Ah, the magic of the holiday season! There’s just something so heartwarming about making Christmas Sugar Cookie Ornaments. I can still remember the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through my childhood home, as my family gathered around the kitchen table, rolling out dough and cutting out festive shapes. These cookies aren’t just a treat; they become a cherished tradition, bringing everyone together to create something beautiful. Decorating each cookie with icing and sprinkles is where the real fun begins, and I love seeing the unique designs that come to life. Trust me, every moment spent baking these delightful ornaments is a joyful memory in the making. So, grab your apron, and let’s get into the holiday spirit with these scrumptious cookies!
Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookie Ornaments
To whip up these festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Ornaments, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – this will give your cookies the perfect structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – a must for that lovely rise!
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – it adds a little extra fluffiness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – trust me, this is key for that rich flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar – for the sweetness that makes holiday cookies so special.
- 1 egg – it binds everything together perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – a classic flavor that elevates your cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract – this adds a delightful touch of warmth.
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk – just enough to get your dough to the right consistency.
- Royal icing for decoration – because what’s an ornament without some sparkle?
How to Prepare Christmas Sugar Cookie Ornaments
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). This step is super important because a hot oven helps your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden edge. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Mix these dry ingredients well with a whisk or spoon. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is key for that fluffy texture we all love!
Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, it’s time to cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that light and tender bite. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer to make this easier.
Add Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract. These ingredients are the flavor powerhouses that make your cookies sing! Mix until everything is well combined, and you’ll start to smell that holiday magic!
Form the Dough
Now, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. If the dough feels a bit dry, add 3 to 4 tablespoons of milk to reach the right consistency. You want it to be soft but not sticky; this will make rolling out so much easier!
Cut and Shape Cookies
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out festive ornament shapes. Remember, the thickness matters; too thin, and they’ll burn, too thick, and they won’t bake properly. Aim for that sweet spot!
Baking Instructions
Place your cookie shapes on ungreased cookie sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them—when the edges are just starting to turn golden, they’re ready! They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Cooling and Decorating
Let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating them with royal icing. This is crucial! If they’re warm, the icing will melt and create a gooey mess. Once cooled, unleash your creativity with all the icing and sprinkles!
Tips for Success with Christmas Sugar Cookie Ornaments
To ensure your Christmas Sugar Cookie Ornaments turn out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips! First, when rolling out the dough, aim for a consistent thickness of about 1/4 inch—this helps them bake evenly. Don’t forget to chill the dough for about 30 minutes if it’s too soft; this makes it easier to handle and keeps the shapes intact. For decorating, use a piping bag for precise icing designs, and feel free to experiment with food coloring to make your ornaments pop! Finally, let the royal icing dry completely before stacking or storing your cookies to keep them looking beautiful.
Nutritional Information
These delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Ornaments are a treat to enjoy, and here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional data per cookie: about 150 calories, 7g of fat, 2g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on your ingredients and portion sizes, but they’re definitely worth the indulgence!
FAQ Section
Can I use different extracts for flavoring?
Absolutely! While I love the classic combo of vanilla and almond extracts, feel free to experiment with other flavors like lemon or peppermint for a fun twist on your Christmas Sugar Cookie Ornaments.
How should I store my cookies?
Store your decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you have un-decorated cookies, they can last even longer!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
What if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels sticky, don’t hesitate to add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve that perfect consistency for rolling out.
How can I make the icing harden faster?
To speed up the drying process of your royal icing, try placing your decorated cookies in a cool, dry area, but avoid direct sunlight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make, even for beginner bakers!
- Completely customizable—decorate with your favorite colors and designs.
- Perfect as heartfelt holiday gifts or festive treats to share.
- A fun activity for kids—let them unleash their creativity!
- These cookies fill your home with that irresistible holiday aroma.
For more festive ideas, check out this collection of Christmas cookies!
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookie Ornaments: 7 Joyful Memories to Bake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and festive sugar cookies shaped as ornaments.
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 milk
- Royal icing for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Gradually add flour mixture to the creamed mixture.
- Add milk to achieve desired dough consistency.
- Roll out dough and cut into ornament shapes.
- Place on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Cool and decorate with royal icing.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use food coloring for icing decorations.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating.
- Prep Time: 30 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: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas Sugar Cookie Ornaments