Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe

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When it comes to holiday baking, nothing quite matches the classic charm of a Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe. These cookies aren’t just treats—they’re a chance to get creative, filled with festive cheer and delicious flavors. Picture the wonderful smell of sweet cream butter and pure vanilla filling your kitchen as you whip up these tasty cookies.

Craving something sweet but short on time? These Easy Dessert Recipes are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without any hassle.

christmas sugar cookies

You don’t need fancy ingredients or expert baking skills—just a few things you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you need a last-minute dessert for guests or a quick indulgence just for yourself, these recipes make it super easy to whip up something delicious.

Delicious Christmas Desserts

Get ready to deck the halls with delicious holiday treats that’ll wow everyone at your festive get-togethers. Whether it’s classic gingerbread men or rich peppermint fudge, these tasty desserts will add a sweet sparkle to your Christmas celebrations!

All of these are perfect for your holiday dessert table. I would love to know which ones you make and how much your family love them!

christmas sugar cookie recipe

Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe

Looking for the perfect Christmas cookie recipe? These sugar cookies are a holiday must!

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 Cups Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 Cups Sugar
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 Tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract 
  • 4 1/4 Cups Flour

  • 1 1/2 Teaspoons Baking Powder 

  • 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda

  • 1/4 Teaspoon Cream of Tartar 

  • 1 Container of Christmas Sanding Sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line cookies sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. Using a standing mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until combined.
  3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time until combined.
  4. Mix in the vanilla until combined.
  5. Using a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cream of tartar until combined.
  6. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients into the wet.
  7. Mix until combined.
  8. Using a small ice cream scooper, scoop out dough and roll into a ball.
  9. Set aside onto the cookie sheet.
  10. Repeat step until all dough is molded into balls.
  11. Pour the sanding sugar into a large bowl.
  12. Roll each dough ball into the sanding sugar and place back onto the cookie sheets about 2-3 inches apart from each other..
  13. Once all dough balls have been coated into the sanding sugar, using the palm of your hand, lightly push down the dough balls into thick disk.
  14. Bake in the preheated oven for about 11-13 minutes or until lightly browned.
  15. The cookies will slightly be under cooked.
  16. Allow cookies to cool completely before enjoying with a large glass of milk!

Ingredients Needed for this Recipe

Here’s what you need for these Christmas Sugar Cookies!

  • Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter – With unsalted butter, you decide how much salt to add to bring out the sweetness in the cookies, ensuring a perfect balance every time. Using salted butter can be tricky since it has different salt levels that might change the cookie’s taste unexpectedly.

  • Sugar  – When baking these festive goodies, sugar keeps them soft and chewy by locking in moisture. It also helps them get that golden-brown finish, making them look irresistible.

  • Large Eggs – Large eggs add just the right amount of moisture and help bind everything together, so your cookies keep their shape while baking. Plus, they give the cookies a soft and tender crumb.

  • Pure Vanilla Extract – It infuses these cookies with a warm, sweet aroma that’s instantly recognizable and incredibly inviting. This rich, flavorful extract enhances the overall taste, making every bite more delightful and delicious.

  • Flour – Flour gives the cookies structure and stability. It mixes with the wet ingredients to create dough that’s super easy to roll out and shape into festive figures. The proteins in flour work with the other ingredients to form gluten, which adds that perfect chewy texture and strength to the cookies.

  • Baking Powder – It acts like a little magic, helping the dough rise and turn light and airy in the oven. That’s super important for cookies, so they don’t end up dense or hard. Those tiny air pockets baking powder creates give you fluffy cookies that practically melt in your mouth.

  • Baking Soda – It reacts with acidic ingredients like the cream of tartar to create carbon dioxide, resulting in that delightful texture we all love in a good sugar cookie.

  • Cream of Tartar – It keeps the egg whites stable and stops the sugar from crystalizing, so your cookies stay soft and melt-in-your-mouth. Plus, it adds a hint of tanginess that perfectly balances the sweetness.
  • Christmas Sanding Sugar – Christmas sanding sugar adds a splash of color and sparkle that’s all about festive fun! It’s a bit larger than regular sugar, giving an extra sweet crunch and holding up to the baking heat without losing its bright color.

All of these ingredients work together to make the perfect Christmas sugar cookie that is perfect for your cookie exchanges and gatherings. Kids and adults alike love them!

christmas sugar cookie ingredient list

While you’re here check out our no bake Christmas cookies, our famous sugar cookie recipe (with a super secret ingredient) and the best cookie recipes online!

Shopping for cookie baking essentials? It’s a breeze on Amazon! You can find everything from top-notch mixers to festive cookie cutters. Just a few clicks and all the tools and ingredients for your holiday baking adventures will be right at your doorstep!

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Why is Cream of Tartar Important in the Recipe?

Cream of tartar is like the secret weapon in sugar cookies, and it’s a must for getting that perfect texture. This magical ingredient keeps egg whites stable, so your cookies turn out soft and airy.

christmas sugar cookie inprocess

It also stops sugar from crystallizing, meaning every bite is smooth and tender instead of crunchy. Plus, it adds just a hint of tang that balances the sweetness, giving the cookies a flavor that’s way more interesting than your average holiday treat.

christmas sugar cookies on pan

Trust me, embrace cream of tartar, and you’ll get cookies that are irresistibly soft with that melt-in-your-mouth vibe, perfect for the holidays!

How Can I Get My Cookies Perfectly Soft and Chewy?

Start by focusing on your ingredients and mixing method. Use room temperature unsalted sweet cream butter to make sure everything blends nicely without over-mixing. Don’t forget to measure your flour correctly; too much can turn your cookies dense instead of soft. A mix of baking powder and baking soda is your best friend for light and airy cookies that still have that perfect chewiness. A little secret: add a touch of cornstarch to lock in moisture.

christmas sugar cookie recipe

When baking, take the cookies out when they look just set but are still soft; they’ll keep cooking on the baking sheet even after you pull them from the oven. And for storage, pop them in an airtight container, toss in a slice of bread, and you’ll help keep them soft and chewy. Follow these tips and you’ll have delicious cookies that are a holiday hit!

Do I Have to Use Christmas Sanding Sugar?

Christmas sanding sugar gives cookies that fun, festive sparkle, but it’s not a must-have for making delicious sugar cookies. If you’re looking to keep the holiday vibe without it, try using colored icing, sprinkles, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snowy look.

christmas sugar cookie with sprinkles

These options can still make your cookies look magical and festive. In the end, it’s really up to you and what suits your style or what your family and friends like. The cookies will be tasty no matter what, so go ahead and get creative with your decorations!

Amazon has all your Christmas cookie needs covered, whether you’re a newbie baker or a pro. They’ve got everything from festive cookie cutters and non-stick baking sheets to top-notch measuring cups and mixing bowls. You’ll have all you need to whip up tasty holiday treats delivered right to your doorstep!

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These Christmas cookie recipes are sure to bring holiday cheer and warmth to any gathering! Whether you love classic gingerbread or festive sugar cookies, there’s something for every taste and occasion. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends.

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