Quick Description:
These Holiday Sugar Cookies are a perfect treat for any holiday gathering. Soft, buttery, and lightly sweetened, they are the ideal canvas for colorful sprinkles, frosting, or just as they are! These cookies are easy to make, and they bake up beautifully with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, a birthday, or any other celebration, these festive cookies will add a touch of sweetness and cheer to your festivities. Customize with your favorite sprinkles or decorations for an extra touch of holiday joy.
Servings & Timing:
- Servings: 24-30 cookies (depending on size)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes (for dough)
- Total Time: 1 hour (including prep, baking, and cooling)
Ingredients List:
For the Sugar Cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (for lift)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (for a little extra rise)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for richness)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for sweetness and texture)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (for flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for a delicate flavor)
- 1/4 cup sprinkles (red and green holiday sprinkles for garnish, optional)
For Decorating (Optional):
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
- Royal icing or glaze (for additional decoration, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set the mixture aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (if using). Mix until fully incorporated.
- Combine with dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until everything is just combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to incorporate any flour that may have stuck to the sides.
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two portions and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to make it easier to roll out and cut into shapes. Chilling also helps the cookies retain their shape while baking.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Cookies
- Preheat the oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Roll the dough: After the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Place one portion of dough onto a floured surface and roll it out with a rolling pin to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut out shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Holiday shapes like stars, trees, snowflakes, or circles work wonderfully for festive occasions. You can also use a glass or round cookie cutter for simple circular shapes.
- Transfer to baking sheet: Gently transfer the cut-out cookie shapes to the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 1-2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Add sprinkles (optional): Before baking, sprinkle a few holiday-colored sprinkles on top of each cookie for a festive touch.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The center of the cookies should remain soft.
- Cool the cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps the cookies firm up and makes them easier to handle.
Step 4: Decorate and Serve
- Decorate the cookies (optional): Once the cookies have cooled, you can decorate them with royal icing, glaze, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness. If you want to go all out, use colored icing to pipe designs or patterns on top of the cookies.
- Serve: Once the cookies are decorated, they’re ready to serve! These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just enjoying with a warm drink.
Additional Notes:
- Chill the dough: Don’t skip the chilling step. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking and ensures they maintain their shape.
- Add flavor variations: Try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spice-forward version of these cookies. This is especially festive for the fall or winter holidays.
- Colorful Icing: You can use food coloring to tint your icing or glaze in red, green, or any other color that matches the holiday theme.
- Make it a cookie decorating activity: These cookies are perfect for a fun holiday activity. Set up a cookie decorating station with different colored icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter.
Dietary Information (per cookie, 1 medium-sized cookie):
- Calories: 120-140 calories (depending on size and decoration)
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 55mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on portion size and decoration used.
Flavor Tips & Variations:
Flavor Enhancers:
- Citrus Zest: Add some lemon zest or orange zest to the dough for a subtle citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sugar cookies.
- Cinnamon Spice: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that enhances the holiday feel.
Creative Variations:
- Sugar Cookie Sandwiches: Spread a little bit of frosting or jam between two cookies to make sugar cookie sandwiches. You can also add a layer of nutella or chocolate ganache for a decadent twist.
- Gingerbread Sugar Cookies: Mix in 1 teaspoon ground ginger to the dough for a gingerbread-inspired sugar cookie with a slight spice kick.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions:
Serve with Hot Cocoa:
- These Holiday Sugar Cookies go perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider for a cozy winter treat.
Cookie Decorating Party:
- Host a cookie decorating party where friends and family can ice and decorate their cookies with different colored icings, sprinkles, and toppings. Set out bowls of colored sugar and edible glitter for an extra touch of fun.
Gift Idea:
- Package the cookies in cute cookie tins or cellophane bags with ribbons for a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift during the holidays.
Storage & Make-Ahead:
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. These cookies will stay fresh and soft, making them perfect for snacking.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully! Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer bag with parchment paper between layers of cookies. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
FAQs:
-
Can I use salted butter?
- It’s best to use unsalted butter for this recipe. Salted butter can affect the overall flavor and balance of the cookies.
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Can I substitute the vanilla extract?
- If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can substitute it with almond extract for a different flavor, or leave it out for a more neutral taste.
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Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- Yes! You can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour. Be sure to add a gluten-free baking binder (like xanthan gum) if your flour blend requires it.
Optional Personal Story:
These Holiday Sugar Cookies are one of my favorite traditions. Every year, I bake a batch (or two!) of these cookies and decorate them with family and friends. It’s always a fun way to get into the holiday spirit, and these cookies are perfect for sharing. The simplicity of sugar cookies, paired with colorful sprinkles or icing, makes them a timeless treat that everyone loves. They remind me of cozy afternoons spent in the kitchen, enjoying holiday music and the company of loved ones.
Call-to-Action:
Ready to bake some delicious Holiday Sugar Cookies? Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s make some sweet memories! Don’t forget to share your creations on Instagram—tag me and let me know how they turned out!
