There’s just something magical about the smell of fresh-baked Christmas sugar cookies wafting through the house, isn’t there? I remember as a kid, my family and I would gather in the kitchen, laughter filling the air as we rolled out the dough and cut out festive shapes. The joy of decorating each cookie with colorful icing and sprinkles was always the highlight! These delightful Christmas sugar cookies are not just about taste; they’re about creating memories. With their buttery, sweet flavor and hints of vanilla and almond, they truly capture the spirit of the season. Trust me, you’re going to love making these!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these festive Christmas sugar cookies. I promise, it’s all pretty straightforward!
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – Make sure it’s spooned and leveled for accuracy!
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – This helps the cookies rise just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – For that perfect fluffiness!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Let it sit at room temperature to get nice and creamy.
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar – This is where the sweetness comes from!
- 1 egg – A large one works best for binding everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Because who doesn’t love that warm, sweet flavor?
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract – It adds a lovely depth of flavor; trust me on this one!
- 3 to 4 tablespoons sugar for decoration – Sprinkle this on top before baking for that extra sparkle!
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to creating those delightful Christmas sugar cookies everyone will be raving about!
How to Prepare Christmas Sugar Cookies
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making these Christmas sugar cookies! Follow me step by step, and I promise you’ll have a delightful batch in no time.
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect golden color!
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Now, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and white sugar until it’s smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. This is where the magic happens—your dough will start smelling heavenly!
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture. Don’t rush this part; mixing them in slowly helps create a smooth dough.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place them on ungreased cookie sheets. Give them some space because they’ll spread out a little while baking!
- Flatten each ball gently with the bottom of a glass, and sprinkle them with 3 to 4 tablespoons of sugar for that extra sparkle.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until they turn a lovely golden color around the edges. Ooh, the smell will be irresistible!
- Once baked, let them cool on wire racks. This allows them to firm up a bit, making them easier to decorate later.
And there you have it! You’re just a few steps away from enjoying these festive treats. Can’t wait for you to taste them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Christmas sugar cookies are an absolute delight, and I think you’ll find a ton of reasons to love making them! Here’s why they’re such a hit:
- Quick prep time – You can whip up a batch in just about 20 minutes. Perfect for those busy holiday moments!
- Festive and fun – Baking these cookies is not just about the end result; it’s about creating joyful memories in the kitchen with loved ones.
- Perfect for decorating – The flat surfaces are a blank canvas for your creativity! Get out the icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter and let your imagination run wild!
- Great for sharing with friends and family – These cookies make lovely gifts! Package them up in pretty boxes or tins, and you’ll spread holiday cheer wherever they go.
Trust me, once you start baking these cookies, you’ll be hooked on the process and the taste!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your Christmas sugar cookies turn out absolutely perfect? I’ve got some trusty tips to help you achieve cookie bliss!
- Check your butter: Make sure your unsalted butter is truly softened, not melted. This gives the cookies that nice, chewy texture. Leave it out for about an hour before you start.
- Dough consistency: The dough should be soft but not too sticky. If it feels too wet, add a tiny bit more flour, but be careful not to overdo it! You want that delightful melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Chill if needed: If you find the dough is too soft to roll into balls easily, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps with shaping and prevents spreading too much while baking.
- Baking times: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake! Every oven is a little different. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center; they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Creative decorating: When it comes to decorating, don’t hold back! Use royal icing for detailed designs or just sprinkle colored sugar on top for a quick festive touch. The more colorful, the better!
- Storage tips: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’re stacking them, place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
With these tips under your belt, you’ll be on your way to making the tastiest, most beautiful Christmas sugar cookies! Enjoy the process and happy baking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up with your Christmas sugar cookies, I’ve got some fun variations for you to try! They’re super easy and will give your cookies a unique twist that’s sure to impress.
- Different extracts: While almond extract is fantastic, you can mix it up with other flavors! Try using peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday twist or orange extract for a zesty kick. Just a teaspoon can make a big difference!
- Colored sugars: Get festive with your sugar sprinkles! Use red and green colored sugars for a classic Christmas look, or even go for gold and silver for a more elegant touch. They add a delightful crunch and pop of color!
- Themed decorations: Have fun with cookie cutters! Instead of traditional shapes, try using gingerbread men, stars, or Christmas trees. You can even use holiday-themed cookie stencils to create beautiful designs with frosting.
- Chocolate chip addition: If you love chocolate, toss in some mini chocolate chips into the dough for a sweet surprise. They melt slightly, creating gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite!
- Sprinkle surprise: Add a touch of fun by stuffing the cookies with festive sprinkles right before baking. They’ll melt and create a colorful surprise when you take a bite!
- Gluten-free option: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a good gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for that perfect texture!
These variations are not just a way to mix things up; they also let you express your creativity in the kitchen! So, go ahead and try them out—each batch will be a delightful surprise!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve baked a scrumptious batch of Christmas sugar cookies, let’s talk about how to keep them fresh and tasty! Storing them properly is key to enjoying them for days to come.
To store your leftover cookies, simply place them in an airtight container. This is super important because it helps keep them soft and chewy, just the way we love them! You can layer the cookies with parchment paper in between to prevent them from sticking together. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about a week—if they last that long!
If you find yourself with a mountain of cookies (lucky you!), you can also freeze them. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before wrapping each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for a bit. No need to reheat unless you want that warm, fresh-baked feel again!
And if you do decide to reheat them, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the cookies on a baking sheet, and warm them for about 5 minutes. This will bring back their delightful softness and aroma—oh, it’s heavenly! Enjoy your festive treats, and happy snacking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of these delicious Christmas sugar cookies! Keep in mind that the nutrition facts can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates. Here’s what you can expect per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Remember, while we love these cookies for their festive joy, it’s always good to enjoy them in moderation. Happy baking and indulging!
FAQ Section
I know you might have some questions about making these delightful Christmas sugar cookies, so let’s tackle a few common ones that pop up!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Freezing the cookie dough is a great way to save time. Just roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, you can pop them straight from the freezer into the oven—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
How do I make the cookies softer?
If you’re aiming for softer cookies, there are a couple of tricks you can try! First, don’t overbake them—take them out when they’re just golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Also, adding a little extra butter or even a tablespoon of cream cheese can help keep them tender. And remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool!
What can I use instead of almond extract?
No worries if you don’t have almond extract on hand! You can easily swap it with an equal amount of vanilla extract for a classic flavor, or try peppermint extract for a festive twist. Just be mindful of the strength; peppermint can be quite potent, so a little goes a long way!
Got more questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m here to help you bake the best Christmas sugar cookies ever!
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookies: 7 Tips for Perfect Baking
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and festive sugar cookies perfect for Christmas.
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
- 3 to 4 tablespoons sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass, and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden.
- Cool on wire racks.
Notes
- Use cookie cutters for festive shapes.
- Decorate with icing or sprinkles.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Christmas sugar cookies