Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe – Easy Holiday Baking

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe – Easy Holiday Baking

Hey everyone! Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with a batch of beautifully decorated sugar cookies? I remember making these with my grandmother every year – the kitchen always smelled amazing, and it was the most fun decorating them (and sneaking a few bites of dough, shhh!). This recipe is a classic, and I’m so excited to share it with you. It’s easier than you think, and the results are seriously impressive. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t just any sugar cookies. They’re perfectly soft, buttery, and hold their shape beautifully – which is crucial for decorating. Plus, they’re a blank canvas for your creativity! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, this recipe will guide you through each step. They’re perfect for gifting, sharing with loved ones, or just enjoying with a cozy cup of chai.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Christmas cookies:

• 2.75 cups (325g) all-purpose flour
• 1.25 cups (250g) granulated white sugar
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
• 0.5 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt
• 1 large egg
• 1.5 teaspoons (7.5ml) vanilla extract
• Red food coloring (as needed)
• Green food coloring (as needed)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a moment. A few little things can make a big difference!

• Unsalted Butter is Key: Seriously, use unsalted butter. It gives you control over the salt level and ensures the cookies aren’t overly salty. Make sure it’s properly softened – not melted – for the best texture.
• Vanilla Extract Quality: Don’t skimp on the vanilla! A good quality vanilla extract adds so much flavor. I prefer using pure vanilla extract, but imitation works in a pinch.
• Food Coloring Options: Gel food coloring is your best friend here. It’s more concentrated than liquid food coloring, so you’ll need less, and it won’t change the consistency of your icing. You can find a beautiful range of colors online or at most baking supply stores. Feel free to get creative with your colors – blue and silver make gorgeous winter cookies too!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. First, in a medium bowl, sift together the flour and salt. This helps to aerate the flour and ensures a lighter cookie. Set this aside for now.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 minutes with an electric mixer. Don’t rush this step – it’s important for creating a tender cookie.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Add it in three parts, mixing well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Once the dough comes together, form it into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or even overnight. This chilling time is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading during baking.
6. When you’re ready to bake, roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch (6mm) thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
7. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for another hour. This helps them hold their shape even better.
8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
9. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

Expert Tips

• Chilled Dough is Your Friend: I can’t stress this enough! Chilling the dough prevents spreading and makes it easier to work with.
• Parchment Paper is a Must: It prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and brittle. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are golden.

Variations

• Spice it Up: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warming, festive flavor. My aunt always adds a pinch of cardamom – it’s delicious!
• Chocolate Delight: Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the flour mixture for chocolate sugar cookies.
• Citrus Zest: Grate the zest of one orange or lemon into the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.

Vegan Adaptation

Want to make these cookies vegan? Simply substitute the butter with a vegan butter stick and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).

Gluten-Free Adaptation

For a gluten-free version, use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I recommend one that contains xanthan gum for best results.

Spice Level

While these cookies are traditionally unspiced, feel free to experiment! A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a tiny pinch of ginger can add a lovely warmth, especially during the colder months.

Festival Adaptations

These cookies aren’t just for Christmas!

• Diwali: Use diya (oil lamp), lotus, or peacock-shaped cookie cutters.
• Eid: Crescent moon and star shapes are perfect for Eid celebrations.
• Holi: Bright, vibrant colors and floral shapes will capture the spirit of Holi.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a glass of milk, a cup of hot chocolate, or a steaming mug of masala chai. They also make a beautiful addition to a festive dessert platter.

Storage Instructions

Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What is the best way to prevent sugar cookies from spreading while baking?

Chilling the dough is the most important thing! Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate.

Can I make the dough ahead of time and freeze it?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out.

What is the best consistency for royal icing?

You want a consistency that’s similar to toothpaste – it should hold its shape but still be smooth and spreadable.

How can I achieve clean lines when decorating with royal icing?

Use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip and practice your pressure. A steady hand and a little patience are key!

What are some creative alternatives to traditional red and green icing colors?

Try gold, silver, blue, purple, or even pastel shades. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun!