Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you are searching for a cozy, festive treat to light up your holiday season, these Christmas Sugar Cookies are an absolute must-bake. Soft, buttery, and sprinkled with colorful Christmas jimmies, these cookies capture the joyful spirit of the season in every bite. The delightful combination of a tender sugar cookie base with a luscious cream cheese frosting topped with more sprinkles is pure holiday magic. Whether you’re baking with family, gifting to friends, or craving a festive dessert for your next gathering, this recipe will quickly become your go-to Christmas classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Christmas Sugar Cookies lies in their simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create a tender, flavorful delight. Each element plays a crucial role — from the rich, creamy butter to the fun, colorful sprinkles that give these cookies their festive charm.

• All-purpose flour (270 g / 2¼ cups): The sturdy foundation for the cookie’s tender texture.
• Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft bite.
• Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances the overall flavor by balancing sweetness.
• Unsalted butter (170 g / 1½ sticks): Adds rich creaminess and that classic buttery taste.
• Granulated sugar (200 g / 1 cup): Sweetens perfectly and contributes to the cookie’s slight crisp edges.
• Large egg: Binds ingredients together and helps with texture.
• Vanilla extract (1 Tbsp): Infuses warmth and depth into the dough.
• Almond extract (¼ tsp, optional): A subtle nutty hint that pairs beautifully with the vanilla.
• Christmas jimmies sprinkles (54 g / ⅓ cup): Brings in the festive colors and a cheerful crunch.
• Full-fat cream cheese (283 g / 1¼ bricks): Creates rich, tangy frosting that’s divine.
• Salted butter (184 g / 13 Tbsp): Adds silky smoothness and balances the cream cheese.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Enhances the luscious frosting flavor.
• Salt (⅛ tsp): A pinch brings out the sweetness in the frosting.
• Powdered sugar (150 g / 1¼ cups, sifted): For smooth, sweet, and fluffy frosting.
• Heavy cream (80 ml / ⅓ cup, very cold): Whipped in to create light, airy texture in the frosting.
• Christmas sprinkles (24 g / 2 Tbsp): The final sparkle that makes these cookies a true holiday showstopper.

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep and Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper — this helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking. Next, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl to ensure even distribution; this keeps every bite perfectly balanced.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until your mixture turns light and fluffy — about 1 to 2 minutes. It’s important to scrape the sides of your bowl occasionally to mix everything evenly, setting the stage for wonderfully tender cookies.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract with a medium-low speed until just combined. This step ensures your dough is smooth and ready for the dry ingredients, and that lovely vanilla aroma begins to form, teasing your senses.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture in two batches to your wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix here — we want tender cookies, not tough ones!

Step 5: Fold in Sprinkles

Gently fold in the Christmas jimmies sprinkles using a spatula. This is where your cookies start taking on that merry holiday personality with pops of red, green, and white colors throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape Dough

Use a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough, about 48-50 grams each. Roll each portion between your palms into smooth balls and place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Then, gently flatten each ball until they are about half an inch thick. This ensures even baking and a perfect shape.

Step 7: Bake and Shape

Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops look soft and no longer glossy — there should be no browning. Right after removing them from the oven, use a cookie cutter or a slightly larger glass to gently rotate and shape the cookies into perfect circles while they’re still warm. This extra step gives them that flawless professional look.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time is essential so that the frosting won’t melt when applied.

Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and salted butter on low speed until smooth and lump-free. Add vanilla extract and salt, then gradually incorporate the sifted powdered sugar in three parts, mixing gently after each addition. Finally, slowly drizzle in the very cold heavy cream while beating until stiff peaks form. This fluffy, creamy frosting is the perfect complement to the soft cookies.

Step 10: Frost and Decorate

Pipe the frosting onto each cookie in a spiral design using a piping bag fitted with a #2A or #1A tip, starting from the center outwards. If you don’t have a piping bag, a spatula works beautifully to create pretty swirls. Just before serving, sprinkle a light scattering of the festive Christmas sprinkles on top to add a whimsical, colorful finish that captures the Christmas spirit.

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Adding a delicate sprinkle of your favorite holiday sprinkles or edible glitter right before serving makes your Christmas Sugar Cookies irresistible. You can also experiment with dusting a tiny bit of colored sanding sugar for a sparkling effect that shines under holiday lights.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with classic winter beverages: think hot cocoa topped with marshmallows or a warm cup of spiced chai tea. The creamy frosting and buttery cookie balance the richness of these drinks perfectly, crafting a cozy holiday experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive gathering, arrange your Christmas Sugar Cookies on a vintage holiday tray or tiered cake stand. Wrap a few in cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons for charming edible gifts. You could also create a cookie platter with varying sizes and shapes, adding fresh evergreen sprigs or cinnamon sticks to add warmth and aroma to the presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Christmas Sugar Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent the frosting from sticking, preserving the cookies’ lovely appearance and texture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Place unfrosted cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. After baking and cooling, you can also freeze iced cookies layered with parchment paper. Just thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

While these cookies are best enjoyed fresh, if you prefer a soft, warm feel, place them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the frosting to melt unevenly. Serving slightly warmed cookies adds a cozy touch during cold winter evenings.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter for Christmas Sugar Cookies?

Butter is preferred for its rich flavor and texture that margarine can’t fully replicate. If you must substitute margarine, choose one with a high fat content and no added water to avoid affecting the cookie’s tenderness.

What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand for the frosting?

You can swap cream cheese for mascarpone for a slightly different but still creamy frosting. Alternatively, a classic buttercream can be used, but the signature tanginess of cream cheese adds that holiday charm you won’t want to miss.

How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill your dough if it feels too soft before baking. Also, avoid greasing your baking sheets; parchment paper is the best choice to keep the cookies in shape.

Can I make gluten-free Christmas Sugar Cookies with this recipe?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of a gluten-free all-purpose blend, preferably one that contains xanthan gum, to maintain texture. The cookies may vary slightly in softness but will still be delicious.

How far in advance can I bake and frost these cookies?

You can bake the cookies up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost them on the day of serving to maintain the frosting’s fresh texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Christmas Sugar Cookies is like wrapping up your kitchen in holiday cheer with every step you take. From the tender dough loaded with sprinkles to the creamy, dreamy frosting and joyful decorations, this recipe is a festive celebration in cookie form. I truly hope you try making these delightful treats — sharing them with friends and family will make your holidays even more memorable and sweet!

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