30-Min Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies for Soft, Festive Holiday Treats

Christmas sugar cookies—the classic holiday treat everyone loves to bake and devour. Whether you’re a pro cookie decorator or just here for the sugary goodness, these cookies bring the festive vibes straight to your kitchen. Honestly, who doesn’t enjoy mixing up some dough, cutting out fun shapes, and adding all the frosting you can handle? Let’s chat about whipping up a batch that’ll impress your friends, keep your sweet tooth happy, and maybe even make your neighbors slightly jealous.

Why Christmas Sugar Cookies Rock

First off, Christmas sugar cookies are basically the MVP of holiday baking. They’re simple, versatile, and let you get as creative as you want. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing—or hoarding if that’s how you roll. 😏 I’ve found that having a recipe that works every time without a fuss makes the whole process much less “holiday stress” and more “holiday bliss.”

Ingredients for 4 People (About 24 Cookies)

Before we get rolling, here’s what you’ll need for the batch:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

If you want to decorate:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk or lemon juice
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles, sanding sugar, or edible glitter

Sugar Cookies recipe is just right for around 4 people to enjoy without drowning in leftovers. Trust me, you don’t want to bake a mountain of cookies unless you’re up for a serious sugar rush.

Let’s Get to Baking: Step-by-Step Instructions of Sugar Cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour (worth the wait, trust me)
Bake Time: 8-10 minutes per batch

Step 1: Cream That Butter and Sugar

Grab a big bowl and beat the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This is where the magic starts—getting that texture just right means your cookies will be tender and buttery.

Step 2: Egg and Vanilla Join the Party

Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix it until it’s all smooth and combined. Easy peasy, right?

Step 3: Mix the Dry Stuff

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting is optional but hey, it helps avoid lumps and gives a finer texture.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, mixing gently. Here’s a pro tip: don’t overmix! Overworked dough equals tough cookies, and nobody wants that.

Step 5: Chill Out

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. Yes, chilling is a drag, but it solidifies the dough, making it easier to roll and preventing the cookies from spreading like crazy in the oven.

Step 6: Roll, Cut, and Cookie-Cutter Madness

After chilling, roll out your dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Now comes the fun part—grab your holiday-themed cookie cutters! Stars, trees, candy canes, whatever floats your gingerbread boat.

Step 7: Bake ’Em Up

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Don’t walk away; these little guys can burn faster than you’d expect.

Step 8: Cool and Decorate on Sugar Cookies

Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Now, unleash your inner artist with frosting and decorations. Personally, the simplest sugar glaze with a splash of lemon juice and a few drops of food coloring always wins (and is quick). Go wild with sprinkles if you want to feel like a kid again.

Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookies

• Don’t skip the chill time! Seriously, patience here makes your life so much easier later.
• Use room temperature butter to avoid lumpy dough. Cold butter fights mixing.
• Roll between parchment paper for less mess and easy transfer to cookie sheets.
• If frosting, make sure cookies are 100% cool or glaze will melt and look sad.
• Double the batch if you want to bribe more folks this Christmas. Trust me, you will.

Why Bother Making Your Own?

You could buy cookies. But can a store-bought cookie be customized to the exact shape and level of icing bling you want? Nope! Plus, you get the whole warm-cookie-from-the-oven vibe, which is honestly priceless. And, let’s be honest, who doesn’t enjoy being “that neighbor” with the legendary Christmas sugar cookies?

A Word on Decorating: Fancy vs. Fun

Some people get super into royal icing and piping details that look like cookies from a magazine. That’s cool and all, but don’t let the perfect decorator Instagram pics intimidate you. Sometimes a quick smear of glaze and a sprinkle of colorful sugar make me happier than a masterpiece. Plus, kids love the messy hands part, which is basically the point.

Quick FAQs About Christmas Sugar Cookies

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough, wrap it tight, and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for a month.

Q: Are these cookies soft or crunchy?
These cookies are a bit on the soft and chewy side with slightly crisp edges. If you want crunchier, just bake a minute or two longer.

Q: Can I use a sugar substitute?
You can try, but it might affect texture and browning. Stick with regular sugar for best results, IMO.

Q: What if my cookies spread too much during baking?
Chill the dough longer and check your baking powder’s freshness. Also, don’t grease your baking sheet; parchment is best.

Q: Can I add flavors like almond or peppermint?
Yes, tweaking vanilla with a drop or two of peppermint or almond extract can be a holiday game-changer. Just don’t overdo it.

Final Thoughts

Baking Christmas sugar cookies isn’t just about the end product (though eating them is glorious). It’s also about the experience. The smell of vanilla butter wafting through your kitchen, the inevitable flour on the floor, and the simple joy of creating something festive from scratch. You don’t need to be a master chef to nail these cookies, just a bit of patience and a sprinkle of holiday spirit.

So, ready to roll up those sleeves and bring some sweetness to your Christmas? Your taste buds will thank you, and your family will probably start expecting these every year. FYI, sharing is optional but highly encouraged.