Christmas Sugar Cookie

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I absolutely love the cozy nostalgia that comes with baking Christmas Sugar Cookies. These buttery, soft-centered cookies with crisp edges and a sprinkle of colorful sugar instantly transport me to festive family moments, twinkling lights, and the scent of vanilla drifting through the kitchen. They’re the kind of treat that feels like a holiday tradition all on their own.

Every December, I make a few batches of these cookies—not only because they’re delicious, but because they’re easy, fun to decorate, and perfect for gifting. Whether you’re leaving them out for Santa or sharing them at a cookie exchange, these cookies always bring a smile. Plus, the simplicity of the recipe means even little hands can help with the baking and decorating.

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Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sugar Cookie

These cookies are a festive classic for a reason. They strike the perfect balance between soft and chewy, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist. The dough is easy to work with and doesn’t require chilling, which means you can go from craving to cookie in under 30 minutes. And the colorful sanding sugar? It adds just the right sparkle for the holiday season.

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What Kind of Sugar Should I Use for Topping?

I recommend using sanding sugar or decorating sugar, which are coarser than granulated sugar and hold their color during baking. You can find these in red, green, gold, and more to match your holiday theme. If you only have regular sugar, it will still work, but you won’t get the same shimmer or crunch on top.

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Options for Substitutions

Need to switch things up? You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by using a plant-based butter. For a gluten-free version, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well. You can also add a hint of almond extract for a slightly different flavor profile, or top them with sprinkles instead of sugar if that’s what you have on hand. These cookies are flexible and still taste amazing no matter the small changes.

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Ingredients for this Christmas Sugar Cookie

All-purpose flour – The base of the cookie, providing structure and a soft bite.

Baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly and creates that soft yet tender texture.

Salt – Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and overall flavor balance.

Unsalted butter – Adds richness and that classic buttery flavor; make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.

Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookie and gives it a crisp edge.

Egg – Binds the dough and contributes to the chewy interior.

Vanilla extract – Brings warmth and depth to the flavor.

Decorating sugar (red and green) – Adds sparkle, color, and a festive crunch.

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Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

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Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside. This step ensures even distribution of leavening and salt.

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Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Mix until it’s light, fluffy, and pale in color — about 2-3 minutes.

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Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This helps bind the dough and adds flavor.

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Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together and no streaks of flour remain.

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Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

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Step 7: Add the Signature Fork Marks

Use a fork to gently press down on each dough ball in a criss-cross pattern. This not only flattens them slightly but gives them a classic sugar cookie look.

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Step 8: Sprinkle with Decorating Sugar

Generously sprinkle the tops of the cookies with red and green decorating sugar for a festive finish.

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Step 9: Bake

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the bottoms are just starting to turn golden. Do not overbake if you want them soft.

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Step 10: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Then they’re ready to enjoy, gift, or stack on a holiday platter!

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How Long to Prepare the Christmas Sugar Cookie

Prep Time: These cookies are wonderfully quick to prepare. Mixing the dough takes around 10 minutes, and shaping each cookie adds another 5 to 10 minutes depending on your speed and batch size. No need to chill the dough, which makes things even faster.

Bake Time: The cookies bake in just 8 to 10 minutes. After that, allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a rack. From start to finish, you’ll be done in about 30 minutes.

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Tips for Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookie

• Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
• Don’t overmix once the flour is added, or your cookies may turn out tough.
• For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough.
• Press the fork down gently; too much pressure flattens them too thin.
• Watch the bake time closely—edges should be set, not browned.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overbaking: Even 1–2 extra minutes can make these cookies too crisp. They should still look pale when done.
• Skipping the salt: A small amount of salt enhances all the flavors. Don’t leave it out.
• Incorrect butter temperature: Cold butter won’t cream properly, and melted butter will lead to greasy cookies.
• Using old baking powder: If it’s expired, the cookies won’t rise properly.
• Overdecorating: Too much sugar on top can cause uneven baking or spreading.

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What to Serve With Christmas Sugar Cookie?

1. Hot Chocolate

Rich, creamy hot chocolate is the ultimate cookie companion, especially during the holidays.

2. Spiced Apple Cider

The warmth of cinnamon and cloves in apple cider enhances the buttery cookie flavors.

3. Eggnog

This creamy holiday drink pairs well with sweet sugar cookies and adds festive flair.

4. Coffee or Espresso

The slight bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies.

5. Ice Cream

Turn them into sandwich cookies with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to keep the sugar topping intact.

Freezer: These cookies freeze beautifully. You can freeze the raw dough balls for up to 3 months; just thaw and bake. Or freeze baked cookies, separated by wax paper, and thaw at room temperature when needed.

Refrigeration: Not necessary for short-term storage, but if you live in a humid climate, refrigeration can help prevent them from becoming too soft or sticky.

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Estimated Nutrition (per cookie)

• Calories: 140
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 60mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my cookies soft for days?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The cookies absorb moisture from the bread and stay soft.

Can I use cookie cutters with this dough?

This recipe is better suited for drop cookies. If you want to use cookie cutters, chill the dough first and roll it out thicker.

Is it okay to double the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe scales well—just make sure to mix thoroughly and use large enough bowls.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Most likely, the butter was too warm or the flour measurement was too low. Try chilling the dough before baking next time.

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Conclusion

Christmas Sugar Cookies are a timeless holiday treat—simple to make, endlessly customizable, and joyfully festive. Whether you’re baking a quick batch for a holiday movie night or preparing several dozen for cookie exchanges, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results. The soft centers, colorful sugar tops, and nostalgic flavor make these cookies a must-have every December. So grab your sprinkles and your apron—it’s time to bake some holiday magic!

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