Christmas Sugar Cookies

Name: Christmas Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups white sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 3 to 4 tablespoons of colored sprinkles; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Food coloring (optional)

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Delight in the flavors of the holiday season with these festive Christmas Sugar Cookies! These soft, buttery treats are topped with colorful icing and sprinkles, making them perfect for gifting or decorating your holiday table. Easy to make and even easier to devour, they're a fun activity to share with family and will become a beloved tradition for years to come.

Created by

Amelia Grant

Last updated on 2025-11-23T09:04:56.481Z

These Christmas Sugar Cookies have been a family favorite for generations. The recipe is simple enough for children to help with, making it a wonderful way to bond during the holiday season.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Christmas Sugar Cookies are more than just a treat; they're a delightful tradition that brings families together during the holiday season. The process of baking these cookies can be as joyful as eating them! Gather your loved ones in the kitchen, roll up your sleeves, and create sweet memories while mixing the dough and decorating with colorful sprinkles. The laughter shared and the creativity involved turn an ordinary baking day into a cherished event that you'll look forward to every year.

As you indulge in these sugary delights, the aroma will fill your home with a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Memories of past holidays spent with family and friends will come flooding back as you take your first bite. Each cookie, with its soft texture and sweet flavor, offers a small taste of the joy and warmth of the season, making them a perfect addition to any festive gathering.

Perfect for Gifting and Sharing

One of the best things about Christmas Sugar Cookies is their versatility. They make fantastic gifts for neighbors, coworkers, and friends. Imagine presenting a beautifully packaged box of these cookies, adorned with various festive icing designs. The recipient is sure to appreciate not only the delightful treat but also the time and effort you put into creating something special for them.

In addition to being wonderful gifts, these cookies are ideal for sharing at holiday parties, cookie exchanges, and gatherings. Their eye-catching decorations and festive vibe will surely be a hit among guests. Serve them on a decorated platter, and watch as people's eyes light up at the colorful, sweet creations. Each cookie is a little piece of art that's not only delicious but also brings joy and smiles to those around you.

Baking Tips for Success

When making Christmas Sugar Cookies, ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother mixing process. Room temperature butter blends more easily with sugar, helping to create that light and airy texture that makes these cookies so delightful. Additionally, be mindful not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients; this will ensure your cookies remain tender rather than tough.

Another tip for achieving perfectly shaped cookies is to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and prevents them from spreading too much. If you're in a hurry, you can also roll the dough into balls and place them in the freezer for about 10 minutes before baking. This allows you to achieve beautiful cookies with minimal effort!

Ingredients

For the Cookies

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 to 4 tablespoons of colored sprinkles

For the Icing

2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring (optional)

Note: You can customize the icing colors and sprinkles to match your holiday theme!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.

Add Egg and Extracts

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.

Shape the Cookies

Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each ball slightly and top with colored sprinkles.

Bake

Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven until golden. Let cool on wire racks.

Prepare Icing

In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Add food coloring if desired.

Decorate

Once cookies are cooled, pipe icing onto cookies and add additional sprinkles if desired.

Allow the icing to dry before storing the cookies in an airtight container.

Storing and Enjoying Your Cookies

Once you've baked and decorated your Christmas Sugar Cookies, storing them properly will help maintain their freshness. Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they should stay delicious for about a week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper and seal them in a freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature.

These cookies are best enjoyed within a few days of baking, but if you find yourself with leftover cookies, don’t worry! They can be revitalized with a quick pop in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked taste. Feel free to get creative with how you enjoy them; crumbling them over ice cream or serving them with a warm cup of cocoa can add a cozy twist.

Creative Decorating Ideas

While the classic sugar cookie icing is always a winner, you can let your creativity shine through by experimenting with your decorations. Use themed cookie cutters to create fun shapes that complement the holiday spirit, such as stars, trees, or snowflakes. Once the cookies are iced, decorate with metallic sprinkle stars or edible glitter for an extra festive touch that is sure to impress your guests.

Consider adding flavor variations to the icing, too. A hint of peppermint extract, orange zest, or cinnamon can transform the classic icing into something uniquely delicious. As you decorate, involve the little ones! Allow them to use their artistic skills to craft personalized cookie creations, resulting in a fun activity that encourages creativity and allows for family bonding.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

→ How can I make these cookies vegan?

Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.