Introduction
Get ready to bring some festive cheer to your kitchen with this delicious recipe for frosted Christmas sugar cookies! These cookies are the perfect combination of sweet, soft, and chewy, and they are sure to be a hit with everyone during the holidays. Whether you are baking for your family, friends, or coworkers, these cookies are the perfect way to spread some joy and love this season!
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the frosting:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- Food coloring (red and green)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
- Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet.
- While the cookies are cooling, make the frosting. Beat butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Add food coloring to the frosting to create festive colors.
- Spread the frosting onto the cooled cookies and decorate with sprinkles, if desired.
- Let the frosting harden before serving.
Nutritional Information
These cookies are a sweet treat, so enjoy in moderation! The following nutritional information is for one cookie with frosting:
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 95mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 1g
Cooking Time
These cookies take about 30 minutes to prepare and bake, plus additional time for cooling and frosting.
Equipment
You will need the following equipment to make these cookies:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie cutters (optional)
- Spatula
Serving Suggestions
These frosted Christmas sugar cookies are perfect for serving at holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a sweet treat for your coworkers. Serve them alongside a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for the perfect holiday snack!
Variations and Substitutions
If you want to switch things up, try these variations and substitutions:
- Replace the vanilla extract with peppermint extract for a festive twist.
- Use different food coloring to create different holiday-themed cookies.
- Add chocolate chips, dried cranberries or nuts to the cookie dough for extra flavor and texture.
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- Use cream cheese frosting instead of buttercream frosting for a tangy twist.
Storage
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies (without frosting) for up to 3 months.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect frosted Christmas sugar cookies:
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. You want it to be easy to cream with the sugar, but not too soft that it will make the dough too greasy.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Let the cookies cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Use a piping bag or ziplock bag with a corner cut off to pipe the frosting onto the cookies for a neat, professional look.
Notes
Make sure to plan ahead and give yourself enough time to bake and decorate these cookies. They are a labor of love, but the end result is worth it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until you are ready to frost and serve them. Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, you can freeze these cookies (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Can I use different food coloring? Yes, feel free to use any food coloring you like to create different holiday-themed cookies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these frosted Christmas sugar cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves sweet treats! They are perfect for the holiday season and can be customized to fit any occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and spread some joy and love this holiday season!