Best Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe and Easy Icing

Name: Christmas Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 1 h 50 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base structure for sturdy cutout cookies; – 1 tsp baking powder – Helps cookies rise lightly without spreading too much; – ½ tsp salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor; – 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) – Creates tender, rich crumb essential for holiday sugar cookies; – 1 cup granulated sugar – Provides classic sweetness and crisp edges; – 1 large egg – Binds ingredients for cohesive dough; – 2 tsp vanilla extract – Adds warm, aromatic depth; – Optional: almond extract – Boosts nutty holiday notes; – 3 cups flour – Slightly more for extra softness in soft Christmas sugar cookie recipe; – 1 tsp baking soda – Aids tenderness; – 1 tsp baking powder – Promotes lift; – 1 cup butter – Keeps moisture high; – 1 ½ cups sugar – Increases chewiness; – 1 egg – For binding; – 2 tbsp milk – Adds softness factor; – 1 tsp vanilla – Flavor base; – Optional: ¼ tsp cream of tartar – Enhances chew for best results; – 3 cups powdered sugar – Base for smooth, shiny finish; – 2 tbsp meringue powder – Stabilizes for hard-set icing on iced cookies; – ¼ cup water – Thins to perfect consistency; – ½ tsp vanilla – Flavor enhancer; – Gel food coloring (red, green) – For festive Christmas cutout cookie recipe designs

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Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sugar Cookies

Christmas sugar cookies bring holiday cheer to any kitchen with their simple charm and festive appeal. This sugar cookie recipe stands out for busy home cooks who want quick results without fuss. Families love the soft texture and sweet taste that pair perfectly with easy icing for cutout cookies.

Picture soft Christmas sugar cookie recipe fresh from the oven, ready for kids to decorate. These holiday sugar cookies hold their shape for intricate designs, making them ideal for parties. Readers often share how this roll out Christmas sugar cookies version saves time during the rush.

Ease of preparation: Whip up this easy Christmas sugar cookies recipe in under 30 minutes of active time. No chill sugar cookie dough option keeps things fast for busy parents and working professionals. Roll, cut, and bake without complicated steps, perfect for students or newlyweds starting traditions.

Health benefits: These Christmas sugar cookies use basic pantry staples with options for lighter swaps. Control sugar levels or add almond flour for a nutrient boost. Diet-conscious individuals appreciate the straightforward ingredients that avoid preservatives, supporting joyful baking without guilt.
Versatility: Adapt this Christmas cookie recipe for vegan, gluten-free, or low-calorie needs. Shape into holiday sugar cookies or iced cookies for any celebration. Travelers and seniors find the make-ahead features handy for gifting or potlucks.
Distinctive flavor: Buttery richness from real ingredients shines in every bite of these Christmas cutout cookie recipe favorites. Vanilla and optional almond notes give a classic twist that beats store-bought. Food enthusiasts rave about the crisp edges and tender centers.

This recipe fits baking enthusiasts seeking the best Christmas sugar cookie icing combo. Check out this easy sugar cookie recipe for more inspiration on perfect dough.

With these perks, your kitchen fills with the scent of fresh-baked joy year after year.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sugar Cookies
2. Essential Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookies
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide

4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Christmas Sugar Cookies
5. Mastering Christmas Sugar Cookies: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Christmas Sugar Cookies: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Sugar Cookies
8. Christmas Sugar Cookies

Essential Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookies

Gather these precise items for your Christmas sugar cookies. This list covers the dough and royal icing for complete iced cookies. Each plays a key role in texture and taste.

Main Ingredients for Cookie Dough (Classic Version):

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base structure for sturdy cutout cookies
1 tsp baking powder – Helps cookies rise lightly without spreading too much

½ tsp salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor
1 cup unsalted butter (softened) – Creates tender, rich crumb essential for holiday sugar cookies
1 cup granulated sugar – Provides classic sweetness and crisp edges

1 large egg – Binds ingredients for cohesive dough
2 tsp vanilla extract – Adds warm, aromatic depth
Optional: almond extract – Boosts nutty holiday notes

Main Ingredients for Soft Variation Dough:

3 cups flour – Slightly more for extra softness in soft Christmas sugar cookie recipe
1 tsp baking soda – Aids tenderness
1 tsp baking powder – Promotes lift
1 cup butter – Keeps moisture high
1 ½ cups sugar – Increases chewiness
1 egg – For binding
2 tbsp milk – Adds softness factor
1 tsp vanilla – Flavor base
Optional: ¼ tsp cream of tartar – Enhances chew for best results

Ingredients for Royal Icing (Best Christmas Sugar Cookie Icing):

3 cups powdered sugar – Base for smooth, shiny finish

2 tbsp meringue powder – Stabilizes for hard-set icing on iced cookies
¼ cup water – Thins to perfect consistency
½ tsp vanilla – Flavor enhancer
Gel food coloring (red, green) – For festive Christmas cutout cookie recipe designs

Special Dietary Options:

Vegan: Swap butter for plant-based sticks, egg for flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water), use almond milk in soft version.

Gluten-free: Replace all-purpose flour with 1:1 gluten-free blend, add ¼ tsp xanthan gum if needed.
Low-calorie: Use light butter, reduce sugar by ¼ cup, opt for sugar substitute like erythritol.

These choices make your Christmas sugar cookies with icing accessible to all.

How to Prepare the Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare Your Mise en Place

First Step: Gather all tools and ingredients for this Christmas cookie recipe. Preheat oven to 350°F for classic or 375°F for soft Christmas sugar cookies. Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Measure flour by spooning into cups for accuracy, avoiding tough dough.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

Second Step: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar with a mixer on medium for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy. This creaming step traps air for tender holiday sugar cookies. Add 1 large egg, 2 tsp vanilla extract, and optional almond extract; mix until smooth. Room-temperature items blend best.

Combine Dry Ingredients

Third Step: Whisk 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add dry mix to wet on low speed, mixing just until dough forms. Avoid overmixing to prevent gluten development and tough Christmas cutout cookies. Dough should be soft but not sticky.

Chill the Dough

Fourth Step: Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic, and chill 1-2 hours. Chilling firms butter for clean edges on roll out Christmas sugar cookies. For no chill sugar cookie dough, add 1 tbsp cornstarch and bake immediately, though chilling yields best shapes.

Roll and Cut Shapes

Fifth Step: On a lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough to ¼-inch thick. Use festive cutters for Christmas shapes. Dip cutters in flour to avoid sticking. Place cutouts 2 inches apart on sheets. Re-roll scraps once for max yield, about 36 cookies.

Bake to Perfection

Sixth Step: Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. For soft version (3 cups flour, etc.), bake at 375°F 7-9 minutes no browning. Cool on sheets 5 minutes, then transfer to racks. Cookies firm as they cool.

Make and Apply Royal Icing

Seventh Step: Whisk 3 cups powdered sugar, 2 tbsp meringue powder, ¼ cup water, and ½ tsp vanilla 7 minutes to stiff peaks. Divide, color with gel (red, green). Thin some for flooding. Pipe outlines on cooled cookies, dry 15 minutes, flood centers, add sprinkles. Dry 4-6 hours.

Final Step: Let iced cookies set fully before stacking. Serve on platters for holiday fun. Adapt for dietary needs: use vegan swaps in creaming step. This easy Christmas sugar cookies recipe yields festive treats everyone loves. Total time: 3 hours including chill and dry.

Quick Comparison: Classic vs Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies
Feature	Classic	Soft
Flour	2.5 cups	3 cups
Sugar	1 cup	1.5 cups
Bake Temp	350°F	375°F
Texture	Crisp edge, tender	Chewy center

For more cookie ideas, try my lemon oatmeal cookies for a citrus twist.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Christmas Sugar Cookies

Main Ingredient Alternatives

Swap flour for almond or oat in gluten-free Christmas sugar cookies. Use coconut oil for butter in vegan dough, keeping richness. Reduce sugar with monk fruit for low-calorie iced cookies. Egg replacer works seamlessly for binding.

Flavor and Add-In Modifications

Add cinnamon or nutmeg for spiced holiday sugar cookies. Use dairy-free milk in soft recipe. For nut-free, skip almond extract. Gel colors or natural beet juice suit preferences. These tweaks fit seniors or diet-conscious bakers.

Small changes open big flavor doors in your sugar cookie recipe.

Mastering Christmas Sugar Cookies: Advanced Tips and Variations

Take your Christmas sugar cookies to the next level with these ideas.

Pro cooking techniques: Weigh flour for precision (300g per 2.5 cups). Chill cutters too for sharp edges. Bake one sheet at a time, middle rack.
Flavor variations: Mix in lemon zest or peppermint for unique Christmas cutout cookie recipe. Add chocolate chips for loaded holiday sugar cookies.
Presentation tips: Stack on tiers with greenery. Drizzle contrasting icing colors.

Make-ahead options: Freeze dough 3 months or baked cookies 2 months. Decorate post-thaw.

Pair with flavors from my rhubarb shortbread cookies for shortbread inspo. See Lofthouse-style holiday frosted sugar cookies for soft frosting ideas.

How to Store Christmas Sugar Cookies: Best Practices

Room temperature: Airtight container up to 1 week; add bread slice for softness.

Refrigeration: Layer with parchment 5 days; brings out flavors.
Freezing: Unfrosted 2 months, frosted 1 week in bags.
Reheating: Thaw room temp; crisp in 300°F oven 2 minutes.

Meal prep batches for gifts. Keeps quality high.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Sugar Cookies

How do you make Christmas sugar cookies from scratch?

To make classic Christmas sugar cookies from scratch, start with 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, 1 cup unsalted butter (softened), 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 2 tsp vanilla extract, and optional almond extract for flavor. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy (3-4 minutes). Add egg and extracts, then mix in dry ingredients gradually. Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap, and chill 1-2 hours. Roll to ¼-inch thick on floured surface, cut shapes, and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely before decorating. Yields about 36 cookies. For best results, use room-temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing to keep them tender. Store in airtight container up to 1 week.

What’s the best recipe for soft Christmas sugar cookies?

For soft Christmas sugar cookies, use this foolproof recipe: 3 cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 cup butter, 1 ½ cups sugar, 1 egg, 2 tbsp milk, 1 tsp vanilla. Cream butter and sugar 2 minutes. Add egg, milk, vanilla; beat well. Mix dry ingredients separately, combine gradually. Chill dough 2 hours. Roll ¼-inch thick, cut shapes, bake at 375°F for 7-9 minutes—no browning for softness. Cool on rack. Makes 4 dozen. Key tips: Don’t overbake (they firm up cooling), add ¼ tsp cream of tartar to dough for extra chew, and store with a slice of bread in the container to retain moisture. Perfect for holiday gifting.

How do you decorate Christmas sugar cookies with royal icing?

Decorate Christmas sugar cookies using royal icing: Whisk 3 cups powdered sugar, 2 tbsp meringue powder, ¼ cup water, and ½ tsp vanilla until stiff peaks form (about 7 minutes with mixer). Divide into bowls; color with gel food coloring (red, green for holidays). Thin outlines with water for flooding. Pipe borders on cooled cookies, let dry 15 minutes, then flood centers. Add sprinkles or details while wet. Dry 4-6 hours flat. For 3D effects, layer outlines. Pro tip: Use squeeze bottles for control, cover bowls with wet towels to prevent hardening. This method gives shiny, hard-set icing that stacks well for cookie platters. Yields enough for 4 dozen cookies.

Can you make Christmas sugar cookies ahead of time?

Yes, Christmas sugar cookies freeze beautifully for make-ahead prep. Bake and cool completely, then layer between parchment in freezer bags up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp 1-2 hours before decorating. Or freeze unbaked dough disks up to 3 months—thaw overnight in fridge, roll, and bake fresh. Decorated cookies freeze 1 week; wrap tightly to avoid moisture. Avoid freezing frosted cookies with soft icing. For best texture, bake from chilled dough and cool fully before storing. This saves holiday time—prep in November for December parties. Label bags with dates. Thawed cookies taste as fresh, retaining that buttery snap.

Why are my Christmas sugar cookies hard or tough?

Christmas sugar cookies turn hard or tough from overmixing (develops gluten—mix just until combined), overbaking (pull at 8 minutes when edges barely color), or too much flour (measure by spooning into cup, not scooping). Other causes: cold butter chunks instead of creamed smooth, or skipping chill time (dough spreads thin). Fix next batch: Use softened butter, cream 3-4 minutes pale, chill 1+ hour, roll precisely ¼-inch, bake lower rack. Add 1 tbsp cornstarch per 2 cups flour for tenderness. Store airtight immediately after cooling to trap moisture. Test one cookie first. These tweaks yield soft, crisp-edged cookies every time.

Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe and Easy Icing