Introduction
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious Christmas sugar cookies? Unfortunately, many popular brands have discontinued their easy sugar cookie mixes, leaving home bakers in a bit of a bind. But fear not! We’ve got a recipe that’s just as simple and tasty as those boxed mixes, so you can keep your holiday baking traditions alive.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Assorted holiday sprinkles or sanding sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two or three batches, mixing well after each addition.
- If using, pour some holiday sprinkles or sanding sugar into a small bowl.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then roll each ball in the sprinkles/sugar.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or measuring cup.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 110
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 23mg
Sodium: 43mg
Total Carbohydrates: 13g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 1g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
These festive sugar cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just enjoying with a glass of milk or hot cocoa. Serve them on a platter with other holiday treats for a delicious and visually stunning spread.
Variations
For a twist on the classic sugar cookie, try adding some spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. You could also mix in some chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips to switch things up. And of course, feel free to use different shapes of cookie cutters to make these cookies even more festive.
Substitutions
If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter and omit the additional salt in the recipe. You could also use margarine or shortening if you prefer. If you don’t have granulated sugar, you could try using brown sugar, but keep in mind that the cookies will have a slightly different texture and flavor.
Storage
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough or baked cookies for longer storage. To freeze the dough, shape it into balls and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to three months. To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months.
Tips
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, or it could affect the texture of the cookies.
- Don’t overmix the dough or your cookies could be tough.
- If your sprinkles or sanding sugar aren’t sticking to the dough, try pressing them in a bit harder or brushing the dough with a little bit of egg white before rolling.
- If you want your cookies to be a bit thicker, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping and baking.
Notes
This recipe makes about 3 dozen cookies, depending on the size of your balls. You can easily double or halve the recipe if you need to make more or fewer cookies. And don’t forget to have fun with the decorations – let your creativity shine!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter if you prefer. Just make sure it’s softened and not melted.
Do I have to use sprinkles?
No, you don’t have to use sprinkles if you don’t want to. You could use sanding sugar, colored sugar, or leave them plain.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to three months. Shape it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.
Personal Thoughts
As someone who loves to bake, I was disappointed when I found out that my favorite brand of easy sugar cookie mix had been discontinued. But after trying out this recipe, I can confidently say that it’s just as good (if not better!) than the boxed mix. The cookies are soft and buttery with a hint of vanilla, and the holiday sprinkles add just the right amount of festive cheer. Plus, they’re super easy to make, so I can whip up a batch whenever the mood strikes. I highly recommend giving these cookies a try – you won’t be disappointed!