It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to celebrate than with some homemade Christmas sugar cookies? These sweet treats are perfect for sharing with loved ones, leaving out for Santa, or simply enjoying yourself. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make delicious and festive sugar cookies that are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Red and green food coloring
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts. Add red food coloring to one half and green to the other, mixing until the desired color is achieved.
- Wrap each half of the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out each half of the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
- 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 pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, decorate with icing or sprinkles as desired.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 2g
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
These homemade Christmas sugar cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season. Serve them with a cup of hot cocoa or eggnog for the ultimate festive treat.
Variations
Get creative with your sugar cookies by using different cookie cutters or adding different flavors to the dough. Try adding peppermint extract or cocoa powder to the dough for a fun twist.
Substitutions
- You can substitute margarine for the butter if desired.
- If you don’t have food coloring, you can skip this step and leave the dough plain.
- You can use gluten-free flour to make these cookies gluten-free.
Storage
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months.
Tips
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar.
- Chilling the dough is important for making it easier to work with and preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
- Be sure not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
Notes
This recipe makes approximately 2 dozen cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to three days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling the dough is necessary for making it easier to work with and preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Christmas sugar cookies are a classic holiday treat that never goes out of style. This recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious, festive cookies that are perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re leaving them out for Santa or enjoying them with a cup of cocoa, we’re sure these cookies will become a holiday tradition in your home.