The holiday season is here, and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious Christmas sugar cookies? These easy recipes require only a few ingredients, making them perfect for busy schedules or last-minute baking sessions. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want to enjoy a sweet treat with your family, these cookies are sure to please. So, let’s get into the spirit of the season and start baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Assorted sprinkles and decorations
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a disk.
- Wrap the disks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and decorate with sprinkles and decorations.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information:
Serving size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Total fat: 6g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 45mg
Total carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 1g
Cooking Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Baking time: 8-10 minutes per batch
Equipment:
- Large bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Serving Suggestions:
These Christmas sugar cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a fun activity to do with kids. Serve them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a festive treat.
Variations:
You can customize these cookies by using different cookie cutters or adding different flavors to the dough. Here are some ideas:
- Use holiday-themed cookie cutters, such as snowflakes, Christmas trees, or gingerbread men.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Replace the vanilla extract with peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for extra decadence.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, here are some substitutions you can make:
- Butter: You can use margarine or shortening instead of butter, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.
- Sugar: You can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer flavor.
- Egg: You can use a flax egg or applesauce instead of a regular egg if you’re vegan or allergic to eggs.
- Flour: You can use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour if you’re gluten intolerant.
Storage:
Store these Christmas sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to three months.
Tips:
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted before creaming it with the sugar.
- Chill the dough for at least one hour before rolling it out to prevent it from sticking to the rolling pin.
- Don’t roll the dough too thin or the cookies will be crisp instead of soft and chewy.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes:
This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters. You can easily double the recipe if you need more cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake the cookies, let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out.
Can I use store-bought frosting instead of decorations?
Yes, you can use store-bought frosting or icing to decorate these cookies. Just make sure it’s a thick consistency so it doesn’t run off the cookies.
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough after shaping it into disks. When you’re ready to bake the cookies, let the dough thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out and cutting into shapes.
Personal Thoughts:
These Christmas sugar cookies are a classic holiday treat that everyone loves. They’re easy to make, require only a few ingredients, and can be customized to suit your tastes. I especially love how soft and chewy they are, with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re baking them for a party or just for fun, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face. So, go ahead and give them a try – you won’t be disappointed!