These classic Christmas sugar cookies are a festive treat perfect for holiday celebrations. With a simple dough that can be rolled and cut into various shapes, they are ideal for decorating with icing and sprinkles.
This recipe is easy to follow and yields a deliciously sweet cookie that can be enjoyed by all. Customize them with your favorite holiday shapes and colors for a personal touch.
Creating the Perfect Sugar Cookie Dough
The foundation of any great cookie is the dough, and this sugar cookie recipe is no exception.
With a soft and pliable texture, it’s designed for easy rolling and cutting into festive shapes.
In just about 30 minutes, you can prepare the dough, which can be chilled for later use, making it convenient for those busy holiday schedules.
To start, gather your ingredients, including all-purpose flour, baking soda, and unsalted butter.
These elements combine to create a rich base that will hold up beautifully when cut into stars, trees, and snowflakes.
Rolling and Shaping Your Cookies
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to roll it out.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
This thickness ensures that the cookies will bake evenly and maintain their shape.
Using cookie cutters, you can create a variety of festive shapes.
Stars, trees, and snowflakes are popular choices that capture the spirit of the season.
Baking to Golden Perfection
After cutting out your shapes, it’s time to bake.
Place the cookies on ungreased baking sheets and pop them into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden color.
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on wire racks.
This cooling process is essential before you start decorating, ensuring that the icing doesn’t melt into the cookies.
Decorating with Colorful Icing and Sprinkles
The real fun begins with decorating!
Use colorful icing to bring your cookies to life.
You can create intricate designs or keep it simple with a smooth layer of icing.
Don’t forget the sprinkles!
They add a festive touch and can be used to enhance your designs, making each cookie unique.
Presenting Your Festive Cookie Display
Once decorated, arrange your cookies on a decorative plate.
A holiday-themed background can elevate the presentation, making it perfect for gatherings or as a gift.
These cookies not only taste delightful but also serve as a beautiful centerpiece for any festive occasion.
Their vibrant colors and charming shapes will surely bring joy to all who see and taste them.
Sharing the Holiday Spirit
These decorated Christmas sugar cookies are more than just a treat; they are a way to share the holiday spirit with friends and family.
Baking and decorating together can create lasting memories, making the process just as enjoyable as the final product.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply spreading cheer, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a festive display that everyone will adore!
Easy Sugar Cookie Dough for Christmas
This sugar cookie dough is soft and pliable, making it perfect for rolling out and cutting into shapes. The recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and can be chilled for later use, allowing you to bake fresh cookies whenever you like.
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 milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened 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. If the dough is too dry, add milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a workable consistency.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
- Bake: Place cookies on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks before decorating.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 22g