These classic Christmas sugar cookies are a festive treat perfect for holiday celebrations. Soft, buttery, and easy to decorate, they are ideal for sharing with family and friends.
The recipe is simple and can be customized with various shapes and icing designs to suit your holiday spirit.
Festive Cookie Shapes
Christmas sugar cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering.
Their charming shapes, including stars, trees, and gingerbread men, bring a sense of joy and celebration to the table.
Each cookie can be a canvas for creativity, allowing bakers to express their festive spirit through unique designs.
Using cookie cutters, you can easily create a variety of shapes that appeal to both children and adults.
The process of cutting and decorating these cookies can become a fun family activity, making memories that last beyond the holiday season.
Colorful Icing and Decorations
The true magic of Christmas sugar cookies lies in their vibrant decorations.
Colorful icing and sprinkles transform plain cookies into festive treats that catch the eye.
From classic red and green to more whimsical colors, the options are endless.
Mixing powdered sugar with a splash of water or milk creates a smooth icing that can be tinted with food coloring.
This allows for personalized designs that can match your holiday theme, whether it’s traditional or modern.
Presentation Matters
How you present your decorated cookies can elevate the festive spirit of your gathering.
Arranging the cookies on a snowy white platter adds a touch of elegance and charm.
Surrounding the platter with holiday decorations, such as pinecones or ornaments, enhances the visual appeal.
Consider using tiered stands or decorative trays to create height and interest in your display.
This not only showcases the cookies beautifully but also invites guests to indulge in the sweet treats.
Sharing the Joy
Christmas sugar cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Baking a batch and packaging them in festive boxes or bags can make thoughtful gifts for neighbors or coworkers.
This simple gesture spreads holiday cheer and fosters connections within your community.
Hosting a cookie decorating party can also be a wonderful way to gather loved ones.
Everyone can contribute their own creative flair, resulting in a delightful assortment of cookies that reflect each person’s style.
Creating Lasting Memories
Making Christmas sugar cookies is more than just baking; it’s about creating lasting memories.
The laughter and joy shared during the decorating process can become cherished moments for years to come.
Whether it’s a quiet evening with family or a lively gathering with friends, these cookies are sure to bring smiles.
As you gather around the kitchen, the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, setting the stage for a heartwarming holiday experience.
These sweet treats not only satisfy the taste buds but also warm the heart, making them a beloved tradition in many households.
Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
This sugar cookie recipe yields soft and chewy cookies that can be cut into festive shapes and decorated with colorful icing. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and makes approximately 24 cookies.
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 cups powdered sugar for icing
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles for decoration (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.
- Roll and Cut: Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake: Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.
- Decorate: Once cooled, mix powdered sugar with a little water or milk to create icing. Add food coloring if desired and decorate cookies with icing and sprinkles.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g