Christmas Sugar Cookies: A Festive Delight
There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house during the holiday season. Christmas Sugar Cookies, reminiscent of those from popular bakeries, effortlessly capture that festive spirit. These delightful treats not only spell joy for your taste buds but also act as a canvas for celebration and creativity. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply indulging in some sweet nostalgia, these cookies are the perfect choice to brighten your festivities.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe for Christmas Sugar Cookies is more than just another baked good; it’s an experience. These cookies are soft, chewy, and brimming with holiday cheer thanks to vibrant Christmas jimmies sprinkles. They’re quickly becoming a household favorite because they’re:
- Quick to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time.
- Kid-Approved: Kids love their festive colors and soft texture, making them perfect for family baking days.
- Versatile: Not only are they perfect for Christmas, but these cookies work wonders for any holiday gathering or party.
"These cookies have become a holiday tradition in our house. They’re so soft and delicious, and the kids love decorating them!" – Jenna T.
Step-by-Step Overview
Preparing Christmas Sugar Cookies is a straightforward and fun process. Begin by gathering your ingredients and preheating your oven. The activity not only brings warmth to the kitchen but also creates lasting memories with loved ones. The preparation involves two main components: the cookie base and a rich, luscious cream cheese frosting that elevates these treats to bakery-quality delights.
What You’ll Need
To create these festive treats, gather the following key ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 270 g (2¼ cups) all-purpose flour
- 4 g (1 tsp) baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 170 g (1½ sticks / ¾ cup) unsalted butter, softened (68-72°F)
- 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
- 54 g (⅓ cup) Christmas jimmies sprinkles
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 283 g (1¼ bricks / 10 oz) full-fat cream cheese, softened (68-72°F)
- 184 g (13 Tbsp) salted butter, softened (68-72°F)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 150 g (1¼ cups) powdered sugar, sifted
- 80 ml (⅓ cup) heavy cream, very cold
- 24 g (2 Tbsp) assorted Christmas sprinkles (jimmies, nonpareils, etc.)
Feel free to use dairy-free butter or a sugar substitute if you’re accommodating allergies or dietary preferences!
Directions to Follow
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 1-2 minutes), pausing to scrape down the bowl.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), then mix on medium-low speed until combined (around 30 seconds).
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients in two parts on low speed until combined—be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the Christmas jimmies sprinkles with a spatula until evenly distributed.
- Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough (48-50 g each) and roll into balls, spacing them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Slightly flatten each cookie dough ball while keeping them at least ½-inch thick.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes or until edges are set and tops are no longer glossy. The cookies should remain pale, not browned.
- After removing from the oven, use a larger cookie cutter or glass to gently shape the cookies into perfect circles immediately.
- Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat cream cheese and butter on low until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add vanilla and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Gradually add sifted powdered sugar in three parts, combining each time for about 10-15 seconds.
- Drizzle in the cold heavy cream one tablespoon at a time while whisking on low speed until stiff peaks form (about 1-1½ minutes).
- Pipe or spread the frosting over cooled cookies, and finish with a sprinkle of festive decorations just before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These Christmas Sugar Cookies are delicious on their own, but there are plenty of ways to enhance your cookie experience. Serve them with a warm cup of hot cocoa, or perhaps alongside a scoop of peppermint ice cream for a delightful dessert pairing. For a fun twist, allow the kids to decorate with additional sprinkles or colorful frosting for a true holiday crafting experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Softening Butter: For perfectly softened butter, leave it on your kitchen counter for about 30 minutes before starting. If you’re short on time, placing it in the microwave for just 10 seconds on low power can help.
- Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too runny, gradually add more sifted powdered sugar until you reach the desired thickness.
- Cookie Shape: Using a glass to reshape the cookies directly after taking them out of the oven ensures a professional bakery look!
Creative Twists
Feel free to play with flavors and toppings! Swap out Christmas jimmies for seasonal themed sprinkles for other holidays, or try adding in extracts like peppermint for a fresh twist. Additionally, consider using almond flour to give a gluten-free option—it works well and adds a lovely flavor.
Your Questions Answered
1. How long does prep and bake time take?
The entire process takes about 1 hour from prep to baking, plus additional cooling time for the cookies.
2. Can I use different extracts?
Absolutely! Vanilla and almond extract work perfectly, but you can experiment with flavors like hazelnut or lemon for a unique taste profile.
Make sure not to overbake them; the cookies should look soft but set when you take them out of the oven. Storing them in an airtight container also helps maintain their softness.
Creating Christmas Sugar Cookies that rival your favorite bakery’s is not just possible—it’s incredibly enjoyable! So, gather your loved ones, roll up those sleeves, and get baking!
Christmas Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 270 g 270 g (2¼ cups) all-purpose flour
- 4 g 4 g (1 tsp) baking powder
- 0.25 tsp ¼ tsp salt
- 170 g 170 g (1½ sticks / ¾ cup) unsalted butter, softened (68-72°F)
- 200 g 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 large 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 Tbsp 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 0.25 tsp ¼ tsp almond extract (optional) Optional for flavor enhancement
- 54 g 54 g (⅓ cup) Christmas jimmies sprinkles For decoration
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 283 g 283 g (1¼ bricks / 10 oz) full-fat cream cheese, softened (68-72°F)
- 184 g 184 g (13 Tbsp) salted butter, softened (68-72°F)
- 2 tsp 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.125 tsp ⅛ tsp salt
- 150 g 150 g (1¼ cups) powdered sugar, sifted
- 80 ml 80 ml (⅓ cup) heavy cream, very cold
- 24 g 24 g (2 Tbsp) assorted Christmas sprinkles (jimmies, nonpareils, etc.) For decoration
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 1-2 minutes), pausing to scrape down the bowl.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), then mix on medium-low speed until combined (around 30 seconds).
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients in two parts on low speed until combined—be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the Christmas jimmies sprinkles with a spatula until evenly distributed.
Baking
- Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough (48-50 g each) and roll into balls, spacing them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Slightly flatten each cookie dough ball while keeping them at least ½-inch thick.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes or until edges are set and tops are no longer glossy. The cookies should remain pale, not browned.
- After removing from the oven, use a larger cookie cutter or glass to gently shape the cookies into perfect circles immediately.
- Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- Using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat cream cheese and butter on low until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add vanilla and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Gradually add sifted powdered sugar in three parts, combining each time for about 10-15 seconds.
- Drizzle in the cold heavy cream one tablespoon at a time while whisking on low speed until stiff peaks form (about 1-1½ minutes).
- Pipe or spread the frosting over cooled cookies, and finish with a sprinkle of festive decorations just before serving.