Celebrate the holiday season with these festive Christmas sugar cookies—a classic treat everyone loves! Soft, sweet, and beautifully decorated, they’re perfect for sharing at cookie exchanges, leaving out for Santa, or making memories baking with your family.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this tried-and-true recipe delivers cookies that always hold their shape and stay deliciously soft for days. Let’s jump into the simple steps, key tips, and creative decorating ideas that make these easy sugar cookies a star of any dessert tray!
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Sugar Cookies
- Soft texture: The cookies are tender, never dry, with a hint of vanilla and almond and just enough sweetness.
- Perfect for cut-outs: The dough is easy to roll, holds its shape, and works with any holiday cutters.
- Festive and customizable: Top with simple sugar icing, buttercream, royal icing, or your favorite sprinkles.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep the dough before busy days and bake fresh as needed.
Ingredients and What Makes Them Special
To get the best results, use classic baking staples with a couple of flavor-enhancing additions:
- Butter (unsalted): Brings richness and softness. Let it come to room temperature before mixing.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar gives balanced sweetness.
- Eggs: Add structure and help the cookies stay tender.
- Vanilla and almond extract: The blend of these two flavors is the secret for truly “Christmas” taste.
- Flour: All-purpose, for strong but soft cookies.
- Baking powder: Gives gentle lift and maintains clean cookie shapes.
- Salt: Fine sea salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Cream the butter and sugar:
Mix room temperature butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Keep beating until no lumps remain—this is the secret behind soft cookies!
2. Add eggs and flavorings:
Beat in eggs, vanilla, and almond extract. The dough will look creamy and pale.
3. Combine dry ingredients separately:
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a second bowl.
4. Mix wet and dry ingredients:
Gradually blend the flour mixture into the butter mixture. Mix until just combined; overmixing leads to tough cookies.
5. Chill the dough
Divide the dough in half, wrap with plastic, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Chilling keeps shapes sharp when baking!
6. Roll and cut:
On a floured countertop, roll the dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Dip your cutters in flour for crisp edges, and arrange cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Bake:
Place cookies about 2 inches apart. Bake at 375°F for 6-8 minutes—pull them out just as the edges start to look set, before browning. Cool fully before icing.
8. Decorate:
Make your favorite icing—try this easy sugar cookie icing for a glossy finish or classic buttercream for creamy swirls. Add sprinkles right away so they stick!
Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies
- Chill and roll: Chilled dough makes handling a breeze and prevents spreading. If still sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour.
- Same-size baking: Bake similar-sized cookies together for even results.
- Icing add-ons: Use squeeze bottles or piping bags for neat designs.
- Freeze for later: Unbaked dough or baked cookies freeze perfectly (without icing). Thaw dough overnight in the fridge, or cookies at room temperature.
Creative Variations
- Buttercream & Royal Icing: Both work for festive decorating. Get creative by coloring icing with gel food colors.
- Flavor swaps: Use lemon extract instead of almond for zing, or try peppermint for a holiday twist.
- Sprinkle fun: Red, green, and white nonpareils create instant holiday cheer.
- Texture tweaks: For super-soft cookies, try adding a tablespoon of full-fat sour cream to the dough—this keeps them fluffy for days!
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
After icing sets, store cookies in a single layer in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 4 days. Freeze dough (well-wrapped) for up to 4 months, or un-iced baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Troubleshooting Common Questions
Can I make the dough ahead?
Absolutely! Prep the dough 2-3 days before baking, or freeze for up to 4 months.
Can I freeze decorated cookies?
Freeze baked cookies without icing or sprinkles. Thaw completely before decorating.
Corn syrup alternative for icing?
Use honey for shine or skip altogether—icing will be matte but just as tasty.
More Festive Cookie Recipes
Looking for more holiday sweets?
- Try these tender, flavorful Italian Christmas Cookies for a unique ricotta twist.
- Explore dozens of options with our complete Cookies category, from thumbprints to butter cookies.
Every holiday deserves the joy of fresh-baked sugar cookies—get creative and enjoy sharing these easy treats!