Description
These Perfect Homemade Christmas Sugar Cookies are classic festive treats with a buttery, tender texture and a hint of vanilla. Easy to make and perfect for decorating with colorful icing, they’re a holiday favorite for cookie exchanges, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 1/2 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Decoration
- Decorative icing, various colors as needed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the ideal temperature when the cookies are ready to bake.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air to create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to fully incorporate and build the dough’s structure.
- Mix in Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture is homogenized, providing a warm and aromatic flavor.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning agents.
- Combine Wet and Dry Parts: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until the dough forms, avoiding overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This firms the dough, making it easier to roll and cut out.
- Roll and Cut Shapes: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired festive shapes.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Place the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly to prevent sticking during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden color.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes; this helps them set and prevents breaking. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate: Once fully cooled, decorate the cookies with your desired colorful icings. Allow the icing to set before serving or storing.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overmix the dough when adding dry ingredients to avoid tough cookies.
- Chilling the dough is important for shaping and to prevent spreading during baking.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Decorate cookies only after they have completely cooled to avoid melting the icing.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.
