Perfect Homemade Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

There is nothing quite as joyful as pulling out a tray of these chewy, buttery, and delightfully festive treats hot from the oven. The Perfect Homemade Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe is truly a holiday treasure, combining simple, classic ingredients that magically transform into tender cookies just waiting to be decorated with your favorite colorful icings. Whether you’re baking with family or gifting neighbors, these cookies bring warmth, sweetness, and a sprinkle of holiday spirit to every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe is simple but essential. They all play a key role in building the perfect flavor, texture, and look of your sugar cookies, so don’t skip or substitute without care.

• 3 cups All-purpose flour: Provides structure and backbone to the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape beautifully when cut and baked.
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder: Needed for a light rise that makes your cookies tender instead of dense.
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors perfectly.
• 1 1/2 cups Granulated sugar: The essential sweetness that also contributes to a delightful texture.
• 1 cup Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for rich, creamy flavor and moisture.
• 2 large Eggs: Act as a binding agent to hold the dough together while adding moisture.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that makes these cookies feel extra special.
• Decorative icing (as needed): Use your favorite colors to bring your cookies to life with holiday cheer.

How to Make Perfect Homemade Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that when your cookies go in, the heat is just right for even baking. Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper will also prevent any sticking, making clean-up a breeze and preserving your perfectly baked edges.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Next, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, helping the cookies develop a tender crumb and beautiful texture.

Step 3: Add the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures an even distribution of moisture and richness throughout your dough, giving your cookies the perfect balance of chewiness and softness.

Step 4: Stir in Vanilla Extract

Mix in the vanilla extract after the eggs are fully incorporated. This little touch of warmth elevates the flavor and brings an inviting aroma to your dough that feels like holiday magic with every bite.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Sifting not only combines them evenly but also helps prevent lumps, ensuring a smooth dough consistency.

Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet

Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into your butter mixture at low speed. Mixing slowly prevents the dough from becoming tough by overworking the gluten and helps it come together into a smooth, non-sticky dough ready for chilling.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This resting period firms up the butter and makes rolling out the dough much easier, which in turn prevents cookies from spreading too much when baked.

Step 8: Roll and Cut the Dough

Once chilled, roll out your dough to about 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create festive shapes. This is a fun step to get the whole family involved, turning cookie making into a festive tradition.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Place your cut-out cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden color. This timing yields cookies that are tender yet sturdy enough to hold beautiful decorations.

Step 10: Cool and Decorate

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Only decorate once completely cooled to prevent the icing from melting. Let your creativity shine with vibrant icings and festive sprinkles!

How to Serve Perfect Homemade Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Adding colorful icing with holiday patterns is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with edible glitter, crushed candy canes, or even tiny sugar pearls to add texture and sparkle. These garnishes make your cookies look as delightful as they taste, perfect for gifting or displaying on your holiday table.

Side Dishes

These sugar cookies pair wonderfully with warm drinks like hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or a classic cup of tea. Serving them alongside a platter of nuts, dried fruits, or fresh fruit can balance the sweetness, making your dessert spread feel complete and festive.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies on a decorative holiday platter or stack them in a jar tied with a festive ribbon for a gorgeous gift. For parties, consider hanging cookie ornaments on the Christmas tree or use gift boxes with clear lids to share your baking love with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their softness and flavor. Placing a slice of bread in the container can help keep them fresh by balancing moisture levels.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked cookie dough or fully baked cookies. For dough, shape and cut, then freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag for up to three months. Baked cookies freeze well in airtight containers for about two months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating or serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies a little warm, reheat them gently in the oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes. This softens them slightly without drying them out, letting you enjoy freshly baked warmth even days later.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid oversalting your cookies. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the final flavor.

How do I make the cookies softer or chewier?

For softer cookies, slightly increase the butter or use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. Adjust baking time to avoid overbaking as well.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but keep in mind that texture may vary slightly based on the blend used.

What types of icing work best?

Royal icing is ideal for detailed decoration and hardens nicely, while buttercream will stay soft and creamy. Choose based on how long you want to display or store your cookies.

Is there a way to speed up decorating?

Use pre-made colored icing tubes or gel-based colors for quick application. Sprinkles can instantly add festive flair with minimal effort too!

Final Thoughts

There is pure, simple happiness in sharing the Perfect Homemade Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with those you care about. They are easy to make, fun to decorate, and delightful to eat. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night by the fire, these cookies make every moment taste like the holidays. I can’t wait for you to try them and create your own sweet holiday memories.

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