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Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe Easy Make-Ahead Holiday Cookies

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These classic Christmas sugar cookies are buttery, tender, and perfect for decorating. The dough is easy to make ahead, freezes beautifully, and ensures festive cookies that hold their shape for all your holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 3/4 cups (345g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • Extra all-purpose flour, for dusting
  • Your favorite royal icing or buttercream, for decorating
  • Assorted sprinkles, sanding sugar, colored sugars, or edible glitter, for decorating

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat unsalted butter with granulated sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until combined.
  4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating on low speed just until no streaks of flour remain. Do not over-mix.
  5. Divide dough into two equal pieces. Shape each into a flat disc and wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 days. (Dough can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling.)
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  8. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disc at a time to 1/4-inch thickness.
  9. Cut into festive shapes. Re-roll scraps as needed, but avoid overworking the dough.
  10. Transfer cookies to baking sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart. If dough gets sticky, chill again for 10 minutes before cutting.
  11. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are just starting to turn golden. For softer cookies, bake 8 minutes; for crispier, bake 10 minutes.
  12. Let cookies sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  13. Once fully cool, decorate with royal icing, buttercream, and sprinkles as desired. Let icing set before stacking or storing.

Notes

Chilling the dough is essential for cookies that hold their shape. For gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute vegan butter. Add lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist, or a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for spiced cookies. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze dough or baked cookies for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas sugar cookies, holiday cookies, make-ahead cookies, easy sugar cookies, decorated cookies, cut-out cookies, Christmas baking, freezer-friendly cookies, classic sugar cookies

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/christmas-sugar-cookies-recipe-easy-make-ahead-holiday-cookies/