Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe for Holiday Baking

There's something undeniably magical about the holiday season, and one of the highlights is undoubtedly the baking of festive treats. Among these holiday staples, Christmas sugar cookies reign supreme for their versatility, ease of creation, and sheer joy they bring to both the baker and the eater. Whether you're planning to bake these treats for your family, friends, or an office party, our easy Christmas sugar cookie recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Let's delve into making these delightful cookies that not only taste divine but also look beautiful with holiday decorations.

Ingredients

• 2 ³⁄₄ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• Powdered sugar for rolling out dough
• Frosting or icing for decoration
• Sprinkles, candy, or any festive decorations

Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. In a small bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set this aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts if using.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to two days. Chilling the dough makes it easier to work with and less sticky.

Cooking the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
3. Dust your work surface with powdered sugar. Roll out the dough to about ¹⁄₄-inch thickness.
4. Using cookie cutters of your choice, cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
5. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are very lightly golden. Watch carefully as overbaking can lead to brittle cookies.
6. Remove from oven and cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorating

1. Once completely cool, decorate with your preferred icing or frosting. Use food coloring to tint the icing for a festive touch.
2. Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or any other decorations before the icing sets.
3. Let the icing set, usually for several hours or overnight if you have the time.

📝 Note: If you want to use royal icing, make sure you understand the consistency you need for outlining and flooding for the best results.

Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies

• Measure Flour Correctly: For best results, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it with a knife rather than scooping it directly, which can pack the flour and lead to dry cookies.
• Even Baking: Ensure all your cookies are of similar thickness for even baking. Use a rolling pin guide or improvised spacers for consistency.
• Refrigerate Cut Shapes: If the dough becomes too soft to work with, simply re-chill the cut-out shapes before baking to retain their shape.
• Icing Colors: Gel food coloring provides vibrant hues without altering the consistency of your icing as much as liquid food coloring does.

Holiday Variations

Gingerbread Sugar Cookies

Add ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground ginger, and a pinch of cloves to the dough for a subtle gingerbread flavor that’s perfect for Christmas.

Peppermint Twist

Incorporate ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of peppermint extract into your dough or icing for a cool, minty twist on the traditional sugar cookie.

Rainbow Delight

Divide your dough into several portions, tint each with food coloring, and then roll out and layer them to create colorful, striped cookies.

As you set out to make these delightful Christmas sugar cookies, remember that the joy isn't just in the eating but in the creation process itself. From selecting festive shapes to decorating with an artist’s flair, this recipe gives you a canvas to express your holiday spirit. The simplicity of this recipe ensures it's accessible to everyone, while the possibilities for decoration allow for personal touches that make these cookies unique. Each batch can carry the warmth of your home, the love you bake with, and the anticipation of sharing them with loved ones. Moreover, the act of baking together can become a cherished tradition, bringing families closer during the holidays. This Christmas, let your cookies tell a story, bring smiles, and sweeten the festive season for all who taste them.

Why should I chill the dough before baking?

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Chilling the dough helps the cookies retain their shape during baking. It solidifies the fats in the butter, reducing spread and keeping the cookies thick and chewy.

Can I freeze the dough for later?

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Yes, you can freeze the dough either as one large ball or as already cut-out shapes. Just wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn, and defrost in the refrigerator before baking.

How do I get vibrant colors in my icing?

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Use gel food coloring for more concentrated colors. Add the coloring gradually and stir well until you reach your desired intensity. Liquid food coloring can dilute your icing and make it harder to achieve vibrant colors.