There’s something magical about the holiday season, and the aroma of fresh-baked Christmas Sugar Cookies fills my home with warmth and joy. Every year, as December rolls around, I find myself in the kitchen, rolling out dough and cutting shapes that remind me of my childhood. These cookies aren’t just treats; they’re a family tradition that brings us together. I remember the laughter as we decorated each cookie, creating edible art that would soon become delightful gifts for neighbors and friends. The anticipation builds as we wait for them to cool, the sound of the oven timer bringing us closer to indulging in these sweet delights.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins

Prep Time:
0 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
8 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Baking Sheet, Wooden Spoon, Whisk

Why This Christmas Sugar Cookies Is a Winner

They’re Perfect for Sharing

When I think of the holidays, I think of sharing, and that’s exactly what makes these Christmas Sugar Cookies so special. They are perfect for giving away to friends, family, or even as classroom treats during festive celebrations. The joy that comes from watching someone take a bite and light up with happiness is truly priceless.

Endless Customization

One of the best parts about making Christmas Sugar Cookies is how customizable they are. You can decide on the shapes, colors, and flavors! From classic snowflakes to colorful Christmas trees, there’s no limit to your creativity. I often find myself experimenting with different icing designs and sprinkles, creating unique versions every year.

Memories in the Making

Each batch of Christmas Sugar Cookies is more than just a recipe; it’s a chance to create lasting memories. Whether I’m baking solo or with loved ones, the experience is filled with joy, laughter, and a sprinkle of chaos, just like the holidays themselves. It’s a tradition that I cherish and pass down, ensuring that future generations will also enjoy this delightful activity.

A Sweet Gift from the Heart

Homemade Christmas Sugar Cookies make for heartfelt gifts. Pack them in a beautiful box or a festive tin, and they become a personal touch to your holiday gifting. It’s the thought and effort that counts, and there’s something about homemade treats that store-bought ones just can’t match.

Tradition and Love

Finally, these cookies hold a place in my heart due to their tradition. Every year, we gather to celebrate not just the flavors but the love that surrounds our kitchen. It’s a reminder of what the holiday season is truly about—coming together and sharing moments that will last a lifetime.

Essential Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookies

The ingredients for these delightful cookies are simple yet packed with flavor. Each component plays a role in creating a rich, buttery cookie that melts in your mouth. The combination of butter, cream cheese, and sugar forms the base, while the flour and baking powder give it structure. It’s a mix that balances sweetness and texture, making every bite irresistible.

½ cup butter, at room temperature – This is the key fat that adds richness and helps achieve that lovely, soft texture.
3 ounces of cream cheese, at room temperature – It adds a delightful tang and creaminess that sets these cookies apart from the rest.
1 cup sugar – The sugar not only sweetens the dough but also creates a tender texture in the cookies.
1 egg – This binds the ingredients together and helps with the rise, contributing to a light cookie.
½ teaspoon vanilla – A splash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile wonderfully.
2 cups flour – The main structure of the cookie, flour gives it body and texture.
½ teaspoon baking powder – This leavening agent ensures the cookies rise perfectly while baking.

Recipe Directions for Christmas Sugar Cookies

Creating these Christmas Sugar Cookies is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with festive aromas. Each step is simple, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Let’s dive into the process of bringing these sweet treats to life!

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, giving your cookies a soft and tender texture.
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla. Mix until fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth consistency. The mixture should look creamy and uniform.
Gradually add the flour and baking powder to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough should be soft yet manageable.
Once mixed, transfer the dough onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Flatten it into a disk shape and wrap it well. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out.
Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly once you’re ready to place them in the oven.
On a floured surface, roll out half of the chilled dough to about ⅛ to ¼ inch thickness. Keep the other half refrigerated until you need it to prevent it from becoming too soft.
Using cookie cutters of your choice, cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, ensuring they are at least an inch apart to allow for spreading during baking.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 7 to 9 minutes. Look for the edges to start becoming lightly golden and firm to the touch. Don’t worry if they seem soft; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes. This allows them to set before transferring them to a cooling rack.
To prepare the frosting, whisk together all frosting ingredients. Start with a tablespoon of milk, adding more as needed to achieve your desired consistency. The frosting should be spreadable but not too runny. Decorate your cooled cookies as desired.

Things Worth Knowing

Chilling the dough is essential. It helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring they maintain their shape.
When creaming the butter and cream cheese, take your time. This step adds air to the mixture, resulting in fluffy cookies.
Use high-quality vanilla for better flavor. A good quality extract can make a noticeable difference in taste.
Feel free to get creative with decorations! Add colored sprinkles or icing to personalize your cookies even more.

Change It Up

There are endless ways to enjoy these Christmas Sugar Cookies. If you’re looking to add your personal twist, here are some helpful ideas to consider:

Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to one week.
Freezing: These cookies freeze well! Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months!
Pairing: Enjoy these cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of hot chocolate for the perfect holiday treat.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts, like almond or peppermint, to create new flavors!
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
Decorating: Top the cookies with frosting and festive sprinkles, or incorporate candies to bring extra color and fun!

What to Serve With Christmas Sugar Cookies

These delightful Christmas Sugar Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some ideas for serving and enjoying them:

Holiday Parties: They make a fantastic addition to any holiday gathering, serving as a sweet treat for guests.
Gift Giving: Package them in festive tins or boxes for holiday gifts. Homemade cookies are always a hit!
Family Gatherings: Whether it’s a Christmas dinner or a casual get-together, these cookies are sure to please everyone.
Children’s Events: Perfect for school parties or family gatherings with kids, they’re a festive treat that everyone loves.
Seasonal Celebrations: Serve them during other winter festivities or events, such as New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Tea Time: Pair them with tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat, making them perfect for a winter afternoon gathering.

FAQ

Christmas Sugar Cookies are typically softer and richer than regular sugar cookies, thanks to the addition of cream cheese. This ingredient gives them a unique flavor and texture, making them perfect for the holiday season. Additionally, they are often decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles, adding a festive touch that sets them apart from the everyday variety.

Absolutely! The beauty of Christmas Sugar Cookies lies in their versatility. You can use any cookie cutter shape that you prefer. From traditional holiday shapes like trees and stars to unique designs like reindeer or snowmen, the options are endless. Get creative and let your imagination guide your cookie designs!

To store your delicious Christmas Sugar Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them; they freeze well for up to three months. Just make sure to place them in a single layer to avoid sticking!

If you have leftover frosting from decorating your Christmas Sugar Cookies, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be used for future baking projects or for topping cupcakes and other treats. Just give it a good stir before using it again, and you’re good to go!

Conclusion

The classic Christmas Sugar Cookies are not just a treat; they are a celebration of the holiday spirit. Each bite is a reminder of family traditions and the joy of sharing sweet moments together. I encourage you to gather your loved ones and whip up a batch of these festive cookies. You’ll create new memories while indulging in a timeless favorite that everyone will love.