It’s that time of year again when we gather with family and friends to celebrate the holiday season. And what better way to do that than with delicious Christmas sugar cookies that are decorated in festive and fun ways. In this article, we’ll show you some creative ideas for decorating your sugar cookies that will make them stand out at any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and wrap each in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut out your desired shapes using cookie cutters.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely before decorating.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 2g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 32 minutes
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Mixing spoon or electric mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Icing bags and tips (optional)
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas sugar cookies are perfect for any holiday gathering or cookie exchange. Serve them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a classic holiday treat.
Variations
There are endless possibilities when it comes to decorating Christmas sugar cookies. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Royal icing in various colors and designs
- Sprinkles and edible glitter
- Candy canes, M&M’s, and other festive candies
- Piping designs with melted chocolate
Substitutions
If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter but omit the additional salt in the recipe. You can also substitute 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of cake flour for a lighter texture.
Storage
These Christmas sugar cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature before beginning the recipe.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour to make it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
- Don’t overwork the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Let the cookies cool completely before decorating to prevent the icing from melting.
Notes
If you’re using royal icing to decorate your cookies, make sure to let each color dry completely before adding additional colors or designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out and cutting into shapes.
You can use a glass or cup to cut out circles, or simply cut the dough into squares or rectangles with a knife.
These Christmas sugar cookies are a staple in my family during the holiday season. There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies and the joy of decorating them with loved ones. I love how versatile this recipe is and how easy it is to customize with different decorations and flavors. I encourage everyone to give this recipe a try and create their own unique and delicious Christmas sugar cookies!