Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Christmas Sugar Cookies (Soft, Buttery & Perfect for Decorating)

Sarah Smith
Oct 31, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Dec 25, 2025

a white plate of Christmas cookies sitting on a table. on the tables around the plate is pine tree sprigs and berries.

There’s something magical about baking Christmas Sugar Cookies — the sweet smell of butter and vanilla filling the kitchen, sprinkles scattered across the counter, and that cozy holiday feeling in every bite.

These cookies are soft in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and perfect for decorating with icing or festive sugar. Whether you’re baking with family or prepping gifts for friends, these cookies are simple to make, fun to decorate, and absolutely delicious.

Recipe Card

Servings: 24–30 cookies Prep Time: 15 minutes Chill Time: 1 hour Bake Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional for classic sugar cookie flavor)

For Decorating:

Royal icing, buttercream, or simple glaze
Holiday sprinkles or colored sugar

Instructions

Mix the Dough: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract, mixing well. Gradually add the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Chill: Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour (this helps prevent spreading).
Cut Out the Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into festive shapes using cookie cutters.
Bake: Place cookies 1 inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are just golden. Let cool completely before decorating.
Decorate: Once cool, decorate with icing and sprinkles — get creative with holiday designs like snowflakes, trees, and stars!

Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies

Chill the dough — it keeps cookies from spreading.
For even shapes, roll the dough evenly and re-roll scraps gently.
Use gel food coloring for vibrant icing colors.
Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days (or freeze undecorated cookies).
These cookies make beautiful gifts — tie them in clear bags with ribbon for a festive touch!

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Sugar Cookies are more than a treat — they’re a holiday tradition that brings joy to the kitchen and smiles to every plate.

Whether you’re baking them for Santa or sharing with family, they’re soft, buttery, and beautifully festive every time.

FAQ

Q: How do I keep sugar cookies soft? Use room-temperature butter, avoid overbaking, and store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes — refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.

Q: Why is my dough too sticky? It may need more chilling time. Chill for at least 1 hour before rolling and cutting.

Q: Can I freeze decorated sugar cookies? Absolutely. Freeze undecorated or decorated cookies in single layers to prevent smudging.

Q: What icing works best for decorating? Royal icing holds designs well, while buttercream is softer and easier for beginners.