Nothing says “Christmas” quite like the aroma of freshly baked sugar cookies! These Classic Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie decorating parties, or simply enjoying with a glass of milk, these cookies are a festive treat that everyone will love. Follow this simple recipe to create beautiful, delicious sugar cookies that will spread holiday cheer!
Follow this simple recipe to create beautiful, delicious sugar cookies that will spread holiday cheer!
Ingredients
To make these Classic Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies, you will need:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, for added softness)
- Powdered sugar for dusting or icing (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cream of tartar (if using). Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. You can use an electric mixer or mix by hand with a wooden spoon.
4. Add Egg and Extracts
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as the flour is incorporated.
6. Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For a festive touch, you can flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
7. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
8. Cool and Decorate
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar or decorate them with icing and sprinkles.
Why You’ll Love These Sugar Cookies
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic pantry staples, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
- Versatile for Decorating: These cookies provide the perfect canvas for festive icing, sprinkles, and decorations.
- Perfect for Gifting: Package them in a festive box for a sweet homemade gift that friends and family will appreciate.