If you’re anything like me, the holidays just aren’t complete without a batch of beautifully decorated sugar cookies. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this **Christmas Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe** with you—it’s easy, festive, and makes for the perfect sweet treat that everyone loves. Trust me, once you try these, your Christmas cookie game will be on point, and you might just find yourself baking them all season long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Dough: You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this dough without any chilling time, perfect for last-minute holiday baking.
- Perfectly Spiced: A touch of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg adds that warm, cozy flavor that makes these cookies irresistibly festive.
- Smooth, Glossy Icing: The meringue powder in the icing gives it a beautiful sheen and the perfect consistency for decorating or simple drizzling.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Decorating these cookies is a great way to get the family involved in holiday traditions—you’ll cherish the memories as much as the cookies!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Christmas Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe plays a key role in flavor and texture. I always pick fresh spices and good quality butter because they really shine through in this simple dough.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your cookies; make sure it’s fresh for the best texture.
- Baking powder: Adds the slight lift that keeps these cookies tender.
- Cinnamon: Gives a cozy holiday warmth that’s subtle but essential.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Ginger: Adds a little festive zing without overpowering.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch for that wonderful seasonal touch.
- Salted butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming; it gives the dough richness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps the cookies crisp just right on the edges.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel depth.
- Large egg: Binds everything and adds tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates all those flavors with its sweet aroma.
- Powdered sugar: For the icing’s smooth, sweet finish.
- Meringue powder: A little magic that helps the icing set hard but stay glossy.
- Water: To thin the icing to the perfect consistency.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Christmas Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your tastes. I often experiment with flavors and decorations, and it always turns out fabulous.
- Spice it up: I once added a little ground cardamom for an exotic twist—it brought a lovely unique flair without overpowering the classic cookie taste.
- Gluten-free version: Swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend works well, just add a teaspoon of xanthan gum for texture.
- Vegan option: Use a plant-based butter and egg replacer—though the texture changes slightly, it’s delightful and allergy-friendly.
- Colorful icing: Use food gel colors to brighten up the icing; my kids love creating rainbow-themed cookies every year!
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe
Step 1: Mix your dry ingredients with care
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg. This blend is what gives the cookies that unmistakable holiday warmth, so give it a good mix to evenly distribute all those amazing flavors.
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars until fluffy
Using your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter with the granulated and brown sugar until it’s smooth and creamy—usually about 3 minutes. I love how this step creates a buttery sweetness that’s so important for the perfect texture.
Step 3: Add egg and vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. This brings the dough together and adds that lovely scent that’s synonymous with holiday baking. I always make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything’s well incorporated.
Step 4: Combine dry and wet ingredients gently
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet, mixing just until combined. Don’t overdo it here; overmixing can make the cookies tough, and trust me—I learned that the hard way. As soon as the flour disappears, stop mixing and transfer the dough onto a floured surface.
Step 5: Roll out and cut your cookies
Roll the dough to about a quarter-inch thickness. I find that this thickness is just right—not too thin so the cookies don’t dry out, and not too thick so they bake evenly. Use your favorite holiday cookie cutters to make all the classic shapes, then transfer them carefully onto your baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Step 6: Bake and cool cookies like a pro
Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly set. Take them out and let them cool on the sheet for 5 to 8 minutes—the cookies will firm up nicely without breaking—and then slide them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here pays off because frosting warm cookies will turn your icing into a sticky mess.
Step 7: Whip up the perfect icing
Combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, vanilla, and a pinch of salt in your mixer bowl. Then, slowly add water while mixing on medium-high for about 4 to 5 minutes—that’s when the icing gets smooth, shiny, and the perfect consistency for decorating or simple spreading. I love how this icing sets up hard without cracking, making little works of art!
Step 8: Decorate and enjoy!
Fill a piping bag with the icing (cut off the tip for a small hole), and let your creativity flow. You can outline and flood the cookies or keep it simple with swirls and dots. I always let the kids join in on decorating—it’s a messy joy that always brings us closer together in the kitchen.
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing just until combined keeps your cookies tender and prevents them from becoming tough or crumbly.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: This makes creaming faster and smoother, helping sugar and butter blend perfectly for light, fluffy dough.
- Chill the Cut Cookies if Warm: If your kitchen is warm or your dough softens, pop the cut cookies in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking to keep shapes crisp.
- Avoid Icing Warm Cookies: Let your cookies cool completely, or your icing will melt and slide off.
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top these cookies off with sprinkles or edible glitter for that extra holiday sparkle. Sometimes, I mix small bits of crushed peppermint candy into the icing—adds a nice crunch and festive aroma that really sets these cookies apart. Plus, kids adore decorating with colorful candies and sanding sugar, which makes serving them even more fun.
Side Dishes
Pair your Christmas Sugar Cookies with a warm cup of cocoa or spiced apple cider to cozy up on chilly nights. I also love serving them alongside a cheese board with nuts and dried fruit during holiday gatherings — it’s a great mix of sweet and savory delights.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving or parties, I arrange these cookies in clear treat bags tied with festive ribbons or stack them in decorative tins with parchment layers between each cookie. Another fun presentation tip: make a cookie platter with various shapes and colors arranged like a Christmas wreath — it always wows guests and doubles as a centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature—they stay fresh and soft for up to a week. If you want to keep the icing perfect, I layer cookies with parchment paper so they don’t stick together. This method helped me preserve decorated cookies perfectly for holiday parties.
Freezing
Freezing baked cookies is totally doable! I freeze undecorated, cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-friendly container. When you’re ready, thaw them at room temperature and ice fresh. This trick saves me loads of time during busy holiday weeks.
Reheating
Reheating these cookies isn’t usually necessary, but if you want that fresh-from-the-oven feel, pop a few in your oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes. Just watch closely so they don’t dry out or get too crisp. I never microwave them because it changes the texture and softens the icing. Trust me, the oven method works best!
FAQs
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Can I make the dough ahead of time for this Christmas Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe doesn’t require chilling, you can make the dough a day or two ahead and keep it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. When ready, roll and cut the cookies as usual. Just let the dough sit out for a few minutes if it’s too firm before rolling.
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What’s the best way to achieve smooth icing for decorating?
Whisk the icing ingredients thoroughly, especially with meringue powder and powdered sugar, and add water slowly until you get a smooth, flowy consistency. Using a stand mixer for 4-5 minutes really helps develop that silky texture which makes decorating easier and prettier.
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How long do decorated Christmas sugar cookies last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies keep well for about 7 days. If kept properly layered with parchment, the icing stays intact and the cookies remain soft and delicious.
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Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter in the recipe?
You definitely can. Just add about a quarter teaspoon of salt to the dry ingredients to balance flavors. Using salted butter simplifies the process, but unsalted works just as well if you adjust accordingly.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Christmas Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe turns out every single time—it’s become a holiday staple in my kitchen and a sweet tradition my family looks forward to. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies are forgiving, fun, and totally delicious. So go ahead, gather your cookie cutters, crank up the holiday tunes, and bake some magic with these festive cookies. You won’t regret it, and your loved ones will thank you for the joy and sweetness you bring to the season!
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 28 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies with Icing are a festive and flavorful treat perfect for holiday celebrations. Soft, buttery cookies spiced with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla are topped with a smooth, sweet royal icing that’s perfect for decorating. The recipe is straightforward and uses common ingredients, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels who want to create beautiful, delicious holiday cookies quickly and easily.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 ¾ cups all purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ⅔ cup salted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Icing
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon meringue powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 5 tablespoons + 1 ½ teaspoons water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set it aside for later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg. Stir these together well and set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature salted butter with the granulated and brown sugars on medium-high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take a few minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixer bowl and mix just until the dough comes together. Avoid over-mixing to prevent a crumbly texture.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Immediately transfer the dough onto a clean, floured surface. Roll out the dough to a thickness of ¼ inch. Use cookie cutters to cut out as many shapes as possible. Gather any scraps, reroll, and repeat until all dough is used.
- Bake Cookies: Place the cut cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake on the center rack in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the edges are set but cookies are still soft.
- Cool Cookies on Sheet: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 8 minutes so they firm up slightly.
- Transfer to Cooling Rack: Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Bake Remaining Cookies: Repeat the baking and cooling process with the remaining dough cutouts.
- Prepare Icing: Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, combine the powdered sugar, meringue powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
- Add Water and Whisk: While the mixer runs, gradually add 5 tablespoons plus 1½ teaspoons of water. Whisk for 4 to 5 minutes until the icing is smooth and glossy.
- Prepare for Decorating: Spoon the icing into a piping bag and snip a small hole at the tip to pipe or decorate your cooled cookies as desired.
Notes
- Cookies may be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days to maintain freshness.
- Silicone baking mats can be used as a reusable alternative to parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Mix cookie dough only until just combined after adding the dry ingredients to avoid tough or crumbly cookies caused by overdeveloped gluten.
- If using unsalted butter instead of salted butter, add a heaping ¼ teaspoon salt to the dough to balance flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approximate)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
