Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies
Introduction to Sugar Cookies: A Sweet Canvas for Creativity
When it comes to cookies that are as fun to decorate as they are delicious to eat, sugar cookies reign supreme; with their soft, buttery texture and just the right amount of sweetness, these versatile treats have been a favourite for generations. Perfect for every occasion—whether it's a holiday, birthday party, or a simple afternoon snack—sugar cookies are a delightful addition to any celebration.
What makes sugar cookies so special is their adaptability. They can be rolled and cut into intricate shapes, baked into classic rounds, or dressed up with icing, sprinkles, and all the creative flair you can imagine. They're as much about the experience of making them as they are about enjoying them!
One thing is for sure: the holidays are made by baking. Family time plus a desire for sweet treats make sugar cookies primed to decorate a great choice. Enter sugar cookies, which have been around for centuries, interestingly enough.
Use this recipe for your Christmas or end-of-year cookie tray, and keep them going! You can try some of my other recipes on this website:
Want some tips on how to bake perfect sugar cookies every time? Try following some of these tips.
Use Room-Temperature Ingredients
Allow butter and eggs to come to room temperature before starting. This ensures even mixing and gives the dough a smooth, cohesive texture.
Don’t Overmix the Dough
Cream the butter and sugar just until light and fluffy, then mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough for at least 1–2 hours (or overnight) helps it firm up, making it easier to roll and cut without sticking. It also prevents spreading during baking.
Roll Dough Evenly
Use rolling pin guides or place two wooden dowels on either side of the dough to ensure an even thickness. This helps the cookies bake evenly.
Don’t Overflour When Rolling
Use a light dusting of flour on your rolling surface. Too much flour can dry out the dough and make the cookies crumbly.
Keep Shapes Crisp
After cutting the dough into shapes, chill the cut cookies on the baking sheet for 10–15 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape.
Bake on Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats
These prevent sticking and ensure even browning. Avoid greasing your baking sheet, as this can cause cookies to spread.
Watch the Baking Time
Bake just until the edges are set and slightly golden. Sugar cookies can go from perfectly baked to overdone quickly, so keep a close eye on them.
Cool Completely Before Decorating
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Decorating warm cookies can cause icing to melt and slide off.
Master Your Icing
Use royal icing for intricate designs and a professional finish, or try buttercream for a softer texture. Thin or thicken your icing as needed to achieve the right consistency.
Store Properly
Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Decorated cookies should be layered with parchment paper to avoid smudging.
Experiment with Flavors
Enhance the classic sugar cookie with a splash of vanilla, almond extract, or even citrus zest for a unique twist.
Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 1/2 cups butter, room temperature, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Pinch of cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese, room temperature, softened
- 1 egg + 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup icing sugar
Instructions
- To make the cookies, in a medium bowl with an electric mixer, cream the butter, sugar and cream cheese until creamy and fluffy. The sugar should mostly dissolve.
- Mix with a spatula to ensure all the ingredients combine, then add the vanilla, almond, lemon, and eggs. Beat and then scrape all the batter again into the centre of the bowl.
- Add the salt and cinnamon, then sift in the flour and baking powder. Fold, then beat the batter with the mixer again on low.
- Use a spatula to form a soft dough, then transfer to a piece of cling wrap. Flatten into a disc, then chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Split your dough into 2-3 pieces to make rolling it out more manageable. Roll each one out on a lightly floured surface at least a 1/4 to 1/2 an inch, then use cookie cutter make your shapes.
- Transfer to a baking tray lined with parchment paper, then chill your dough for another 30 minutes to keep the cookies stiff and in shape.
- Bake the cookies in batches for 10 minutes at 350F. Set aside to cool on a wire rack before icing.
- Place the icing sugar in a bowl and whisk in the remaining ingredients, adjusting and adding more cream or icing sugar to get it to your desired consistency. Double the quantity if you need to.
- You can also chill the icing in the fridge to make it easier once you begin piping.
- To add coloring, separate portions of the icing and drop in your desired hue.
Notes
Store the cookies in an airtight container to preserve them for longer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
132Fat (grams)
7.1 gCarbs (grams)
16.7 gFiber (grams)
1.6 gSugar (grams)
3.8 gProtein (grams)
1.5 gI am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on dontmissmyplate.com should only be used as a general guideline.
