Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious sugar cookies? Whether you are looking to impress your guests or simply indulge in some festive treats, these best ever Christmas sugar cookies are the perfect choice. With a soft and chewy texture, a hint of vanilla, and a sprinkle of holiday cheer, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- Red and green food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- If desired, add a few drops of red and green food coloring to the dough and mix until evenly colored.
- Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of ¼ inch. Cut out shapes using your favorite cookie cutters.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate with icing, sprinkles, or any other festive toppings of your choice.
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Total fat: 6g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 70mg
Total Carbohydrates: 16g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 1g
Cooking Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
These best ever Christmas sugar cookies are perfect for any holiday gathering or cookie exchange. Serve them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a cozy winter treat.
Variations
If you want to mix things up, try adding some festive spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the dough. You can also swap out the vanilla extract for almond or peppermint extract for a different flavor.
Substitutions
If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter instead, but be sure to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe. You can also use margarine or shortening in place of the butter.
Storage
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months and bake as needed.
Tips
- Be sure to chill the dough before rolling it out to prevent it from sticking to your rolling pin.
- If you want your cookies to be extra soft and chewy, slightly underbake them by a minute or two.
- To make it easier to cut out the cookies, dip your cookie cutters in flour before using them.
Notes
This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to bake.
Yes! These cookies freeze well both before and after baking. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe can easily be doubled or even tripled to feed a larger crowd.
In Conclusion
These best ever Christmas sugar cookies are a must-try for anyone looking to add some festive cheer to their holiday season. With a soft and chewy texture, a hint of vanilla, and a sprinkle of holiday magic, these cookies are sure to become a new holiday tradition. So why not grab your cookie cutters and get baking today? Your taste buds will thank you!