There's nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked sugar cookies wafting through the house during the holidays. This Perfect Sugar Cookies for Christmas recipe is not just easy; it's a family tradition that brings back memories of my cousin Lily and me decorating cookies at Grandma's kitchen table. We’d end up with more frosting on our faces than on the cookies, but that’s what made it so much fun!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- These cookies are soft and chewy, just the way we love them.
- They’re perfect for decorating with colorful icing and sprinkles.
- You can make them ahead of time and freeze for later.
Pure Comfort
There’s something so comforting about sugar cookies, especially when they’re shaped like Christmas trees and snowflakes. They remind us of cozy family gatherings and sweet moments shared with loved ones.
What You Need
- 2 sticks 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Substitute with margarine if needed.
- 300 g 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – Brown sugar can be used for a richer flavor.
- 1 1 large egg – Use a flax egg for a vegan option.
- 1 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Almond extract can add a unique twist.
- 420 g 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Sifted for best results.
- 1 1 teaspoon baking powder – Baking soda can be used in a pinch.
- ½ ½ teaspoon salt – Sea salt enhances flavor.
Time to Cook
Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes | Total: 30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, cookies can be made and frozen.
Steps to Make It
- Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture looks pale and airy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined, ensuring everything is blended smoothly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the dough.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create festive shapes.
- Place the cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up without breaking.
- Once cooled, decorate your cookies with icing and sprinkles. Enjoy the smiles they bring!
Make It Perfect
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it’s manageable.
- For an extra festive touch, use colored sugar or edible glitter when decorating.
- Make sure to chill the dough; it makes rolling and cutting much easier.
Mix It Up
- Try adding lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
- Use different extracts like peppermint for a holiday flavor.
Perfect Partners
- Pair these cookies with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.
- They also go great with coffee for an afternoon treat.
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FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can chill the dough for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze it for up to 3 months.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last about 3 months.
What can I substitute for the egg?
You can use a flax egg or applesauce (1/4 cup) as a substitute.
What’s the best way to decorate sugar cookies?
Royal icing works great for detailed designs, while simple glaze is perfect for a quick and easy finish.
Conclusion
These Perfect Sugar Cookies for Christmas are sure to become a family favorite. With their delightful taste and fun shapes, they’ll bring joy to your holiday celebrations. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy making these sweet treats together!
Perfect Sugar Cookies for Christmas Easy Cutout Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F to ensure even baking.
- Cream softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and blend well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes from the dough.
- Place cutouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate cooled cookies with icing and sprinkles as desired.