If you’re searching for a cookie that truly captures the spirit of the season, look no further than this Christmas Sugar Cookies: Soft, Festive, and Perfect for Decorating Recipe. These delightful treats strike the ideal balance between tender, melt-in-your-mouth softness and sturdy enough to hold all the colorful, joyful decorations you can dream up. Whether you’re rolling them out with the kids or preparing a plate to impress guests, these cookies promise a festive experience filled with warmth, sweetness, and holiday cheer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect soft texture and that classic sugar cookie flavor we all adore. From the creamy butter that makes the dough tender, to the aromatic vanilla and almond extracts that add depth, every element is simple yet essential.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation for rich flavor and tender crumb, softened butter helps achieve that perfect softness.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Provides the necessary sweetness and assists in creating a slight crisp edge.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds moisture for soft cookies.
- Vanilla extract (1½ teaspoons): Infuses a warm, comforting note essential for holiday baking.
- Almond extract (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle nutty aroma that beautifully complements the vanilla.
- All-purpose flour (2½ cups): The structure agent, gently mixing to keep cookies soft, not tough.
- Baking powder (¾ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise lightly for a tender bite.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): For the smooth, creamy icing that’s perfect for decorating.
- Milk or water (2–3 tablespoons): Adjusts icing consistency for easy spreading or piping.
- Vanilla or almond extract (½ teaspoon): Added to icing to complement the cookie flavors.
- Gel food coloring: Colors your icing vibrantly while keeping texture intact.
- Sprinkles, sanding sugar, or edible glitter (optional): For adding festive sparkle and fun textures on top.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies: Soft, Festive, and Perfect for Decorating Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to ensure your cookies come off easily without any sticking or mess — this makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your cookies perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color—usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key as it introduces air into the dough, which helps with achieving that soft and tender texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Stirring these in ensures the dough becomes rich and flavorful, giving the cookies that distinctive homemade warmth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Incorporate
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing just enough to combine. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so keep it gentle for softness.
Step 5: Roll Out and Cut Shapes
Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough out to ¼ inch thickness. The dough should be firm enough to hold shapes but pliable so it doesn’t crack. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes — stars, trees, candy canes, or any design that makes your heart happy.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the cut cookies onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges have just begun to turn a delicate golden color. This timing ensures the cookies retain that soft, tender center while having a slight crispiness around the edges.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once completely cool, it’s time to bring your cookies to life with colorful icing, sprinkles, sanding sugar, or even edible glitter. The decorating possibilities are truly endless and such a joyful part of making these Christmas Sugar Cookies: Soft, Festive, and Perfect for Decorating Recipe.
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookies: Soft, Festive, and Perfect for Decorating Recipe
Garnishes
Go beyond basic icing by embellishing your sugar cookies with an array of garnishes. Edible glitter adds sparkle reflecting holiday lights, while various types of sprinkles bring in texture and vibrant colors. Consider crushed peppermint candies for a minty twist that doubles as garnish and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your Christmas Sugar Cookies with cozy sides like warm cups of spiced hot chocolate or classic eggnog. The creamy drinks complement the sweet, buttery notes of the cookies wonderfully and enhance that perfect holiday vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or holiday parties, arrange your cookies on a festive platter with fresh evergreen sprigs, cranberries, or cinnamon sticks for an aromatic touch. You could also pack them in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons—a charming and thoughtful holiday gift idea sure to delight friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Christmas Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. To maintain softness, place a slice of bread in the container—the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread and stay delightfully tender for days.
Freezing
You can freeze both the baked cookies and the dough. For baked cookies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Dough can be rolled out, cut into shapes, and then frozen on baking sheets before transferring to bags. Thaw completely before baking or decorating for best results.
Reheating
If you want to warm your cookies before serving, pop them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 3 to 5 minutes. This will refresh their softness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving as it can quickly make cookies tough or chewy.
FAQs
Can I skip the almond extract in the recipe?
Absolutely! The almond extract is optional and adds a subtle nutty depth. If you prefer, just use extra vanilla extract or omit it altogether, and your cookies will still be deliciously flavorful.
How do I get my sugar cookies to be soft instead of crisp?
Be careful not to overbake your cookies; removing them as soon as the edges start to turn golden helps keep them soft. Also, using enough butter and avoiding overmixing the dough ensures a tender texture.
What is the best icing for decorating sugar cookies?
Royal icing or a simple powdered sugar glaze made with milk or water works beautifully. Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues and add sprinkles or edible decorations while the icing is still wet to make your designs pop.
Can I use this recipe for cut-out shapes other than Christmas themes?
Definitely! While perfect for Christmas, this recipe yields soft, sturdy sugar cookies that are ideal for any occasion—birthdays, baby showers, or just a fun baking day anytime.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will stay soft and fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, freezing is your best option to preserve taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about baking and decorating your own Christmas Sugar Cookies: Soft, Festive, and Perfect for Decorating Recipe. The process fills your kitchen with delightful aromas and your heart with holiday joy. I encourage you to try this recipe and embrace the simple pleasures of the season—soft, buttery cookies adorned with colorful decorations that bring smiles to everyone around your table.
