There’s nothing quite like the smell of sugar cookies baking to make a home feel festive and warm. Our Classic Sugar Christmas Cookies are a holiday staple for us, and they never fail to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Buttery, soft, and with just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect for all those fun holiday cookie cutters. Decorating them with icing and sprinkles is the best part—especially when you’ve got kids or friends helping out!
🎄 A Cozy Baking Tradition
One of our favorite holiday traditions is gathering in the kitchen to bake and decorate sugar cookies. There’s something so joyful about mixing up the dough, cutting out the shapes, and watching them bake. And as they cool, we set up bowls of colorful icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter for decorating. It’s a little messy but full of laughter and fun, and by the end, we have a beautiful assortment of decorated cookies to share or gift to friends and family.
And while pumpkin gets a lot of attention this season (hello, pumpkin spice everything!), we love turning to recipes like this one that bring out the flavors of vanilla and almond instead. These cookies are sweet without being overwhelming, and they pair perfectly with a cozy mug of hot cocoa or a steaming chai latte—perfect for those chilly winter days!
🌟 Pro Tip: Chilling the Dough is Key!
Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the dough hold its shape and makes cutting out shapes so much easier. Just an hour in the fridge, and you’re ready to roll (literally!).
Bringing Classic Flavors to Holiday Gatherings
Holiday gatherings wouldn’t be the same without these classic sugar cookies on the dessert table. And since they’re so easy to make, it’s the perfect recipe to double and bake in batches for gifting. We love to bundle these cookies up in cute little tins or festive bags to share with neighbors, friends, and family. It’s a simple but heartfelt way to spread some holiday cheer, and everyone always loves the buttery, soft cookies with a layer of sweet icing.
Plus, decorating these cookies lets everyone get creative! We go all out with red, green, and white icing for a traditional holiday palette, but it’s fun to add in silver and gold edible glitter for a little extra sparkle. Each cookie ends up unique, and it’s so satisfying to see the colorful variety by the time we’re done.
🍪 Did You Know? Sugar Cookies Date Back Centuries!
The classic sugar cookie has been around for centuries and is thought to have originated from early German recipes. These simple ingredients—flour, sugar, butter—make for a delicious treat that’s perfect for any holiday.
Perfect for Any Holiday (or Just a Cozy Night In)
While these cookies are a must for Christmas, we often find ourselves baking them throughout the year. It’s one of those recipes that’s flexible and fun no matter the season. For Valentine’s Day, we’ll use heart-shaped cutters and pink icing; for Halloween, pumpkins and ghosts; and sometimes, just stars and circles for no reason at all!
The simple ingredients make these cookies the kind you want to bake again and again. And because they’re so soft and flavorful, you don’t need any fancy extras. A little icing or powdered sugar dusting is all it takes to make them feel special. And the best part? The whole house smells like pure holiday joy while they bake. So, grab your favorite cutters, mix up some icing, and enjoy the sweetness of the season!
🍫 Get Creative with Your Decorations!
Experiment with royal icing, edible glitter, or even mini chocolate chips for decorating. There’s no wrong way to make these cookies look festive—get creative!
A Sweet Holiday Tradition to Share
Baking these Classic Sugar Christmas Cookies is about more than just a recipe; it’s about creating memories and enjoying the little things that make the holidays feel special. Whether you’re baking with family, friends, or even solo, decorating each cookie adds a touch of joy to the season. These cookies aren’t just for eating—they’re for making memories, spreading cheer, and enjoying a few sweet bites of holiday magic.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract optional, for extra flavor
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Optional for Decorating:
- Royal icing or buttercream
- Food coloring
- Sprinkles or edible glitter
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and mix until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling is essential to help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite holiday-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and carefully place them on the prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake; you want them to remain soft and tender. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate: Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, buttercream, sprinkles, or edible glitter as desired. Let the icing set before serving or storing.
Notes
Thickness Matters: For soft cookies, keep the dough about ¼-inch thick. If you prefer crispy edges, roll the dough a bit thinner.
Make Ahead: Dough can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
Frequently Asked Questions About Classic Sugar Christmas Cookies
🎄 Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! This dough is perfect for making ahead. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling and baking.
🍪 How can I keep my cookies soft and chewy?
To keep your sugar cookies soft, be sure not to overbake them. They should be just starting to turn golden around the edges when you take them out. Also, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help maintain that soft, chewy texture.
✨ What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
The sky’s the limit! Classic royal icing works beautifully and dries hard for stacking and gifting. For a simpler approach, use buttercream or spread melted chocolate on top, then add festive sprinkles.
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