There’s something magical about baking cookies in December.
The whole kitchen smells of butter, vanilla, and sugar while the house feels a little more festive.
These Christmas sugar cookies are soft, hold their shape beautifully, and are perfect for decorating with kids – or even just for yourself with a big mug of cocoa.
I’ve made these year after year, and each time, the joy is the same. Let me walk you through how I do it, step by step.
Ingredients Needed To Make Christmas Sugar Cookies
Keep it simple. These are pantry staples, but when combined, they create the most irresistible holiday cookies:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (or almond extract for a festive twist)
- Royal icing or buttercream for decorating
- Food coloring + sprinkles (optional, but fun)
Instructions To Make Christmas Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Mixing the Dough
First, cream the softened butter with sugar until it’s light and fluffy.
This step makes the dough airy. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla.
Slowly add the dry mixture – flour, baking powder, salt. The dough should come together soft but not sticky.
Step 2: Chilling the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic and let it rest in the fridge for at least an hour.
This helps the cookies keep their shape. Don’t skip this step – chilled dough makes all the difference.
Step 3: Rolling & Cutting
Take the dough out, roll it to about ¼ inch thick, and grab your cookie cutters.
Christmas trees, snowflakes, stars, reindeer – anything goes. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Baking
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approx. 8 to 10 minutes. The edges should look set but not browned. Remember, sugar cookies are pale when ready. Let them cool completely before decorating.
Step 5: Making the Icing
Royal icing is classic. Mix powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until glossy. Divide into bowls and tint with gel food coloring. Red, green, white, and gold are my go-to Christmas colors.
Step 6: Decorating the Cookies
This is where the fun happens. Use piping bags to outline and flood cookies. Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or tiny candy pearls. Let your creativity shine – I always let my son take charge of a few cookies, and those end up being the most special.
Step 7: Storing or Gifting
Once decorated and dried, store the cookies in airtight tins. They keep well for up to a week. Or pack them into festive boxes with ribbon and gift tags – neighbors, teachers, and friends love these thoughtful homemade gifts.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookies
- Keep dough chilled between rolling batches.
- Use parchment so cookies don’t stick.
- Don’t overbake – pale edges mean soft centers.
- Plan ahead: You can make the dough two days in advance.
These tips are what make this cookie recipe one you’ll come back to every December.
Decorating Ideas That Always Impress
- Snowflake cookies with delicate white icing and silver pearls.
- Christmas trees with green icing, sprinkle “ornaments,” and a yellow star topper.
- Candy cane stripes with red and white swirls.
- Minimalist iced stars with gold dust.
These little touches make your platter look straight out of a bakery window.
Final Thoughts
Baking Christmas cookies is more than just making dessert – it’s creating memories.
Every year, I find myself flour-dusted, laughing at the imperfect shapes my son cuts out, and sneaking bites of cookie dough.
These sugar cookies are tradition, nostalgia, and holiday spirit all wrapped in one sweet treat.
So, whether you bake them for your family, for gifting, or just for yourself, know that you’re joining a timeless ritual shared by countless homes during December.
