Introduction
It’s that time of year again – the holidays are here and it’s time to start baking! If you’re looking for a fun and unique twist on the classic sugar cookie, look no further than these easy Christmas sugar cookies. With simple ingredients and instructions, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (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 the eggs 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 ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- If desired, add food coloring to the dough and mix until the color is even.
- Roll the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand, then sprinkle with sprinkles if desired.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 cookie
Calories per serving: 120
Fat per serving: 6g
Saturated fat per serving: 4g
Cholesterol per serving: 30mg
Sodium per serving: 50mg
Carbohydrates per serving: 15g
Fiber per serving: 0g
Sugar per serving: 8g
Protein per serving: 1g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
These easy Christmas sugar cookies are delicious on their own, or you can serve them with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or your favorite holiday beverage. They also make a great gift – just package them up in a festive tin or container and tie with a ribbon.
Variations
If you want to switch things up, try adding different flavors to the dough, such as almond extract or peppermint extract. You can also use different shapes and sizes of cookie cutters to make your 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 can also substitute margarine for the butter if desired.
Storage
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature so it will cream properly with the sugar.
- Don’t overmix the dough or your cookies may turn out tough.
- If the dough is too sticky, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before rolling into balls.
- For even baking, make sure your cookies are all the same size.
Notes
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the dough balls and bake them later. Just thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter if you prefer.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Yes, you can add food coloring to the dough to make your cookies more festive.
Conclusion
These easy Christmas sugar cookies are a fun and festive twist on the classic sugar cookie. With simple ingredients and instructions, they’re perfect for baking with kids or for a holiday gathering. Try them out for yourself and enjoy!