Joyful Merry Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Festive Delight

Sweet memories sparkle with these merry christmas sugar cookies that dance between childhood nostalgia and festive cheer.

Crisp edges and soft centers promise delightful moments of pure joy.

Grandma’s classic recipe comes alive with simple ingredients and love-filled preparation.

Delicate snowflake shapes and sparkling sugar crystals make each cookie a miniature celebration.

Baking becomes a magical ritual connecting generations through shared warmth and sweetness.

The kitchen fills with comforting aromas that whisper holiday traditions.

You’ll find these treats irresistible and perfect for spreading seasonal happiness.

Sugar Cookies That Spell Out Merry in Every Bite

Craft Holiday Magic: Simple Sugar Cookie Joy

• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for novice bakers with straightforward steps and minimal complicated techniques that guarantee delicious results every time.
• Festive Family Bonding: Decorating these cookies creates memorable moments where kids and adults can unleash creativity together, making holiday memories while enjoying delectable treats.
• Customize with Endless Flair: Experiment with different shapes, colors, and decorations to match any holiday theme or personal style, transforming basic sugar cookies into stunning edible artwork that sparkles with personality.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Universally loved by all ages, these cookies serve as delightful gifts, party treats, or sweet companions to hot cocoa during cozy winter gatherings.

Gingerbread Cake with Eggnog Frosting Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the main structure for the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich flavor and tender crumb.
• Large Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture.

• Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Adds depth and special holiday aroma.

• Baking Powder, Salt: Helps with cookie rising and balances flavors.

• Powdered Sugar, Egg White, Meringue Powder: Creates smooth royal icing.
• Water, Lemon Juice: Adjusts icing consistency.

• Gel Food Coloring, Edible Pearls, Sprinkles, Edible Glitter: Adds festive holiday look and sparkle.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to baking sheet.
• Plastic Wrap: Helps chill and store cookie dough.

Baking Merry Christmas Sugar Cookies That All Ages Adore

Step 1: Prepare Cookie Dough

Mix dry ingredients by whisking flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until they become fluffy and light. Add egg and vanilla, blending thoroughly. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Divide dough into two portions, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Shape and Bake Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F. Dust work surface with flour and roll out chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to create holiday shapes. Transfer cutouts to parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden. Remove and cool completely on wire racks.

Step 3: Create Royal Icing Magic

• Powdered sugar
• Egg white
• Water
• Lemon juice (optional)

Beat mixture on high speed until stiff peaks develop. Adjust consistency by adding water if needed. Separate icing into different bowls and add gel food coloring for vibrant decorations.

Step 4: Decorate with Festive Flair

• Additional colored icing designs
• Edible pearls
• Holiday sprinkles
• Edible glitter

Step 5: Let Cookies Set

Allow decorated cookies to dry completely for 2-4 hours. Store in single layers or between parchment paper to maintain their beautiful designs.

Sugar Cookie Tips That Make Christmas Extra Merry

Perfect Dough Chill: Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and maintain crisp cookie shapes during baking.

Flour Dusting Technique: Lightly dust work surface with flour to prevent sticky dough and ensure smooth rolling without toughening cookies.

Royal Icing Consistency: Adjust icing thickness by adding water gradually – thick for borders, thin for flooding – to create professional-looking decorated cookies.

Prevent Overbaking: Watch cookies closely and remove from oven when edges turn light golden to maintain soft, tender texture without becoming hard or dry.

Decorating Pro Tip: Use toothpick to pop air bubbles in flooded icing and create smooth, professional-looking cookie surfaces for stunning holiday treats.

Store Christmas Sugar Cookies Without Losing Shape

• Store decorated cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring they remain fresh and crisp.
• Wrap undecorated cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and decorate when ready to serve.
• Place cooled, unfrosted cookies in a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep away from direct sunlight and humidity. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Gently warm cookies in the oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore their crisp texture. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soft and soggy.

Brie and Pear Phyllo Cups Serving Suggestions

• Festive Wine and Milk Pairings: Complement these sugar cookies with a crisp, sweet dessert wine like Moscato d'Asti for adult gatherings, offering delightful holiday cheer.
• Milk Matching Magic: Pair classic sugar cookies with cold, creamy whole milk to enhance the buttery sweetness and create a nostalgic childhood treat.
• Cocoa Companion: Serve warm hot chocolate alongside these decorated cookies for a comforting winter combination that brings joy to every bite.
• Holiday Beverage Harmony: Enjoy a spiced chai tea that echoes the vanilla and almond notes in the cookies, creating a warm and festive flavor experience.

Gingerbread Cake with Frosted Layers

• Gluten-Free Holiday Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Christmas Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and swap royal icing ingredients with aquafaba and powdered sugar for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Festive Treats: Use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit in place of sugar, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining delicious holiday flavor.
• Nut-Free Christmas Cookies: Omit almond extract and use additional vanilla extract, making the recipe safe for those with nut allergies.

FAQs

• How difficult are these sugar cookies to make?

These sugar cookies are beginner-friendly. With basic baking skills and following the step-by-step instructions, even novice bakers can create beautiful holiday treats.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. This makes holiday baking more convenient and less stressful.

• What's the best way to roll out the dough without sticking?

Lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour. If the dough becomes too soft, return it to the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up. This prevents sticking and makes rolling easier.

• How do I prevent my cookies from spreading during baking?

Chill the cut-out cookies for 15 minutes before baking. Use cold dough and ensure your butter is not too soft. These steps help maintain the cookie shapes during baking.

Merry Christmas Sugar Cookies A Holiday Treat For All Ages Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Merry Christmas Sugar Cookies bring festive cheer straight from grandma’s kitchen, spreading joy with each sweet, buttery bite. Delicate snowflake shapes and sparkling sugar crystals invite you to savor holiday magic in one delightful cookie.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2.75 cups (650 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

Optional Flavor Enhancer:

• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) almond extract (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the foundation for these festive sugar cookies by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing vessel, creating a uniform dry ingredient blend.
3. In a separate large bowl, whip butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes airy and pale, achieving a light, creamy consistency.
4. Incorporate egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract into the butter mixture, stirring until thoroughly integrated.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently mixing until a soft, pliable dough emerges.
6. Divide the dough into two equal portions, individually wrap in plastic film, and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to enhance flavor and texture.
7. On a lightly dusted surface, roll out the chilled dough to a ¼ inch thickness, using festive cookie cutters to create holiday-themed shapes.
8. Carefully transfer cookie shapes onto prepared baking sheets, ensuring even spacing.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges as a sign of perfect doneness.
10. Allow cookies to cool completely on wire racks before beginning the decorative process.
11. Craft royal icing by whisking powdered sugar, egg white (or meringue powder), water, and optional lemon juice in a mixing bowl.
12. Beat the mixture at high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form, adjusting liquid content for ideal consistency.
13. Separate icing into multiple bowls, introducing gel food coloring to create a vibrant palette.
14. Develop two icing textures: a thicker version for intricate borders and a thinner variant for smooth flooding.
15. Embellish cookies by piping a precise border with thick icing, then flood the interior with thinned icing.
16. Utilize a toothpick to eliminate air bubbles and create smooth surfaces.
17. Add whimsical details using additional icing, sparkling edible pearls, and festive sprinkles.
18. Optional: Dust cookies with edible glitter for an extra touch of holiday magic.
19. Allow decorated cookies to dry completely for 2-4 hours before serving or storing.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain crisp cookie shapes during baking.
• Use parchment paper or silicone mats for even baking and easy cookie removal without sticking.
• Dust work surface lightly with powdered sugar instead of flour to prevent dough from becoming dry and tough.
• Test oven temperature with a single cookie first to ensure perfect golden edges without burning.
• Make royal icing consistently smooth by sifting powdered sugar and using room temperature egg whites or meringue powder.
• Switch to gel food coloring for vibrant, concentrated colors that won’t thin out icing consistency.
• Store decorated cookies in single layers between parchment paper to prevent design smudging.
• Freeze unbaked cookie cutouts for quick holiday baking and last-minute entertaining.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg