Ah, the smell of sugar cookies baking in the oven—there’s nothing quite like it during the holiday season! Each bite of these warm, buttery delights transports me back to my childhood, where my mother and I would decorate trays of cookies that seemed to disappear faster than we could decorate them. This Festive & Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart, not only for its simplicity but for the joy it brings to friends and family. Join me in making these delightful treats that remind us of cozy gatherings, laughter, and the magic of the holidays.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Even if you’re a novice baker, these cookies require minimal fuss and give maximum joy!
• Perfect for Decorating: The dough is the ideal blank canvas for festive decorations, making it a fun activity for kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Flavor: They can be customized with your favorite spices or flavors, ensuring they’re just how you like them.
• Holiday Tradition: Baking these cookies can become a cherished tradition, bringing warmth and cheer to your home every year.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to whip up a batch of these scrumptious sugar cookies:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (that means it should be at room temperature for the best blending)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but it adds that special touch!)
• Festive sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get to baking! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delightful batch of cookies ready in no time:

1. Prep Time: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will get the oven nice and cozy for your cookies!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. (Tip: Don’t rush this step; the fluffiness gives your cookies a great texture!)
4. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
5. Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix—just combine until you can’t see dry flour anymore!
6. Shape the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or two spoons to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Leave space between each cookie; they’ll spread slightly as they bake.
7. Decorate: If you’re feeling festive, sprinkle some colored sugar or sprinkles on top of the cookies now.
8. Bake: Pop those beauties into the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the middles look a bit soft. Remember, they’ll firm up as they cool. (A pro tip: they’re perfect right out of the oven!)
9. Cool: Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips & Variations

Now let’s mix it up a bit! Here are some fun twists and ideas to try:

• Add spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a wonderful warmth to your cookies, perfect for the season!
• Swap the extracts: Try using peppermint extract for a fresh twist that screams Christmas!
• Buttercream Frosting: Once the cookies have cooled, top them with creamy buttercream frosting for an extra festive touch.
• Go gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
• Cookie Sandwiches: Pipe some frosting between two cookies to create delightful cookie sandwiches that will impress everyone!

Serving Suggestions

These sugar cookies are a treat on their own, but they also love to be paired with other delights! Serve them with:

• A steaming cup of cocoa topped with marshmallows—what could be cozier?
• A bowl of creamy vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful dessert experience.
• Package them as gifts in festive tins to share the sweetness with friends and family.
• Place them on a beautiful platter at holiday gatherings—trust me, they’ll be the star of the dessert table!

Storage Tips

Want to keep your cookies fresh for later? Here’s how:

• Refrigeration: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they start to get a bit dry, place a slice of bread in the container with them. It’ll help maintain their moistness!
• Freezing: You can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature.
• Reheating: If they lose some of that fresh-baked goodness, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes to warm them back up.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to three days. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before baking for easy scooping.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

No worries! You can simply skip it or use more vanilla extract. It’ll still taste delicious without it!

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The edges should be just turning golden, but the centers should look a little underbaked. They’ll continue to cook a bit as they cool, giving you that perfectly soft sugar cookie texture!

Can I decorate these with royal icing?

Definitely! These cookies are perfect for royal icing decorations—just make sure the cookies are completely cooled before decorating so your icing doesn’t melt away.

Why do my cookies spread too much?

If your cookies are spreading too much, it often means the butter was too soft or the dough wasn’t chilled enough before baking. A quick chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes can help!

Conclusion

I hope you feel inspired to dive into your kitchen and whip up a batch of these Festive & Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies. There’s something incredibly special about sharing homemade treats during the holiday season, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy these as much as I do. Don’t forget to comment below and share how your sugar cookies turned out or any fun variations you experimented with! Happy baking, friend!