Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Christmas Sugar Cookies are a festive treat perfect for holiday baking. Soft, buttery, and sprinkled with colorful red and green sanding sugar, they bring cheerful flavors and charm to any holiday cookie platter.

Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cup butter (room temperature)
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 3 1/2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons red sanding sugar
• 3 tablespoons green sanding sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes using a stand mixer. Add the eggs and vanilla and continue beating until fully combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough forms and comes together.
4. Step 4: Use a medium cookie scoop to drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Roll each portion into a smooth ball.
5. Step 5: Place the red sanding sugar in one small bowl and the green sanding sugar in another. Divide the cookie dough balls into three groups. Roll one group in the red sugar, another in the green sugar, and combine the sugars to roll the third group.
6. Step 6: Lightly flatten the tops of the cookies. Bake for 11 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the tops appear just slightly underdone.
7. Step 7: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla.
• Use cookie cutters after step 3 to create festive shapes; chill dough first for easier handling.
• Substitute sanding sugar with colored coarse sugar or sprinkles for a different look.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. Reheat briefly in a low oven to refresh crispness if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to two days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and rolling sugar.

What can I use if I don’t have sanding sugar?

If sanding sugar is not available, you can use regular granulated sugar, coarse sugar, or festive sprinkles. The texture or shine might be slightly different, but the cookies will still taste great.

Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 122 reviews

These festive Christmas Sugar Cookies are buttery, soft, and perfectly sweetened, decorated with colorful red and green sanding sugars to bring holiday cheer. Easy to make and perfect for sharing or gifting, these classic cookies offer a delightful mix of tender crumb and sparkling sugar decoration.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 11 minutes
• Total Time: 31 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 36 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 1/3 cup butter (room temperature)
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Decorations

• 3 tablespoons red sanding sugar
• 3 tablespoons green sanding sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer, beat together the room temperature butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes. This step is key for a tender cookie texture.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is very well combined, ensuring an even flavor and proper dough consistency.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix Dough: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together evenly without overmixing.
5. Portion and Shape Cookies: Use a medium cookie scoop to drop balls of dough about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Roll each piece of dough into a smooth ball for uniform baking.
6. Decorate with Sanding Sugar: Place red sanding sugar in one small bowl and green sanding sugar in another. Divide the cookie dough balls into three sections: roll one third in red sugar, another third in green sugar, and the final third in a mix of both sugars, coating them evenly.
7. Flatten and Bake: Lightly flatten the tops of the sugared cookie balls with your hand or a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 11 minutes or until the edges are turning golden and the tops look slightly underdone to maintain softness.
8. Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents breaking.

Notes

• Make sure butter is at room temperature for proper creaming.
• Do not overbake the cookies; underdone centers keep them soft.
• Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
• You can substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.

Keywords: Christmas sugar cookies, holiday cookies, festive cookies, sugar cookie recipe, holiday baking