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

These Christmas Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and hold their shape beautifully — perfect for holiday baking and decorating with royal icing or sprinkles!

Christmas Sugar Cookies: A Holiday Baking Tradition

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

1. 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.

2. Chill: Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour (this helps prevent spreading).

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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