Christmas is a time for joy, laughter, and, of course, delicious treats! One of the best ways to spread holiday cheer is by baking Christmas Sugar Cookies. These cookies are not just sweet but also festive, thanks to the colorful sprinkles that bring a pop of color to any holiday dessert table. Baking together as a family or with friends can create lasting memories. With this recipe, you can create cookies that are perfect for gift-giving, decorating, and sharing with loved ones. Let’s dive into the sweet world of Christmas Sugar Cookies and discover why this recipe is a must-try this holiday season.
Why Make This Recipe
You might wonder why you should make these Christmas Sugar Cookies. First, they are simple to prepare and don’t require a long list of complicated ingredients. Even beginners in the kitchen can whip these up with ease. The smell of cookies baking will fill your home with a comforting scent that reminds everyone of the holiday spirit.
Second, these cookies are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them plain, frost them with creamy icing, or decorate them with festive sprinkles. This recipe offers a fun and creative way to involve kids in the cooking process. Decorating cookies can be a joyful activity that sparks creativity and brings families closer during the holidays.
Moreover, Christmas Sugar Cookies make wonderful gifts. You can batch-bake them, place them in decorative boxes, and share them with neighbors and friends. Cookies are a universal language of kindness, making them the perfect gift during the holiday season. So, if you’re looking to spread joy and deliciousness, this recipe is for you!
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies
Making Christmas Sugar Cookies is a fun and rewarding process. Whether you are an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, this simple recipe will help you create delightful cookies that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
To make these scrumptious cookies, gather 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
- 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
- 184 g (13 Tbsp) salted butter, softened
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- ⅛ tsp salt (for frosting)
- 150 g (1¼ cups) powdered sugar, sifted
- 80 ml (⅓ cup) heavy cream, very cold
- 24 g (2 Tbsp) Christmas sprinkles (for decoration)
Directions:
Follow these steps to create your holiday cookies:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies will bake evenly and come out perfectly.
Prepare the Baking Sheets: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside; it is vital for the structure of your cookies.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step adds air into the mixture, helping your cookies rise.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Crack the egg into the butter mixture and pour in vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. If you’re using almond extract, add it here for an extra layer of flavor.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Make sure to mix until just combined; overmixing can make the cookies tough. Gently fold in the Christmas jimmies sprinkles, so they are evenly distributed.
Portion the Dough: Use a cookie scoop (or tablespoon) to portion the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each dough ball slightly with your hand.
Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes. You want the edges to be set while the cookies remain slightly soft in the center. Watch them closely so they do not over-bake.
Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting: For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and salted butter together in a mixing bowl until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing until well combined. Gradually mix in the sifted powdered sugar. Finally, slowly add the very cold heavy cream until the mixture forms stiff peaks.
Frost and Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them generously with the prepared frosting. Sprinkle with additional Christmas sprinkles for that festive touch.
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookies
Serving Christmas Sugar Cookies can be just as enjoyable as baking them. Here are some ideas on how to present them:
On a Cookie Platter: Arrange your cookies on a festive plate or platter, and serve them at holiday gatherings. A beautifully displayed tray will catch the attention of your guests.
As Gifts: Package the cookies in decorative boxes or glass jars. Tie a ribbon around the boxes for a personal touch. These make thoughtful gifts for neighbors, teachers, or friends.
At Holiday Parties: Offer a batch of these cookies at your holiday parties. Pair them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a delightful treat after dinner.
How to Store Christmas Sugar Cookies
Proper storage can keep your Christmas Sugar Cookies fresh for a longer time. Here are some recommended storage tips:
Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy the cookies within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them soft and delicious.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cookies. Just make sure to use an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezing: If you want to keep them for an extended time, consider freezing the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months.
Thawing: When ready to eat, simply thaw them at room temperature. If you’ve frozen frosted cookies, let them sit for a while after removing them from the freezer before serving.
Tips to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies
Use Soft Butter: To achieve that light and fluffy texture, ensure your unsalted butter is softened properly. If it’s too hard, the mixture won’t aerate well.
Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Chill Dough: If you find that the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to scoop.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add your favorite extracts or spices for a unique twist. You can include peppermint extract or spices like cinnamon for a warm flavor.
Variation
If you want to create different flavors or styles of cookies, consider these variations:
Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: Add chocolate chips instead of (or in addition to) sprinkles for a classic flavor combination.
Lemon Zest: For a refreshing twist, add lemon zest to the dough. This will give your cookies a bright flavor that balances the sweetness.
Nutty Sugar Cookies: Fold in crushed nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for some added crunch and flavor.
FAQs
How long do Christmas Sugar Cookies last?
When stored in an airtight container, Christmas Sugar Cookies can last up to a week at room temperature. If refrigerated, they can last up to two weeks. Frozen cookies can last up to three months.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before scooping and baking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the other ingredients used are gluten-free as well.
Now you’re ready to bake a batch of delicious Christmas Sugar Cookies! Enjoy the sweet moments they bring to your holiday festivities. Happy baking!
Christmas Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined. Optionally add almond extract.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Fold in the Christmas jimmies sprinkles.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough onto prepared baking sheets. Flatten each dough ball slightly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
- Cool cookies on sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat the softened cream cheese and salted butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract and salt, mixing well.
- Gradually mix in the sifted powdered sugar, then slowly add cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Once cooled, generously frost cookies and sprinkle with additional Christmas sprinkles.