These classic Christmas sugar cookies are a festive treat that brings joy to any holiday gathering. With their soft texture and sweet flavor, they are perfect for decorating with icing and sprinkles.
The recipe is simple and allows for creativity in decorating. You can customize them with various shapes and colors to make your holiday celebrations even more special.
Creating a Festive Atmosphere
Christmas is a time for joy, and nothing embodies that spirit quite like a platter of beautifully decorated sugar cookies. These delightful treats, shaped like stars, trees, and snowflakes, bring a cheerful vibe to any holiday gathering.
Arranging these cookies on a rustic wooden platter enhances their visual appeal, creating a warm and inviting display. Surrounding the cookies with holiday decorations such as pine branches and ornaments adds to the festive atmosphere, making it a perfect centerpiece for your celebrations.
Choosing the Right Shapes
When it comes to cookie shapes, the options are endless. Classic holiday shapes like stars, Christmas trees, and snowflakes are always a hit. Each shape offers a unique canvas for decoration, allowing for creativity to shine through.
Using cookie cutters in various sizes can create an interesting arrangement on your platter. Mixing different shapes and sizes not only adds visual interest but also makes it fun for guests to choose their favorites.
Decorating with Colorful Icing
The real magic happens when it comes to decorating. Colorful icing and sprinkles transform simple cookies into festive masterpieces. Royal icing can be used for intricate designs, while simple colored icing can create a fun and playful look.
Encouraging family and friends to join in on the decorating process can turn it into a cherished holiday tradition. Set up a decorating station with various colors of icing, sprinkles, and edible decorations for a fun and interactive experience.
Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies
Achieving the perfect sugar cookie requires a few simple tips. Start with softened butter for a smooth dough, and be careful not to overmix once you combine the dry ingredients. This helps maintain the cookies’ soft texture.
Chilling the dough before rolling can make it easier to handle and shape. Additionally, baking the cookies until they are just golden ensures they remain soft and chewy, perfect for decorating.
Serving and Enjoying Your Cookies
Once your cookies are decorated and beautifully arranged, it’s time to serve them. Presenting them on a rustic wooden platter not only showcases your hard work but also invites guests to indulge in these festive treats.
Pairing the cookies with a warm beverage, such as hot cocoa or spiced cider, can enhance the holiday experience. Sharing these cookies with loved ones creates lasting memories and adds to the joy of the season.
Storing Leftover Cookies
If you happen to have any cookies left after the festivities, proper storage is key to keeping them fresh. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness.
For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place the decorated cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. This way, you can enjoy your festive treats even after the holiday season has passed.
Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
This sugar cookie recipe yields soft, buttery cookies that are perfect for cutting into shapes and decorating. The preparation time is about 20 minutes, and the total baking time is around 10-12 minutes, making it a quick and enjoyable holiday activity.
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
- Royal icing or colored 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.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually blend in the dry ingredients 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, and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake: Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks before decorating.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 30-32 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 21g