A simple Christmas cookie recipe—perfect for holiday baking! These cookies are easy to make, and they have that classic buttery, sweet flavor that everyone loves during the holiday season. Here’s a basic Sugar Cookie recipe, which you can customize by adding sprinkles, frosting, or any other toppings you’d like.
Simple Christmas Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional for a subtle nutty flavor)
- 1/4 cup colored sugar or sprinkles (optional, for decorating)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the egg and extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix.
- Roll out the dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. If you want to flatten them slightly, you can use the bottom of a glass or your hands to gently press them down.
- Add colored sugar (optional): If you’re decorating, roll the dough balls in colored sugar or sprinkle the tops with a bit of sugar before baking for a festive touch.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake if you like your cookies soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Decorations:
- Frosting: Once the cookies have cooled, you can frost them with simple royal icing or buttercream. For royal icing, mix powdered sugar with egg whites or meringue powder and a little water until it forms a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Sprinkles: Add sprinkles, colored sugars, or nonpareils for a festive touch.
- Chocolate drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies for an extra indulgence.
Tips:
- Make ahead: You can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if you’d like a firmer dough, which makes the cookies easier to roll and cut (great for cookie cutters).
- Cookie cutters: If you want to get fancy, roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to make shapes like stars, trees, or snowflakes.
These simple Christmas sugar cookies are a classic and can be customized to fit any holiday theme. Plus, they’re fun to make and decorate with the family!
Are you planning to bake them this holiday season? You can get creative with different toppings or even try them with a glaze or royal icing for a more decorated look!
