๐ Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe (Soft, Buttery & Perfect for Decorating)
These Christmas sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating. A festive, easy-to-make holiday cookie recipe that’s great for parties, gifting, or baking with kids!
Nothing says holiday joy like baking and decorating a batch of classic Christmas sugar cookies! This easy, foolproof recipe creates soft, buttery cookies that hold their shape — perfect for cut-outs and decorating with royal icing or sprinkles.
Ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, family baking days, or edible gifts, these cookies are festive, fun, and delicious every time.
⭐ Why You’ll Love These Christmas Sugar Cookies
- ๐ช Soft, buttery texture with golden edges
- ๐ Perfect for cutting, shaping, and decorating
- ๐ง Holds its shape — no spreading
- ❄️ Freezer-friendly for make-ahead baking
- ๐จ๐ฉ๐ง๐ฆ Great for baking with kids
๐ Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional, for festive flavor)
- 2 ¾ cups (330g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
For Decorating (optional):
- Royal icing or sugar glaze
- Holiday sprinkles
- Colored sanding sugar
๐ฉ๐ณ How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies
✅ Step 1: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
✅ Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until combined.
✅ Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
✅ Step 4: Chill Dough
Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, and wrap in plastic. Chill for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
✅ Step 5: Roll & Cut
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough on a floured surface to ¼ inch thick. Cut into holiday shapes using cookie cutters.
✅ Step 6: Bake
Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are just lightly golden.
✅ Step 7: Cool & Decorate
Cool cookies completely on a wire rack before decorating with icing and sprinkles.
๐จ Decorating Tips
- Use royal icing for clean, detailed designs
- For easier decorating, use piping bags with small round tips
- Let icing dry completely before stacking or storing
- Mix up your shapes: stars, trees, snowflakes, stockings!
๐ง Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temp: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week
- Freezer (Baked): Freeze cookies (undecorated) for up to 3 months
- Freezer (Dough): Freeze cookie dough discs for up to 2 months — thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling
✅ Pro Tips for Perfect Holiday Sugar Cookies
- Chill dough for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading
- Roll dough evenly for uniform baking
- Don’t overbake — cookies should be pale with lightly golden bottoms
- Decorate only when cookies are fully cooled
๐ FAQ – Christmas Sugar Cookies
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Chill the dough well for easier handling.
Q: What’s the best icing for decorating?
Royal icing is best for detailed designs. A simple sugar glaze works well for quick decorating.
Q: Can I skip almond extract?
Yes, but it adds a lovely festive flavor. You can also substitute with lemon or orange zest.
๐ Save & Share This Recipe
Baking for the holidays? Save this Christmas sugar cookies recipe to your Pinterest holiday board, or tag your decorated cookies on Instagram with #FestiveSugarCookies ๐๐ช✨
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