Christmas Sugar Cookies – Easy Recipe for Holiday Cheer

Christmas is the season of giving, festive cheer, and, of course, delicious treats! One of the most iconic and beloved cookies of the holiday season is the Christmas Sugar Cookie. With their soft, chewy texture, festive sprinkles, and cream cheese frosting, these cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this Christmas Sugar Cookies recipe will bring joy and sweetness to your celebrations.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Sugar Cookies

These Christmas Sugar Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re an experience! The soft, buttery dough pairs perfectly with a light, slightly tangy cream cheese frosting. The addition of red and green holiday sprinkles brings a pop of color and festive flair, making these cookies ideal for any holiday gathering. Plus, the recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, so even novice bakers can achieve perfect results. Whether you’re baking with family or preparing for a cookie exchange, these cookies are sure to impress.

Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape while remaining soft and tender.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough, creating that signature sugary crunch when you bite into them.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a fluffy, soft texture.
• Butter: The key to a rich, creamy flavor and soft texture. Room-temperature butter is best for easy mixing.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help with the cookie’s structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Cream Cheese: Used in the frosting, it gives the topping a tangy sweetness and smooth texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting while giving it a creamy consistency.
• Holiday Sprinkles: For decoration, adding a festive touch with red and green sprinkles.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking for alternatives due to dietary preferences or what you have on hand, here are some ideas:

• Gluten-Free Flour: Swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend to make the cookies gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Butter: For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter substitute.
• Non-Dairy Cream Cheese: Use dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting if you’re avoiding dairy.
• Egg Substitute: Replace eggs with a flaxseed egg or a commercial egg replacer if you’re baking vegan.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies bake evenly without sticking.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step helps create a soft, tender cookie.
4. Add the wet ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, ensuring everything is fully incorporated.
5. Combine the dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Roll out the dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Flatten the dough balls: Gently press down on each dough ball with the back of a glass or your fingers to flatten them slightly. This helps them spread evenly during baking.
8. Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Be sure not to overbake to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Frost the cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on each cookie and sprinkle with holiday sprinkles.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

• Chill the dough: If you’re short on time, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Frosting consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a little bit of milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar to thicken it.
• Even baking: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time to ensure even heat distribution, especially if you’re baking multiple sheets at once.
• Make-ahead tip: You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it for longer storage. Just be sure to let it thaw before rolling and baking.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

These Christmas Sugar Cookies are delicious on their own, but they can be enhanced with a few creative variations:

• Add flavoring: Try adding a dash of cinnamon or almond extract to the dough for extra flavor.
• Top with candy: Instead of sprinkles, top the cookies with crushed candy canes for a minty twist.
• Dip in chocolate: After frosting, dip the edges of each cookie in melted chocolate for a decadent touch.
• Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your frosting is dairy-free for a delicious gluten-free option.

Seasonal Appeal of Christmas Sugar Cookies

Christmas Sugar Cookies are not just about great flavor—they carry the spirit of the holiday season. Whether you’re baking with family, sharing with friends, or packaging them as a gift, these cookies add an extra layer of warmth and festive cheer to any gathering. The creamy frosting and colorful sprinkles make them visually appealing, while their melt-in-your-mouth texture ensures they’re loved by everyone who takes a bite.

Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or as a sweet treat to leave out for Santa, these cookies bring joy and are bound to be a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Christmas Sugar Cookies are a perfect blend of festive flavors and holiday cheer. Their soft, chewy texture paired with the creamy, tangy frosting makes them a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or just to share with family and friends, these cookies will be a favorite for years to come. Simple to make and packed with seasonal joy, they are a must-try for any Christmas celebration. So, don’t wait—get baking and enjoy the magic of the season with these irresistible Christmas Sugar Cookies!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

More Relevant Recipes

• Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars: These delightful sugar cookie bars are a sweet twist on traditional Christmas sugar cookies, featuring a chewy base with a rich strawberry flavor and topped with a smooth frosting. Perfect for those who love sugar cookies but prefer a bar-style dessert!
• Peach Crumble Bars: If you’re a fan of fruity desserts, these peach crumble bars offer a warm, comforting treat with a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors. The buttery crumble topping adds the right crunch, much like the sprinkles on the Christmas Sugar Cookies!
• Lemon Cream Cheese Bread: For those who love cream cheese in their baked goods, this lemon cream cheese bread is a perfect pairing. Its moist texture, bright citrus flavor, and tangy cream cheese swirl bring a similar indulgence and festive feel as Christmas sugar cookies, but in a loaf form.

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