Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

Introduction

The magic of the holiday season isn’t complete without the delightful tradition of baking Christmas Sugar Cookies. Imagine the joy of gathering the family around the kitchen table, rolling out dough, and creatively decorating each cookie with vibrant frosting and festive sprinkles. These cookies offer a perfect blend of sweetness and buttery goodness, making them irresistible. They’re not just treats; they’re little masterpieces that bring families together and make lasting memories. Whether for gift-giving, holiday parties, or simply sharing a sweet moment with loved ones, these Christmas Sugar Cookies are a must-try recipe this season!

Recipe Summary

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• Assorted food coloring
• Various decorative sprinkles
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and beat until combined.
3. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting by combining powdered sugar and milk in a medium bowl. Adjust the consistency as needed and divide the frosting into separate bowls for different colors. Add food coloring to each bowl and mix well.
8. Decorate the cooled cookies with the colored frosting and sprinkles as desired. Allow the frosting to set before serving or storing.

Helpful Tips

• Chill the Dough: Chilling is crucial for easy handling and precise shapes. If the dough gets too soft, pop it back in the fridge for a bit.
• Even Rolling: Use rolling pin spacers to ensure uniform thickness, helping the cookies to bake evenly.
• Creative Decorating: Get creative with decorating! Use piping bags for detailed designs and a variety of sprinkles for added fun.

Storage Instructions

Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the undecorated cookies for up to 3 months; thaw them before decorating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer, you can substitute almond extract with lemon extract or omit it entirely for a simpler flavor profile. You can also use plant-based butter and milk to make these cookies vegan-friendly.

Pairings

Serve your delightful Christmas Sugar Cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm mug of hot chocolate. They also pair wonderfully with festive teas or a cup of rich, dark coffee to balance the sweetness.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making and sharing these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookies as much as we do. Remember to snap a photo of your creations and share them with us using #ZynahzRecipes or tagging @Zynahz on Instagram. Your feedback is always appreciated, so feel free to leave your comments and tips on our website Zynahz. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest recipes and follow us on social media for more inspiration. Happy baking and happy holidays from Zynahz!