Christmas is a time for joy, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious treats. One of the most popular and beloved treats during this festive season is Christmas sugar cookies. These cookies are not only sweet and tasty but also perfect for decoration and gifting. This recipe is inspired by Crumbl’s famous sugar cookies, known for their fluffy texture and creamy frosting. Making these cookies can become a delightful holiday tradition in your home. With a simple recipe, you can bake a batch of cookies that will impress your family and friends.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of making these delightful Christmas sugar cookies. You will enjoy every step, from mixing the dough to frosting the cookies. Let’s get started on this sweet journey!

Why Make This Recipe

Making Christmas sugar cookies is a lovely way to spread holiday cheer. The process is fun and allows for creativity, especially when decorating. Here are a few reasons why you should make this recipe:

Festive Spirit: Baking these cookies fills your home with the delightful aromas of butter and vanilla. It brings everyone together and creates a warm, festive atmosphere.
Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and straightforward! With common ingredients and easy instructions, it is perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
Delicious Taste: The cookies are soft, chewy, and delicious. The addition of cream cheese frosting adds a rich, creamy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
Customizable: You can personalize these cookies in many ways. Choose whatever sprinkles you like or even add your favorite flavors.
Great for Gifting: These cookies make wonderful gifts. You can package them beautifully for friends, family, or neighbors during the holiday season.

Now that you know why this recipe is a must-try, let’s dive into the steps of making these delicious cookies!

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies

To make Christmas sugar cookies, you will need a few ingredients and some simple steps. Follow this guide and you’ll have a batch of cookies ready before you know it!

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:

Preheat Oven: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure your cookies bake evenly.
Prepare Baking Sheets: Take 2-3 baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Be sure to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed well.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the room-temperature egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Beat on medium-low speed just until combined, which should take about 30 seconds.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture in two separate parts. Mix on low speed just until combined; do not overmix the dough.
Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold in the Christmas jimmies sprinkles using a spatula until uniformly distributed throughout the dough.
Portion the Dough: Use a 3-Tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop out portions of the dough, each weighing around 48-50 g. Roll each scoop into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Flatten the Cookies: Slightly flatten each dough ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass. Make sure to keep the cookies at least ½-inch thick so they bake evenly.
Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look soft and no longer glossy. The cookies should not brown; they should stay soft and pale.
Shape Cookies: After baking, remove the cookies from the oven. Use a cookie cutter or glass larger than the cookies to gently shape them into perfect circles. This step is optional but makes the cookies look neat.
Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely.
Make the Frosting: In a clean bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and salted butter. Beat on low speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add Vanilla and Salt: Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing on low until just combined.
Incorporate the Sugars: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar in three sections, mixing on low speed until just combined each time. Scrape the bowl as necessary.
Whip Cream: Slowly drizzle in the cold heavy cream, about one tablespoon at a time, while whisking on low speed. Keep whisking until stiff peaks form, which should take around 1-1½ minutes. Be careful not to overwhip.
Frost the Cookies: Using a #2A or #1A piping tip, pipe the frosting in a spiral pattern on top of the cookies. Start from the center and work your way outward. Alternatively, you can use a spatula to create decorative swirls.
Add Final Touches: Just before serving, sprinkle additional Christmas sprinkles over the frosted cookies. Remember, less is more!

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookies

These cookies can be served in multiple ways to enhance the festive spirit. You can present them on a decorative plate for your family gathering or wrap them up as gifts for friends and neighbors. Pair them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a delightful treat. These cookies also make great additions to a holiday dessert table or cookie exchange. Don’t forget, they are perfect for enjoying with family while watching Christmas movies!

How to Store Christmas Sugar Cookies

To keep your Christmas sugar cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container. You can place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking together. Store them at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for extended freshness. If you plan to keep them longer, consider freezing the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until hard, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature when you are ready to enjoy.

Tips to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, cream cheese, and egg are at room temperature for easy mixing and better texture.
Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of soft.
Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to work with, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes to make scooping easier.
Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality ingredients such as real vanilla extract and fresh butter contribute to the overall flavor of your cookies.
Enjoy Creativity: Decorate the cookies in various ways, using different colors and types of sprinkles and edible decorations.

Variation

You can vary the flavors and decorations of your Christmas sugar cookies. Consider adding different extracts like peppermint for a holiday twist. You can also create a lemon or orange zest version for a fresh, citrusy flavor. Additionally, swap out Christmas sprinkles for other seasonal decorations, like hearts for Valentine’s Day or pastel colors for Easter.

FAQs

Q: Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Just scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to three months. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are set, but the tops should look soft and not glossy. They should not brown. If you use a toothpick to test, it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine in place of butter, it may alter the flavor and texture of the cookies. For best results and authentic taste, it’s recommended to use unsalted butter.

With this complete guide, you’re now ready to embark on baking delicious Christmas sugar cookies. Enjoy the process, share with loved ones, and create sweet memories this holiday season!