Best Festive & Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies!

The twinkling lights are up, carols are playing, and the scent of pine is in the air. What better way to truly embrace the holiday spirit than with a batch of warm, homemade cookies? Forget the stress and dive into the pure joy of baking with our recipe for Festive & Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies! These aren’t just any cookies; they’re little canvases waiting for your creative touch, bringing smiles and deliciousness to every festive gathering. Get ready to sprinkle some magic this season!

Why You’ll Love These Festive & Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies!

• Effortlessly Delicious: This recipe is designed for ease without sacrificing flavor. Even if you’re a beginner baker, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to whip up a batch of these wonderfully buttery, vanilla-scented delights.
• Perfect for Decorating: With a firm yet tender texture, these cookies hold their shape beautifully, making them the ultimate blank slate for all your festive decorating whims. From simple drizzles to intricate designs, let your imagination run wild!
• Irresistible Flavor Profile: The combination of pure vanilla and a hint of almond extract creates a flavor that is classic, comforting, and utterly addictive. Each bite is a sweet reminder of holiday cheer.
• A Holiday Tradition in the Making: Baking and decorating these Festive & Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies is more than just making a treat; it’s an experience. Gather loved ones, put on some holiday tunes, and create lasting memories (and delicious cookies!) together.

Ingredients for Your Festive & Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies!

For the Cookies:

• 🌾 2 ¼ cups (281g) all-purpose flour
• 🥄 ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 🧂 ¼ teaspoon salt
• 🧈 ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• 🍚 ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 🥚 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 🌿 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 🌰 ¼ to ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but highly recommended for extra flavor!)

For the Easy Icing:

• 🍬 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar
• 🌸 ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (or use water for a pure white icing)
• ✨ 2 teaspoons light corn syrup
• 💧 4 ½ to 5 Tablespoons (67-75ml) room temperature water
• 🧂 Pinch of salt
• 🌈 Gel food coloring & sprinkles (optional, for fun decorating!)

Step-by-Step Directions to Master These Festive & Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies!

Preparing Your Delicious Cookie Dough:

1. In a medium bowl, simply whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.
2. In a larger bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until they’re wonderfully smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if you’re using it). Beat on high for about 1 minute until well combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl!
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until everything just comes together. The dough will be a little soft. If it feels too sticky, add an extra tablespoon of flour.
5. Divide your dough into two equal portions. Place each portion between two pieces of lightly floured parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
6. Using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll each dough portion out evenly to about ¼-inch thickness.
7. Lightly dust one rolled-out dough with flour, then place a piece of parchment on top to prevent sticking. Stack the second rolled-out dough on top. Wrap this stack in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or up to 2 days. This step is key for perfect cut-out shapes!

Baking Your Festive Cookies:

1. Once your dough is chilled and firm, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Carefully remove one chilled dough piece from the refrigerator. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Gather and re-roll any dough scraps, then cut more shapes. Repeat with the second piece of dough.
3. Arrange your cookie shapes on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 3 inches between each cookie.
4. Bake for 11-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. If your oven bakes unevenly, rotate the baking sheets halfway through.
5. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Whipping Up the Easy Icing:

1. In a medium bowl, stir together the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, corn syrup, 4.5 tablespoons of water, and a pinch of salt with a fork. It will be quite thick!
2. Switch to a whisk and gradually whisk in another ½ tablespoon of water (or more, drop by drop) until the icing drizzles smoothly from the whisk and holds its shape for a few seconds before melting back into the bowl. This is the perfect consistency!
3. If you’d like colored icing, divide it into separate bowls and stir in 1-2 drops of gel food coloring at a time until you reach your desired shades. Remember, the color deepens as it dries.
4. Get creative! Decorate your completely cooled cookies by dipping them into the icing, or use squeeze bottles or piping bags for more detailed designs. If adding sprinkles, do it right after applying the icing.
5. Let your beautifully decorated cookies sit uncovered for about 24 hours for the icing to fully set. While they’re delicious immediately, this waiting time makes them stackable and perfect for gifting!

Presenting and Serving Your Festive & Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies!

These cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds, but also a feast for the eyes! Here are some delightful ways to present and serve your Festive & Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies!:

• Holiday Cookie Platter: Arrange a colorful assortment of your decorated cookies on a festive platter. Mix different shapes and icing colors for an eye-catching display at any holiday party.
• Personalized Gifts: Once the icing is fully set, stack the cookies in charming gift boxes or decorative tins. Tie with a festive ribbon and a handwritten tag for a thoughtful homemade present.
• Party Favors: Place individual decorated cookies into clear cellophane bags, tied with a pretty twist tie or ribbon, to hand out as sweet party favors for your guests.
• Dessert Table Centerpiece: Use a tiered dessert stand to showcase your beautifully decorated cookies, making them a stunning centerpiece for your holiday dessert spread.
• Serve with Warm Beverages: There’s nothing cozier than enjoying these cookies with a mug of hot cocoa, a spiced latte, or a glass of cold milk by a crackling fire.
• For Santa: Don’t forget to leave a plate of these delicious cookies out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve – he’ll surely appreciate the homemade touch!

Storage Tips for Your Festive & Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies!

Want to enjoy your Festive & Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies! for longer, or get a head start on your holiday baking? Here’s how to store them perfectly:

• Cookie Dough: The chilled dough can be stored wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the rolled-out dough (still between parchment paper) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cutting and baking.
• Undecorated Baked Cookies: Store cooled, undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
• Decorated Baked Cookies: Once the icing has fully set (this takes about 24 hours), store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve your beautiful designs. They will last for 5-7 days. You can also freeze decorated cookies for up to 3 months, ensuring the icing is completely hard before freezing, and layering with parchment. Thaw at room temperature.

FAQs About Festive & Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies!

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and chilled in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can even freeze the rolled-out dough for up to 3 months, thawing it in the fridge before cutting.
2. What if my dough is too sticky or too crumbly?
   If it’s too sticky, add an extra tablespoon of flour until it’s workable. If it’s too crumbly, try adding ½ teaspoon of water or milk at a time until it comes together. Humidity and flour type can affect consistency.
3. Do I really need to chill the dough?
   Yes, chilling the dough is crucial! It prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring your cut-out shapes remain perfectly defined and festive.
4. Can I skip the almond extract?
   Of course! The cookies will still be delicious with just vanilla extract. However, the almond extract truly adds a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the vanilla beautifully, making them extra special.
5. How do I get a pure white icing for decorating?
   To achieve a pristine white icing, simply use water instead of vanilla extract in your icing mixture. The vanilla extract can impart a slight off-white or yellowish tint.
6. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading while baking?
   Ensure your dough is well-chilled, don’t overmix the dough (which develops gluten), and make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. Using parchment paper also helps.
7. How long does the easy icing take to set?
   While the icing will feel dry to the touch within a few hours, it takes approximately 24 hours for it to fully harden and set completely. This makes the cookies stackable and perfect for gifting.
8. Can I freeze decorated cookies?
   Yes! Once the icing is completely hard and set (after about 24 hours), you can freeze decorated cookies in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
9. What’s the best way to cut out shapes without sticking?
   Rolling the dough between two pieces of lightly floured parchment paper is key. Additionally, lightly flour your cookie cutters between each cut to prevent sticking.
10. Can I use royal icing instead of this easy icing?
    While royal icing certainly provides a harder, shinier finish and is excellent for intricate details, this “easy icing” is designed for simplicity and still offers a lovely, smooth finish that sets well. Feel free to use royal icing if you prefer, but this recipe focuses on keeping it simple!