Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies
This easy Christmas sugar cookie recipe bakes up buttery, soft cookies that hold their shape-perfect for decorating! Ideal for holiday baking with kids, cookie exchanges, or edible gifts, these cookies have a clean, classic flavor and a festive flair.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Rolling Pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone mats
- Cooling rack
- Optional: piping bags or decorating tools
Ingredients
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract optional
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour sifted
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 -3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring optional
- Sprinkles sanding sugar, or candies for decorating
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy-about 2-3 minutes using a mixer.
- Mix in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using). Beat until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry mix to wet ingredients.
- Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to ¼ inch thick. Cut with your favorite Christmas cookie cutters.
- Place cut cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill for 30 minutes to reduce spreading.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are just beginning to brown. Let cool completely before decorating.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Add food coloring if desired. Decorate cookies as desired.
Notes
Nutritional Info (per cookie, approx.):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 1g
(May vary depending on icing and decorations)
