Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies – A Festive Delight
Few treats capture the essence of Christmas like a plate of homemade sugar cookies. Soft, buttery, and beautifully decorated, these cookies bring warmth and color to any holiday table.
Whether shaped like snowflakes, stars, or Christmas trees, they’re a delightful tradition that both children and adults adore.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 ¾ cups (340g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Royal Icing:
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder or 1 egg white
- 4–6 tablespoons warm water
- Food coloring (red, green, gold, white, etc.)
- Sprinkles, edible glitter, or decorative sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven to 175°C (350°F). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill: Wrap the dough and refrigerate for 1 hour (makes cutting easier).
- Shape: Roll out dough on a floured surface (about ½ cm thick). Use Christmas-shaped cutters — stars, trees, bells, or reindeer.
- Bake: Place on trays and bake 8–10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
- Decorate: Mix icing until smooth. Divide and tint with food coloring. Pipe or spread onto cookies, and decorate with sprinkles or edible glitter.
- Always chill the dough before cutting — it keeps the shapes crisp.
- Add a few drops of lemon juice to the icing for a bright flavor contrast.
- Store in airtight tins for up to two weeks — they even taste better the next day!
Serving Suggestions
Pair these cookies with hot cocoa, mulled wine, or eggnog for a truly festive treat. They also make wonderful homemade gifts, wrapped in cellophane and tied with a red ribbon.
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Leave decorated cookies at room temperature for 6–8 hours before stacking or packaging.
Butter is best for flavor and texture, but high-quality margarine can be a substitute in a pinch.
Discover how to make perfect Christmas sugar cookies with buttery flavor and royal icing. Step-by-step recipe, decorating tips, and festive inspiration for the holidays.