Looking for the perfect Christmas sugar cookie recipe? These easy-to-make, buttery, and delicious sugar cookies are ideal for holiday baking. Whether you’re hosting a party, creating edible gifts, or simply making memories with the family, these cookies are sure to impress. Made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour, they deliver soft and tender cookies every time. Decorate with festive icing to add your personal touch, making them the ultimate holiday treat.

Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (measured correctly)
- 1 Tbsp baking powder (aluminum-free preferred)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F, positioning the oven rack in the center. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Cream Butter and Sugar:
Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer, beat the softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and egg, then mix until well combined. - Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender cookies. - Prepare the Dough:
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out each portion to a 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes. - Bake the Cookies:
Arrange the cookie shapes on a parchment-lined or silicone-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. - Cool and Decorate:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with your favorite icing and festive toppings.
Tips
- Measuring Flour: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to prevent overly dense cookies.
- Chilling the Dough: If your dough becomes too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before rolling out.
- Even Baking: Roll the dough to an even thickness to ensure all cookies bake at the same rate.
Variations and Substitutions
- Flavor Twists: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for a holiday spice.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free butter for a vegan-friendly recipe.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before rolling out.
How do I store decorated cookies?
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze the baked cookies undecorated for up to 3 months. Thaw and decorate when ready to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these cookies with a warm mug of hot chocolate or mulled cider.
- Arrange on a platter for holiday parties or gift in decorative tins for friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples for a fuss-free treat.
- Festive Fun: Perfect for holiday baking with kids or creating personalized cookie designs.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough and baked cookies can be prepped in advance, making it ideal for busy holidays.
Enjoy these buttery, tender, and beautifully decorated sugar cookies that are sure to be the highlight of your holiday table! 🎄
Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
40
servings20
minutes10
minutesIngredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour (measured correctly)
1 Tbsp baking powder (aluminum-free preferred)
1/4 tsp salt
Directions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F, positioning the oven rack in the center. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer, beat the softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and egg, then mix until well combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender cookies.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out each portion to a 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Arrange the cookie shapes on a parchment-lined or silicone-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Cool and Decorate:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with your favorite icing and festive toppings.
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