Holiday baking feels magical, and nothing captures that warm, festive feeling quite like a batch of soft, buttery sugar cookies fresh from the oven. These cookies are tender in the center, lightly crisp on the edges, and perfectly sweet without being overwhelming. They hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for decorating with colorful icing, sprinkles, or festive toppings.
Whether you bake them for Christmas gatherings, gift boxes, cookie swaps, or cozy family nights, these sugar cookies always bring joy. They are simple to prepare, fun to decorate, and taste just as delightful as they look, making them the perfect holiday treat to share with loved ones.
Ingredients
This recipe keeps things classic with simple, reliable ingredients that create perfectly soft holiday cookies every time.
• All purpose flour
• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract or almond extract
• Baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• Optional decorations like sprinkles, colored sugar, or royal icing
Key Ingredients
• Butter adds richness and creates that signature melt in your mouth texture.
• Sugar provides sweetness and helps the cookies brown slightly as they bake.
• Egg binds the dough and gives the cookies structure.
• Vanilla or almond extract adds warm, cozy holiday flavor.
• Flour and baking powder give the cookies their soft but sturdy shape, perfect for cutouts.
Optional Add Ons and Variations
• Add a touch of almond extract for a deeper holiday flavor.
• Swap vanilla for peppermint extract for a minty twist.
• Mix in citrus zest like lemon or orange for a bright and festive note.
• Use buttercream instead of royal icing for a softer, sweeter decoration.
• Add holiday sprinkles into the dough for fun confetti sugar cookies.
Step by Step Instructions
These cookies are simple to make and perfect for beginner bakers. The dough comes together quickly, chills well, and cuts easily using any festive cookie cutters you love.
Preparation Steps
• Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Whisk flour, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl.
• In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy.
• Add the egg and extract, then mix again.
• Slowly blend in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
• Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Cooking Steps
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll out chilled dough to your preferred thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8 to 11 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool completely before decorating.
- Add icing, sprinkles, colored sugar, or any holiday design you like.
- Allow icing to set before stacking or storing cookies.
Serving Suggestions
• Arrange cookies on a holiday platter for parties or family gatherings.
• Package them in festive tins or gift boxes for thoughtful homemade gifts.
• Serve with hot cocoa, coffee, or warm apple cider for a cozy treat.
• Pair with a holiday movie marathon for the perfect December evening.
Tips, Substitutions and Notes
These tips will help you make bakery quality sugar cookies that look beautiful and taste incredible.
Pro Tips for Better Results
• Chill the dough thoroughly so the cookies hold their shape.
• Roll dough evenly to ensure consistent baking.
• Do not over bake or the cookies will become too crunchy.
• Use gel food coloring for vibrant icing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Adding too much flour can make the dough dry.
• Skipping the chilling step can cause spreading.
• Overmixing the dough can make the cookies tough.
• Rolling the dough too thin will cause burning.
Ingredient Substitutions
• Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a stronger holiday flavor.
• Replace some butter with cream cheese for softer cookies.
• Use gluten free flour blends if needed, adjusting moisture as required.
• Swap granulated sugar for powdered sugar for a smoother texture.
Texture, Flavor or Health Variations
• Add cinnamon or nutmeg to warm up the flavor.
• Use brown butter for a deeper, nuttier taste.
• Reduce sugar slightly for a less sweet cookie.
• Choose coconut oil and non dairy milk for a dairy free version.
Storage and Reheating
Sugar cookies store extremely well, making them ideal for holiday gifting and make ahead baking.
Refrigeration
Store decorated or undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
Freezing
Freeze unbaked dough discs for up to two months.
Freeze baked cookies (undecorated) for two to three months.
Thaw fully before decorating.
Reheating
If you want warm cookies, place them in a 250 F oven for five minutes.
Avoid microwaving decorated cookies as the icing may melt.
Nutrition (Optional Estimate)
Approximate values per cookie:
Calories: 120 to 150
Carbohydrates: 16 to 20 g
Fat: 5 to 7 g
Protein: 1 to 2 g
Conclusion
These Holiday Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, festive, and perfect for decorating with family or friends. Whether you bake them for celebrations, gifting, or simple seasonal joy, they always bring smiles and make the holiday season feel extra special.