Perfect Sugar Cookies for Christmas Cutouts

When it comes to holiday baking, these Perfect Sugar Cookies for Christmas Cutouts are a must-have! I remember one Christmas when my son, Jake, decided to add extra sprinkles to every cookie, turning our kitchen into a festive wonderland. These cookies are simple and fun to make, perfect for beginners looking to create delightful Christmas treats.

Why You’ll Love It

• They’re easy to make, even for beginners.
• No chilling required, so you can bake right away.
• Perfect for decorating with family and friends.
• They taste amazing and are a holiday classic.

Pure Comfort

There’s something so comforting about the smell of sugar cookies baking in the oven. It fills the house with warmth and joy, making every bite feel like a hug.

What You Need

• 2 3/4 cups 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (330 g) – Sifted for lightness.
• 1 tsp 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise.
• 1/2 tsp 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness.
• 1 cup 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks) – Can substitute with margarine.
• 1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300 g) – For sweetness and texture.
• 1 1 large egg – Room temperature for better mixing.
• 1 tsp 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For that classic flavor.
• 1/2 tsp 1/2 teaspoon almond extract – Optional, but adds a nice touch.

Time to Cook

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes | Total: 25 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can make the dough a day in advance.

Steps to Make It

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and get that lovely golden color. While the oven heats, you can mix your dry ingredients.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial as it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents. Set this mixture aside for later.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale and airy, perfect for a sweet cookie base.
4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined, and you’ll notice a delightful aroma filling your kitchen.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies might turn out tough. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They will spread a little while baking.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be soft in the center for that perfect texture.
8. 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 decorating.
9. Now comes the fun part! Decorate your cookies with icing, sprinkles, or whatever toppings you like. Enjoy the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they taste your creations!

Make It Perfect

• For extra flavor, try adding a bit of lemon zest to the dough.
• If you want a thicker cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Use food coloring in your icing to make your cookies festive!
• Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Mix It Up

• Try using different extracts like peppermint or coconut for a unique twist.
• Add chocolate chips or nuts for a different texture.
• Use colored sugar instead of icing for a quick decoration.

Perfect Partners

• Pair these cookies with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.
• They also go great with coffee or tea during holiday gatherings.

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FAQs

Conclusion

These Perfect Sugar Cookies for Christmas Cutouts are sure to become a family favorite. With their simple recipe and delightful taste, they’re perfect for sharing and celebrating the holiday spirit. Happy baking!

Perfect Sugar Cookies for Christmas Cutouts

These sugar cookies are easy to make and perfect for Christmas cutouts. They require no chilling, bake quickly, and are great for decorating with family and friends, offering a classic holiday taste and festive fun.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

Main

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour Sifted for lightness
• 1 tsp baking powder Helps the cookies rise
• 1/2 tsp salt Balances sweetness
• 1 cup unsalted butter Softened (2 sticks), can substitute with margarine
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar For sweetness and texture
• 1 large egg Room temperature for better mixing
• 1 tsp vanilla extract For that classic flavor
• 1/2 tsp almond extract Optional, but adds a nice touch

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Oven
• Wire rack

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F to ensure even baking and golden color.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and set aside.
3. Cream softened butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
4. Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until combined.
5. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; do not overmix.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls; place on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers remain soft.
8. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
9. Decorate cookies with icing, sprinkles, or toppings as desired and serve.