5 Easy Sugar Cookie Recipes for Holiday Baking

Get ready to indulge in the season's sweet joys as we explore five delightful sugar cookie recipes that are perfect for holiday baking. Cookies are a holiday staple, evoking fond memories and creating new traditions. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes cater to all levels, ensuring your holiday treats are both simple to make and scrumptious to eat. Let's dive into the sweet world of holiday sugar cookies!

The Classic Sugar Cookie

Start your holiday baking journey with the timeless Classic Sugar Cookie, a recipe known for its versatility and deliciously crisp yet chewy texture.

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a small bowl, stir 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 and vanilla.
3. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients to form a soft dough. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¹⁄₄-inch thickness.
4. Cut into your preferred holiday shapes and place on ungreased cookie sheets.
5. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are just golden. Allow to cool on baking sheet for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.

💡 Note: If your cookies spread too much while baking, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before cutting out shapes.

Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies

For those following a gluten-free diet or baking for someone who does, here’s a wonderful recipe for Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies that don’t compromise on flavor or texture.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups gluten-free flour blend
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon baking soda
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, salt, and baking soda.
3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until the dough comes together.
5. Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to desired thickness and cut out shapes. Place on baking sheet.
6. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until cookies are set. Cool completely on wire racks.

Vegan Sugar Cookies

The joy of cookies doesn’t have to be exclusive to those who consume animal products. This Vegan Sugar Cookie recipe ensures everyone can join in the festive fun.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon baking soda
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt
• ³⁄₄ cup vegetable shortening
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¹⁄₂ cup almond milk or other plant-based milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Beat shortening and sugar until fluffy. Mix in almond milk, vanilla, and cornstarch until well combined.
3. Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out dough on a floured surface, cut shapes, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are slightly golden. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

🌱 Note: For an extra touch, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract for a richer flavor in your vegan cookies.

Decorated Sugar Cookies

Holiday baking often involves not just eating but also creating works of edible art. These Decorated Sugar Cookies will not only taste delightful but will also make for a stunning display.

Ingredients:

• Use the Classic Sugar Cookie recipe ingredients from above
• Royal Icing (ingredients below)

Royal Icing Ingredients:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons meringue powder
• 4-5 tablespoons warm water
• Food coloring as needed

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Classic Sugar Cookie dough and bake as described above.
2. For the icing: In a bowl, beat together powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until stiff peaks form. Divide into portions and add food coloring if desired.
3. Decorate cookies with royal icing using piping bags or by flooding the cookies with a thinner icing for a smoother finish.
4. Allow icing to dry completely, which can take up to 24 hours.

Healthier Sugar Cookie Recipe

For those aiming to indulge mindfully, these Healthier Sugar Cookies use wholesome ingredients to keep the festive spirit alive without the guilt.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup almond flour
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₄ cup coconut oil, melted
• ³⁄₄ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix whole wheat flour, almond flour, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough to ¹⁄₄-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes. Place on prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 8-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

As the holiday season envelops us with its warmth and cheer, baking these sugar cookies can be more than just a culinary task; it can be an act of love, sharing, and creating memories. From the classic sugar cookie that holds a special place in every heart to the innovative gluten-free, vegan, and healthier options, there's a cookie for every taste and dietary need. Remember, the essence of holiday baking is to create something sweet for both the taste buds and the soul. Enjoy the time spent in the kitchen, and let these cookies become a part of your holiday traditions, enriching your celebrations with their delightful flavors.