Description
These Christmas Sugar Cookies are a festive holiday treat featuring a perfect balance of soft, tender centers and slightly crisp edges. Easy to make with simple pantry staples, they are ideal for decorating, gifting, or sharing during the holidays. Customizable with fun variations and perfect for family baking projects, these cookies bring warmth and joy to every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather and measure all ingredients. Let the butter soften to room temperature to ensure it blends smoothly with sugar.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air for tenderness.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring each is fully incorporated for moisture and flavor depth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm it up for easier rolling and to help cookies hold their shape.
- Roll and Cut: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut into desired Christmas shapes like stars, trees, and snowflakes.
- Bake to Perfection: Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating with icing, sprinkles, or edible decorations to enhance holiday cheer.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for smooth mixing and ideal texture.
- Do not overmix dough to prevent tough cookies.
- Chill dough properly to avoid spreading during baking.
- Roll dough to an even thickness for consistent baking.
- Remove cookies promptly when edges turn light golden to keep them soft.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg