Introduction
There’s something truly magical about baking Christmas sugar cookies during the holiday season. The warm aroma of butter, sugar, and vanilla fills the kitchen while festive music plays in the background, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that instantly sparks joy. This recipe delivers soft, chewy cookies with a golden edge—perfect for decorating with colorful icing, sprinkles, or leaving plain to enjoy with a hot cup of cocoa. Whether you’re making them with kids, hosting a cookie exchange, or simply baking for yourself, these sugar cookies will bring holiday cheer to every bite.
My recipe story
Growing up, sugar cookies were more than just a sweet treat—they were a holiday ritual. My family would gather around the kitchen table, rolling dough and cutting it into stars, bells, and snowflakes before decorating them with bright red and green frosting. It wasn’t just about the cookies; it was about laughter, storytelling, and making memories. Over the years, I’ve perfected this recipe to strike the ideal balance: not too sweet, sturdy enough for decorating, yet tender enough to melt in your mouth. Now, I pass it on to you, so you can carry on the tradition and create your own festive memories.
💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, chewy texture with just the right amount of crisp edges.
- Easy-to-follow instructions, perfect for beginners and pros alike.
- Versatile—decorate with icing, sprinkles, or leave simple and classic.
- Make-ahead friendly for stress-free holiday baking.
- Kid-approved and perfect for holiday cookie decorating parties.
Ingredient breakdown
The beauty of sugar cookies lies in their simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create cookies that are festive, flavorful, and delightful.
Butter: Unsalted butter is the foundation of this recipe, adding richness and tenderness. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives the cookies their sweetness and a light crisp edge while still keeping the center soft.
Eggs: Two large eggs add structure and moisture, binding the dough together and helping it bake evenly.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the flavor, creating that classic bakery-style sugar cookie taste.
Flour and leavening: All-purpose flour provides structure, while a touch of baking powder ensures the cookies bake with just the right lift.
Salt: A small pinch balances out the sweetness and enhances the buttery notes.
Equipment you’ll need
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Step-by-step directions
Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, giving the cookies a tender bite. Don’t rush this step—mix for at least 2–3 minutes for the best results.
Step 2: Add the eggs and vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with flavor. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Mix the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Step 4: Chill the dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling prevents spreading and makes the dough easier to roll and cut into shapes.
Step 5: Roll and cut
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut shapes, placing them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Watch closely, as sugar cookies can quickly overbake. Allow them to cool on the pan for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 7: Decorate and enjoy
Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar. Get creative—this is the fun part! These cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Variations & substitutions
Lemon sugar cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist.
Almond-flavored sugar cookies: Swap half the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty, bakery-style flavor.
Gluten-free version: Replace all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Decorating shortcuts: Skip homemade icing and use store-bought frosting or colored sanding sugar for quicker decorating.
💡 Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
- Always chill the dough to prevent spreading and ensure clean cut shapes.
- Roll the dough evenly to avoid cookies baking unevenly.
- If cookies puff too much, reduce baking powder slightly for a flatter surface.
- For clean edges, dip cookie cutters in flour before cutting shapes.
Storage, freezing & make-ahead
These cookies store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature and decorate once defrosted. You can also freeze the dough—wrap tightly in plastic and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling out and cutting shapes.
Serving ideas & pairings
Pair your sugar cookies with festive drinks like hot cocoa, eggnog, or spiced cider. Arrange them on a holiday cookie platter alongside gingerbread men, peppermint bark, and shortbread for a stunning dessert spread. These cookies also make thoughtful edible gifts—package them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or place them in a decorated tin for a heartfelt homemade present.
FAQ
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
This usually happens if the dough isn’t chilled long enough. Be sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour before baking.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for flavor and texture, but margarine can be used in a pinch. Expect a slightly different taste and texture.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help maintain moisture.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles easily, making it great for large gatherings or holiday parties.
Final thoughts
These Christmas sugar cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a holiday tradition filled with joy, creativity, and sweet memories. With their buttery texture and festive decorations, they’re perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on a cozy winter night. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing gifts, or creating a show-stopping holiday cookie platter, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite year after year.
Print
Best Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, these classic Christmas sugar cookies are ideal for cutting into festive shapes and decorating with icing and sprinkles. A holiday favorite for all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on prepared sheets and bake 8–10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Decorate as desired.
Notes
Chill the dough well for cleaner cookie shapes. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American