Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious sugar cookies? These cookies are a classic holiday treat that are sure to delight both young and old. Not only are they easy to make, but they can also be decorated in a variety of fun and festive ways.
In this article, we’ll share our favorite recipe for quick and easy Christmas sugar cookies that are perfect for any holiday gathering. So let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, decorate with your favorite frosting and toppings.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 35mg
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 2g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Total Time: 1 hour
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions:
These cookies are perfect for serving at holiday parties or as a festive treat for your family and friends. They pair well with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.
Variations:
There are endless ways to customize these cookies to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add food coloring to the dough to create festive colors
- Use different shaped cookie cutters
- Top with sprinkles, colored sugar, or candy pieces
- Add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough
Substitutions:
If you don’t have all of the ingredients on hand, here are a few substitutions that may work:
- Butter: Margarine or shortening
- All-purpose flour: Cake flour or bread flour
- Baking powder: Baking soda + cream of tartar (use 1 teaspoon baking powder = 1/4 teaspoon baking soda + 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar)
Storage:
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing
- Don’t overwork the dough – this can cause the cookies to be tough
- Chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before rolling it out to make it easier to handle
- Use a light touch when rolling out the dough to prevent it from sticking to the surface
Notes:
This recipe yields about 24 cookies, but can easily be doubled or halved depending on your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking.
- Do I have to use cookie cutters? No, you can also shape the dough into balls and flatten them with a fork for a classic look.
- Can I freeze these cookies after baking? Yes, these cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts:
These quick and easy Christmas sugar cookies are a must-try this holiday season. Not only are they simple to make, but they’re also a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you’re decorating them with frosting and sprinkles or keeping them plain and simple, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.