Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

Nothing quite says holiday cheer like a batch of homemade cookies fresh out of the oven. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with you! These cookies are not only super simple to make, but they also come out beautifully soft, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet — perfect for decorating or enjoying as-is with a cup of cocoa. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a centerpiece of your festive baking traditions.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Believe it or not, the magic happens with simple, classic pantry staples. I always recommend using room temperature butter because it creams better, giving your cookies that perfect light texture. Also, don’t skip the cornstarch—it’s a little trick I discovered that makes these cookies extra tender.

• All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough—the right balance of protein ensures a tender yet sturdy cookie.
• Cornstarch: Adds softness and helps prevent a tough cookie, which is something I didn’t always consider before with sugar cookies.
• Baking soda: Just a teeny bit to give a little lift without puffing them up too much.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted allows you to control the saltiness; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slight crisp on the edges when baked.
• Egg: Binds everything together and gives a lovely chew.
• Vanilla extract: Pretty much non-negotiable—it brings warmth and familiar flavor to these cookies.
• Almond extract: Just a splash for a subtle, festive nuttiness that really makes these cookies special.
• Red and green sanding sugar: For that classic Christmas sparkle and crunch to roll your cookies in before baking!

Variations

I love switching things up sometimes, especially around the holidays when you want to get creative. This Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe is versatile enough to let you personalize it, from flavors to decorating styles—so go ahead and make it your own!

• Flavor Swap: I once swapped out almond extract for a touch of peppermint extract and it turned out delightfully festive.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend if you want to make these for a friend with dietary restrictions—just keep in mind the dough might be slightly softer.
• Decorations: Instead of sanding sugars, try dipping the bottoms in melted chocolate or using royal icing for fun designs.

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. This is a crucial step because mixing your dry ingredients evenly ensures every cookie has the perfect balance of flavor and texture. I like to sift these together to avoid lumps, but a good whisk works just as well.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

This part is so satisfying — beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer for about a minute until it’s light and fluffy. This aeration makes a huge difference in the final crumb. Then, add the egg along with vanilla and almond extracts and mix for another 30 seconds until everything is combined.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Add your dry ingredients slowly to the wet mixture, stirring on low speed or folding gently with a spatula. This avoids overmixing, which can toughen the cookies. You’ll notice the dough comes together smoothly without being too sticky.

Step 4: Shape and Sugar Coat

Here’s where the fun starts! Scoop dough balls (I use about 3 tablespoons per cookie for nice sized treats, but smaller works too) and roll them in red or green sanding sugar for that festive sparkle. Placing them at least 2 inches apart on a silicone-lined baking sheet is important, so they don’t spread into each other while baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350ºF for 12-14 minutes depending on the size. I learned the hard way that smaller cookies need less time, or else they crisp up too much. When they’re just set with slightly golden edges, they’re done. Let them cool, and they’ll be tender and perfect!

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love rolling these cookies in red and green sanding sugar for a classic look that’s festive and adds just the right bit of crunch. Sometimes I sprinkle a little edible glitter or use simple royal icing decorations for kids—it turns into a fun holiday activity for us around the kitchen island.

Side Dishes

These cookies are great on their own, but pairing them with a mug of hot chocolate or a warm spiced cider takes things up a notch. During gatherings, I also serve them alongside fruitcake or a cheese board for a nice balance of sweet and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

For making a gift or party platter look special, I arrange these sugar cookies on decorative trays lined with festive paper, and tie them into bundles using clear cellophane and a colorful ribbon. You can also stack them with parchment between layers to keep them crisp.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for about 4 days—which rarely lasts that long in my house! If you want to keep them a bit longer, you can add a slice of bread in the container to keep them moist.

Freezing

I often freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Just scoop and roll them in sugar, then lay them flat on a tray to freeze before transferring to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen by adding a couple of minutes to the baking time. This always comes in handy when the holiday rush hits!

Reheating

If you want to warm up leftover cookies, I pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This revives their soft, buttery texture and makes them taste freshly baked again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s simple, reliable, and just plain delicious, which makes holiday baking less stressful and a lot more fun. Whether you’re making a batch for family, friends, or yourself, these cookies always bring a little extra magic to the season. Give them a try—you’ll be making them year after year, just like I do!

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