These classic Christmas sugar cookies are a festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings. With their sweet flavor and soft texture, they are ideal for decorating with icing and sprinkles.
This recipe is simple and can be made with basic ingredients. You can customize the shapes and decorations to make them unique for your holiday celebrations.
Creating Festive Sugar Cookies
Christmas sugar cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. Their sweet flavor and soft texture make them a favorite among both kids and adults.
With a simple recipe, you can whip up a batch of these cookies in no time, perfect for decorating and sharing with loved ones.
These cookies can be shaped into stars, trees, and snowflakes, allowing for creativity in both baking and decorating. The process is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Ingredients for Success
The key to achieving the perfect sugar cookie lies in the ingredients. Basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, and butter come together to create a delicious dough.
For those looking to add a unique twist, consider incorporating almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.
Don’t forget the icing and sprinkles! These decorative elements not only enhance the appearance of the cookies but also add a fun and festive touch that everyone will enjoy.
Steps to Bake the Perfect Cookies
Start by preheating your oven to ensure even baking. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps to achieve a well-combined dough without overworking it.
Creaming the butter and sugar together until smooth is essential for a light and fluffy texture.
Once the dough is prepared, shape it into balls and flatten them slightly before baking. This method ensures that the cookies maintain their shape while cooking, resulting in perfectly formed festive treats.
Decorating Your Cookies
Once your cookies have cooled, the fun part begins: decorating! Use colorful icing to create intricate designs on each cookie.
Sprinkles can add a pop of color and texture, making each cookie unique. Let your imagination run wild as you create festive patterns and designs.
Consider setting up a decorating station for family and friends to join in on the fun. This activity can create lasting memories while everyone enjoys the holiday spirit.
Setting the Scene for Enjoyment
To truly embrace the holiday atmosphere, present your decorated cookies on a festive plate. Surround them with holiday decorations and twinkling lights to create a cheerful display.
This not only enhances the visual appeal but also invites everyone to indulge in these sweet treats.
Sharing these cookies with family and friends can spread joy and warmth during the holiday season. Whether enjoyed at a gathering or gifted to loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring smiles.
Storing Your Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will help maintain their soft texture and flavor.
If you have leftovers, consider freezing some for later enjoyment. They can be thawed and decorated at a later date, making them a convenient treat for unexpected guests.
With a little planning and creativity, your festive sugar cookies can become a cherished tradition, bringing joy to your holiday celebrations for years to come.
Easy Sugar Cookies for the Holidays
These sugar cookies are made with butter, sugar, flour, and eggs, creating a soft and chewy texture. The recipe yields about 24 cookies and takes approximately 1 hour to prepare and bake.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons sugar for decoration
- Icing and sprinkles for decorating (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until just combined.
- Shape Cookies: Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.
- Bake: Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.
- Decorate: Once cooled, decorate with icing and sprinkles as desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 22g