There's nothing quite like the smell of homemade sugar cookies wafting through the house during the holidays. I remember one Christmas when my son, Jake, accidentally spilled flour everywhere while trying to help me bake. We ended up with a flour-covered kitchen and a lot of laughs. This Homemade Sugar Cookies Recipe is perfect for creating sweet memories like that, and they make the best sugar cookies for your holiday gatherings.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- They’re soft and chewy, just like a hug in cookie form.
- You can cut them into fun shapes for Christmas, making them perfect for decorating.
- They’re simple to make, so the whole family can join in on the fun.
Pure Comfort
These cookies are pure comfort food. With their sweet flavor and soft texture, they bring joy to both kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re a great way to spread holiday cheer.
What You Need
- 2 3/4 cups 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (330 g) – Sifted for best results.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp baking soda – Helps the cookies rise.
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp baking powder – Balances the texture.
- 1 cup 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226 g) – Can substitute with margarine.
- 1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 cups white sugar (300 g) – For sweetness and texture.
- 1 large 1 egg – Room temperature for better mixing.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract – For that classic cookie flavor.
- 3/4 tsp 3/4 tsp salt – Enhances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup colored sugar for decoration – Optional, for festive flair.
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes | Total: 25 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can make the dough ahead and chill it.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and get that lovely golden color.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents, which is key for fluffy cookies.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale and airy, about 3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, which adds richness to your cookies.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cookies to be tender and soft.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each ball, as they will spread while baking.
- Sprinkle colored sugar on top of each dough ball for a festive touch. This adds a little crunch and sparkle to your cookies.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you want them soft in the center.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up perfectly.
Make It Perfect
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft to handle. This helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon for a unique flavor twist.
- Use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes before baking for added holiday cheer.
Mix It Up
- Add chocolate chips or nuts for a different texture.
- Try using almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty flavor.
- Roll the dough in sprinkles instead of colored sugar for a fun twist.
Perfect Partners
- Serve these cookies with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.
- Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Enjoy them alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee.
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FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can chill the dough for up to 3 days before baking.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.
What can I substitute for butter?
You can use margarine or coconut oil as a substitute.
How do I make cutout sugar cookies?
Simply roll the dough out and use cookie cutters to shape them before baking.
Conclusion
These homemade sugar cookies are a delightful treat for Christmas baking. With their soft and chewy texture, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends. So gather your loved ones, bake a batch, and create some sweet holiday memories together!
Soft and Chewy Homemade Sugar Cookies for Christmas Baking
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream the softened butter and sugar together in a separate large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each.
- Sprinkle colored sugar on top of each dough ball for decoration.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.