Christmas is a time filled with joy, love, and, of course, delicious treats. One of the all-time favorites during this festive season is Christmas sugar cookies. These cookies are not only delightful to taste but also fun to decorate. The bright colors of holiday sprinkles make them a perfect addition to your holiday platter. This recipe will help you create soft, chewy Christmas sugar cookies, topped with a creamy frosting that’s sure to impress friends and family alike. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a batch of cookies ready in no time.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make Christmas sugar cookies. First and foremost, they are a classic holiday treat that brings warmth and happiness to any gathering. Baking these cookies gives you a chance to create sweet memories with your loved ones. If you have kids, they can help in the decoration process, making it a fun family activity.

Moreover, the taste of freshly baked cookies cannot be beaten. The combination of buttery goodness and the sweetness of sugar can brighten anyone’s day. The addition of Christmas sprinkles adds a festive flair that will catch the eye of any guest. Also, these cookies are versatile. You can change the decorations or use different flavors based on your preferences. This recipe is simple enough for beginners yet delicious enough for seasoned bakers.

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies

Now, let’s dive into the details of how to create your own batch of delicious Christmas sugar cookies. Follow the steps carefully, and you will create tender, flavorful cookies decorated with a festive touch.

Ingredients

To create the magic of Christmas Sugar Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

270 g (2¼ cups) all-purpose flour
4 g (1 tsp) baking powder
¼ tsp salt
170 g (1½ sticks / ¾ cup) unsalted butter, softened (68-72°F)
200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
54 g (⅓ cup) Christmas jimmies sprinkles
283 g (1¼ bricks / 10 oz) full-fat cream cheese, softened (68-72°F)
184 g (13 Tbsp) salted butter, softened (68-72°F)
2 tsp vanilla extract
⅛ tsp salt
150 g (1¼ cups) powdered sugar, sifted
80 ml (⅓ cup) heavy cream, very cold
24 g (2 Tbsp) Christmas sprinkles (jimmies, nonpareils, trees, etc.)

Directions

Follow these steps to make your Christmas sugar cookies:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticky cookies.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Once mixed, set it aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer (or use a hand mixer), beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed. Continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
Add Wet Ingredients: Crack the large egg into the mixture along with vanilla extract. Beat everything together at a medium-low speed until well combined, roughly 30 seconds.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually, add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Do it in two parts, mixing on low speed each time. Remember not to overmix; you want it just combined.
Fold in Sprinkles: Using a spatula, gently fold in the Christmas jimmies sprinkles until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shape the Cookies: Use a 3-Tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough, which should weigh around 48-50 g each. Roll each scoop into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheets, allowing about 2 inches of space between each ball.
Flatten the Cookie Balls: Slightly flatten each dough ball using your fingers or the bottom of a glass. Keep the cookies at least ½-inch thick.
Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. The cookies should have set edges and soft tops. Avoid browning them.
Shape the Cookies: Right after they come out of the oven, gently rotate a cookie cutter or a glass around each cookie to make it a perfect circle.
Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting: In a clean stand mixer bowl, use the whisk attachment to combine the cream cheese and salted butter on low speed. Mix until it is smooth and free of lumps, which takes about 1-2 minutes.
Add Vanilla and Salt: Add 2 tsp of vanilla extract and ⅛ tsp of salt to the mixture, beating on low speed until combined.
Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar in three parts. Each time, beat on low speed until just combined. Make sure to scrape the bowl as necessary.
Whip in Heavy Cream: Slowly drizzle in very cold heavy cream, about 1 tablespoon at a time. Whisk on low until stiff peaks form, which should take about 1-1½ minutes. Be careful not to over whip.
Frost the Cookies: Use a piping bag with a #2A or #1A piping tip to pipe the frosting in a spiral pattern over each cookie, starting from the center and working your way outward. Alternatively, you can spread the frosting with a spatula to create beautiful swirls.
Decorate: Just before serving, sprinkle a light amount of additional Christmas sprinkles over the frosting for a festive touch. Remember, less is more!

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookies

When serving your Christmas sugar cookies, presentation is key. Arrange the decorated cookies on a festive holiday platter or a cake stand. You can enhance the display with holiday decorations like miniature trees, ornaments, or colored napkins. Serve them alongside hot chocolate, milk, or coffee for a cozy winter treat. These cookies also make great gifts! Wrap them in festive cellophane or place them in a decorative tin to give to friends and family.

How to Store Christmas Sugar Cookies

To keep your Christmas sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. If you plan to keep them for more than a few days, you can also refrigerate the cookies, especially if they are frosted. Layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent sticking. They can last up to a week at room temperature and about two weeks if refrigerated. For longer storage, consider freezing the unfrosted cookies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature and frost as desired.

Tips to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies

Use Quality Ingredients: The taste of your cookies will depend greatly on the quality of your ingredients. Use fresh, high-quality butter and vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Keep Butter at the Right Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened to the correct temperature, between 68-72°F. This helps create a fluffy batter.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies. Mix until combined and then stop.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If you want thicker cookies that hold their shape, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
Decorate with Care: When adding sprinkles, be mindful of how many you use; too many can weigh down the frosting.

Variation

If you want to switch things up, consider adding different flavors to your sugar cookies. Almond extract adds a lovely nutty touch, while lemon zest can brighten the flavor. For a chocolatey twist, try adding cocoa powder to the dough for chocolate Christmas cookies. You can also swap out the Christmas jimmies for festive chocolate chips or nuts.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and then chill it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to bake, scoop and shape the cookies, then bake as directed.

2. How can I adjust the recipe for dietary restrictions?
To make the cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese.

3. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies spread too much during baking, it may be because the butter was too warm or not enough flour was added. Ensure butter is at the right temperature and always measure flour accurately.

Making Christmas sugar cookies can be a joyous experience. With this simple and detailed recipe, you will be ready to bake a batch that will delight everyone during this holiday season. Happy baking!