The Best Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

Nothing says Christmas like the sweet aroma of freshly baked sugar cookies wafting through the house. These cookies are perfect for decorating with festive colors and shapes, making them a delightful activity for the entire family. Whether you’re a baking pro or a first-timer, this recipe will help you create soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet Christmas sugar cookies that everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Icing:

• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Preparing the Cookies:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes, then place them on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
7. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorating the Cookies:

1. Prepare the Icing: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and extract of choice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk (for thinner icing) or powdered sugar (for thicker icing).
2. Add Color: Divide the icing into small bowls and add food coloring as desired.
3. Decorate: Use piping bags or a small spoon to decorate the cooled cookies. Let the icing set before stacking or storing.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but taste just as delicious a day or two later. Pair them with a glass of milk or a mug of hot cocoa for the perfect holiday treat.
• Storage: Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Decorated cookies can also be stored, but place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

2. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading during baking?

Chilling the dough is crucial. Ensure your dough is cold and work quickly to avoid warming it up before baking.

3. Can I skip the almond extract?

Absolutely. If you’re not a fan of almond extract, simply omit it or replace it with additional vanilla extract.

4. What’s the best way to pipe icing?

For precision, use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, a plastic sandwich bag with a small corner snipped off works well too.

These Christmas sugar cookies are sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Happy baking!

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