairy-free cookies, swap butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. These options keep the cookies tasty while meeting dietary needs. Enjoy your festive treats without worry!

Storage Info

Best Practices for Storing Cookies

To keep your classic Christmas sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent them from sticking. This helps keep them soft and delicious. Place the container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

Freezing Instructions for Dough & Baked Cookies

You can freeze the dough before baking. Wrap the dough disks tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough in the fridge overnight before rolling and cutting.

For baked cookies, let them cool completely first. Then, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Baked cookies can be frozen for up to two months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.

Shelf Life of Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies

When stored properly, sugar cookies can last about one week at room temperature. If refrigerated, they can last up to two weeks. Freezing extends their life, allowing you to enjoy them for months. This makes them perfect for holiday gift giving or last-minute celebrations.

FAQs

How can I make sugar cookies softer?

To make sugar cookies softer, add more butter. You can also reduce baking time. A higher oven temperature can help keep them chewy. Consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a lighter texture. Finally, chill the dough before baking. This helps maintain a soft center.

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute some ingredients. If you need a dairy-free option, use vegan butter. For a gluten-free version, try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You can also swap granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Just remember, each change may alter the final texture.

What are the best ways to decorate sugar cookies for Christmas?

Decorating sugar cookies can be fun and creative. Use colored sugar or sprinkles for a simple touch. You can also make royal icing for detailed designs. For a classic look, use white icing and add festive sprinkles. Consider using edible glitter for a sparkling finish.

How long do sugar cookies last at room temperature?

Sugar cookies last about one week at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Baked cookies can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw them before serving.

In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious sugar cookies. We covered the key ingredients and optional flavors to inspire creativity. Following the step-by-step instructions, you can mix, chill, roll, and bake the perfect cookies. We shared tips and tricks to ensure great texture and festive decorations while avoiding common mistakes. Lastly, we discussed variations and storage options to keep your cookies fresh. With this knowledge, you can enjoy baking and sharing these treats for any occasion. Happy bakin

To make classic Christmas sugar cookies, you will need: - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar - 1 large egg, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon almond extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional) You can make your cookies unique with optional flavors. Try adding: - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for warmth - Zest from an orange or lemon for brightness - 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract for a festive twist These additions can enhance the flavor and add a fun twist to your cookies. Decorating your cookies makes them even more special. Here are some supplies I recommend: - Colored sugar or sprinkles in festive colors - Royal icing for detailed designs - Edible glitter for a sparkly touch - Cookie cutters in fun shapes like stars or Christmas trees These supplies will help you create eye-catching cookies that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather your ingredients. You need flour, baking powder, salt, butter, sugar, an egg, and extracts. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mix is ready for later. In a large bowl, cream 1 cup of softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. The mix should be light and fluffy. Now crack in 1 large egg and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of almond extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg if you like. Beat until smooth. Gradually mix in the flour blend on low speed. Do not overmix. Now, you need to chill the dough. Divide it into two equal parts. Shape each part into a disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap. Place them in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the flavors blend and keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking. After chilling, it's time to roll out the dough. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to make festive shapes. Carefully place each cookie on a lined baking sheet. If you want, sprinkle colored sugar or decorative sprinkles on top. This adds a nice touch before baking. Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn light golden brown, but keep the centers soft. Once done, take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these festive treats! To get the best texture in your sugar cookies, start with room-temperature butter. This helps it cream well with sugar. Cream the butter and sugar until they look light and fluffy. This step adds air to the mix, which makes your cookies soft. When you add the flour mixture, mix on low speed. Stop mixing as soon as it's combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough. After mixing, chill the dough. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape. Decorating cookies is fun! Use colorful sugar or sprinkles before baking. This makes them look festive and bright. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top after they cool. If you want to add icing, wait until they are cool. Use a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. You can color the icing with food dye for extra cheer. One common mistake is not chilling the dough. If you skip this, cookies may spread too much. Another mistake is baking them too long. You want the edges to be light golden and centers soft. Lastly, don’t skip the salt! It enhances the flavor. Even a pinch makes a big difference. Follow these tips, and your cookies will be a hit! Pro Tips Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough not only makes it easier to roll out but also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to switch up the extracts! Try using lemon or orange extract for a citrusy twist on these classic cookies. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be just set and slightly golden at the edges for the perfect soft and chewy texture. Decoration Techniques: For a beautiful finish, consider icing the cookies after they cool down or adding edible glitter for a festive sparkle. {{image_4}} You can change the taste of your sugar cookies easily. Try adding lemon zest for a fresh twist. A dash of orange zest gives a bright flavor. For something cozy, mix in ground cinnamon or allspice. You can swap vanilla for peppermint extract for a minty touch. Each change adds a new fun flavor. Decorating cookies is a fun way to show creativity. Instead of colored sugar, use royal icing to create designs. You can make simple shapes with icing or draw fun patterns. Consider using edible glitter for some sparkle. You can even add small candies or chocolate chips to make the cookies pop. If you need gluten-free cookies, use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has a good binding agent, like xanthan gum. For dairy-free cookies, swap butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. These options keep the cookies tasty while meeting dietary needs. Enjoy your festive treats without worry! To keep your classic Christmas sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent them from sticking. This helps keep them soft and delicious. Place the container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. You can freeze the dough before baking. Wrap the dough disks tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to bake, thaw the dough in the fridge overnight before rolling and cutting. For baked cookies, let them cool completely first. Then, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Baked cookies can be frozen for up to two months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying. When stored properly, sugar cookies can last about one week at room temperature. If refrigerated, they can last up to two weeks. Freezing extends their life, allowing you to enjoy them for months. This makes them perfect for holiday gift giving or last-minute celebrations. To make sugar cookies softer, add more butter. You can also reduce baking time. A higher oven temperature can help keep them chewy. Consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a lighter texture. Finally, chill the dough before baking. This helps maintain a soft center. Yes, you can substitute some ingredients. If you need a dairy-free option, use vegan butter. For a gluten-free version, try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You can also swap granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Just remember, each change may alter the final texture. Decorating sugar cookies can be fun and creative. Use colored sugar or sprinkles for a simple touch. You can also make royal icing for detailed designs. For a classic look, use white icing and add festive sprinkles. Consider using edible glitter for a sparkling finish. Sugar cookies last about one week at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Baked cookies can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw them before serving. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious sugar cookies. We covered the key ingredients and optional flavors to inspire creativity. Following the step-by-step instructions, you can mix, chill, roll, and bake the perfect cookies. We shared tips and tricks to ensure great texture and festive decorations while avoiding common mistakes. Lastly, we discussed variations and storage options to keep your cookies fresh. With this knowledge, you can enjoy baking and sharing these treats for any occasion. Happy baking!

Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies

Delicious and festive sugar cookies perfect for the holiday season.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
  • 1 assortment colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
  • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
  • Crack the egg into the bowl and add the vanilla extract, almond extract, and ground nutmeg (if you're using it). Beat the mixture until all the ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
  • Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough to ensure the cookies remain tender.
  • Divide the dough into two equal portions, then shape each portion into a disk. Wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for enhanced flavor development.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough to a thickness of approximately 1/4 inch. Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes and carefully place each cookie on the prepared baking sheets.
  • Before baking, sprinkle colored sugar or decorative sprinkles atop the cut-out cookies for a festive touch, if desired.
  • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden brown while keeping the centers soft and chewy.
  • Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

For an extra special festive flair, drizzle with icing or add a small candy on top of each cookie.
Keyword Christmas cookies, holiday baking, sugar cookies

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating