Christmas Sugar Cookies

The holiday season is the perfect time to roll up your sleeves, fill the kitchen with festive aromas, and create treats that make everyone smile. Christmas sugar cookies are a classic favorite that blend simplicity and charm—soft, buttery cookies decorated in bright, cheerful colors. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or looking for fun holiday treats to enjoy with the kids, these cookies hit the sweet spot every time.

Making Christmas themed cookies can be a joyful experience, especially when little hands are involved. From rolling the dough to cutting out shapes with festive cookie cutters, the process itself is full of laughter and holiday cheer. And because this recipe focuses on easy Christmas cookies, you won’t need to worry about complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s all about fun, flavor, and a sprinkle of festive magic.

These sugar cookies aren’t just for decorating—they’re a staple for any holiday cookie swap or Christmas treats for toddlers’ parties. Their soft texture and mild sweetness make them perfect for little ones, and the icing or sprinkles give a playful, colorful touch that’s hard to resist. Pair them with a warm cup of cocoa, and you’ve got a simple yet unforgettable holiday snack.

Beyond the kitchen, these cookies make wonderful gifts. Stack them in a mason jar, tie with a ribbon, and you have an easy holiday cookie present that friends, neighbors, and co-workers will adore. Whether you’re baking for fun, for parties, or just to indulge your sweet tooth, Christmas sugar cookies are an essential addition to your holiday repertoire of Xmas goodies.

Why You’ll Love It

• Simple and Stress-Free: These sugar cookies are perfect for anyone wanting easy Christmas cookies that still feel special. Even if baking isn’t your usual hobby, you’ll breeze through this recipe without stress.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: From rolling the dough to adding colorful sprinkles, these Christmas themed cookies turn baking into an activity the whole family can enjoy. Perfect for creating lasting holiday memories.
• Versatile Decorating: Whether you love classic frosting, royal icing designs, or just a quick sprinkle of sugar, these cookies are a blank canvas for your creativity. They’re ideal for fun holiday treats that look as good as they taste.
• Perfect for Parties: Soft, buttery, and festive, these cookies make wonderful Christmas treats for toddlers’ parties, cookie swaps, or even as a sweet centerpiece on your holiday table.
• Great for Gifting: Stack them in jars, wrap in cellophane, or tie with ribbons—these easy holiday cookies double as thoughtful, homemade gifts for friends, family, and neighbors.

Ingredient List

For the Cookies:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 3–4 tablespoons milk

For Decorating:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (assorted)
• Sprinkles, sanding sugar, or edible glitter

Ingredient Notes

• I always use unsalted butter—it gives the perfect balance of flavor and sweetness.
• Don’t skip the vanilla extract! It makes the cookies smell heavenly and taste like Christmas.
• The almond extract is optional, but just a drop adds a subtle, festive twist I can’t get enough of.
• For decorating, I love using gel food coloring—it gives vibrant colors without watering down the icing.
• Sprinkles and sanding sugar are where the fun begins. Let your creativity run wild—they turn simple cookies into real holiday magic!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls – For combining your cookie dough ingredients; I love using glass bowls so you can see everything clearly.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer – Makes creaming butter and sugar a breeze. My stand mixer is a lifesaver for holiday baking!
• Measuring cups and spoons – For precise measurements; I always keep a sturdy set handy.
• Rolling pin – To roll out the dough evenly; I prefer a wooden one for a classic feel.
• Cookie cutters – For fun Christmas themed shapes; metal cutters give the cleanest edges.
• Baking sheets – For even baking; I line mine with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Cooling rack – Lets cookies cool without getting soggy; I never skip this step.
• Spatula – For lifting cookies gently from the tray; a silicone one works perfectly.
• Small bowls or cups – For separating and coloring icing; makes decorating organized and easy.

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Dough

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
• Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined.
• Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until a soft dough forms.

Pro Tip: Don’t overmix once you add the flour—this keeps the cookies tender instead of tough.

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2. Chill the Dough

• Divide the dough into two discs and wrap in plastic wrap.
• Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).

Pro Tip: Chilling prevents spreading and makes it easier to cut out perfect shapes.

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3. Roll and Cut Shapes

• Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin.
• Roll one disc of dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
• Use your favorite Christmas cookie cutters to cut shapes and transfer them to a lined baking sheet.
• Repeat with remaining dough.

Pro Tip: Dust your cutters with a little flour to prevent sticking.

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4. Bake the Cookies

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake cookies for 8–10 minutes, until edges are just starting to turn golden.
• Remove from oven and let cookies sit on the tray for 2 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Pro Tip: Don’t overbake—cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

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5. Make the Icing

• In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Divide into separate bowls if using different colors, then add food coloring as desired.
• Keep icing covered with a damp cloth when not in use to prevent drying.

Pro Tip: Add food coloring gradually for the perfect shade without making the icing too runny.

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6. Decorate and Enjoy

• Use a spoon, piping bag, or squeeze bottle to decorate your cookies with icing.
• Add sprinkles, sanding sugar, or edible glitter while icing is still wet.
• Let the cookies set for 1–2 hours before stacking or storing.

Pro Tip: For a smooth finish, gently tap the tray on the counter to level the icing before adding sprinkles.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Chill the dough: Always chill before rolling—it prevents spreading and helps cut clean shapes.
• Flour lightly: Dust your rolling pin and surface lightly to avoid sticky dough without adding too much flour.
• Even thickness: Roll dough to about ¼-inch for consistent baking and soft, tender cookies.
• Watch the oven: Bake just until edges are slightly golden; cookies continue to firm up while cooling.
• Let icing set: Allow decorated cookies to fully dry before stacking to avoid smudges.
• Use gel food coloring: Vibrant colors without altering icing consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Butter substitute: Use coconut oil or vegan butter for dairy-free cookies.
• Milk substitute: Almond, oat, or soy milk works perfectly in the dough.
• Flour alternative: Try half all-purpose and half almond flour for a slightly nutty flavor.
• Flavor twist: Swap almond extract for peppermint extract for a festive minty taste.
• Decorating ideas: Instead of icing, try chocolate drizzle, crushed candy canes, or cinnamon sugar.
• Cookie shapes: Expand beyond classic shapes—stars, reindeer, or even letters for personalized cookies.

Serving Suggestions

• I love serving these sugar cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa—it makes a cozy winter treat for cold evenings.
• Arrange them on a festive platter for holiday parties; they instantly brighten up the table and are always a hit.
• Pack a few in small gift bags for neighbors or friends—it’s my favorite way to share Xmas goodies.
• Let the kids decorate their own cookies at a holiday cookie decorating party; it’s hands-on fun and makes great memories.
• Pair with cheese, fruit, or nuts on a dessert board for a simple, elegant way to serve guests.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Room temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag; lasts up to 3 months.
• Thawing: Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• Reheating: Warm slightly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes to refresh softness.
• Icing tip: Keep decorated cookies separate with parchment paper layers to avoid sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic, and chill it in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Just let it soften slightly before rolling.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before cutting shapes is key. Also, avoid overmixing once the flour is added to keep them tender and perfectly shaped.

Can I use different extracts for flavor?

Yes! Vanilla is classic, but you can try almond, peppermint, or even orange extract for a festive twist. Just a small amount goes a long way.

How should I store decorated cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If frozen, layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking and thaw at room temperature.

Can I make these cookies with kids?

Definitely! This recipe is perfect for little hands to help with rolling, cutting shapes, and decorating. Just supervise near the oven.

How do I get vibrant icing colors?

Gel food coloring works best—it gives rich, bold colors without making the icing too runny. Add it gradually until you reach your desired shade.

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out! I’d love to hear your festive decorating ideas and any tips you discovered along the way.