It’s that time of year again, where the smell of freshly baked Christmas cookies fills the air. But are sugar cookies really worth all the effort? We’ve done the research and taste-testing for you, and we can confidently say that yes, Christmas sugar cookies are definitely worth it. So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s get baking!
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 butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, mixing until dough comes together.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes.
- Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on a wire rack 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: 7g
Protein: 2g
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheets
- Cooling rack
Serving Suggestions
These sugar cookies are perfect on their own, but you can also decorate them with your favorite frosting and toppings. Serve them with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa for the ultimate Christmas treat.
Variations
Get creative with your Christmas sugar cookies by adding different flavors and mix-ins. Here are a few ideas:
- Peppermint extract and crushed candy canes
- Lemon zest and poppy seeds
- Cinnamon and nutmeg
- Chocolate chips or M&Ms
Substitutions
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, here are some substitutions you can make:
- Replace unsalted butter with salted butter and omit salt
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla extract
- Substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour for a softer texture
Storage
Store your Christmas sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for best results
- Don’t overmix the dough or your cookies will be tough
- Flour your rolling pin and surface well to prevent sticking
- Chill your dough for 30 minutes before rolling and cutting for easier handling
Notes
This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters.
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. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and cutting.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. If you’re short on time, you can skip the chilling step, but your cookies may not turn out as well.
Christmas sugar cookies are a classic holiday treat for a reason. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and taste delicious. Whether you’re making them for a cookie exchange or just for your family, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So put on your favorite Christmas music, grab your rolling pin, and let the baking begin!