Ingredients
2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional for extra flavor)
3 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (or replace with water for white icing)
2 teaspoons light corn syrup
4.5 to 5 tablespoons room temperature water
Pinch of salt
Food coloring and sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
1-How to Prepare the Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide Follow this straightforward guide to create your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe, starting with basic setup for success. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure even baking and easy cleanup. This step sets the stage for professional-looking results every time.
2-Next: in a mixing bowl, combine 2 ¾ cups of flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon baking powder for a solid base. For dietary needs, swap in gluten-free flour if required. Then, in a separate bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 ½ cups granulated sugar until it’s creamy and light, which takes about 3 minutes for the perfect texture.
3-Add: 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the mixture, blending well to form a uniform dough that incorporates all the flavors. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients to create a smooth dough, then divide and roll it as needed. For this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on floured parchment, chill for 1 2 hours, and cut into shapes before baking at 350°F for 11-12 minutes.
4-After baking, cool the cookies on the sheets for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack. Finally, prepare the icing by mixing 3 cups confectioners’ sugar with 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons light corn syrup, 4.5 to 5 tablespoons water, and a pinch of salt; adjust for the right consistency and decorate as desired. Let the icing dry for 24 hours for the best results, making your cookies ready for stacking and storage.
Notes
🧈 Ensure butter is at room temperature, feeling cool to the touch and yielding an indent without sinking.
❄️ Roll the dough before chilling to make the process easier; chilling helps maintain shapes during baking.
🎨 Use gel food coloring for icing to avoid changing its texture and get vibrant colors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling and Drying Time: 26 hours
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
