Introduction
Get into the festive spirit with these delightful Christmas sugar cookies. Perfectly soft and deliciously sweet, these cookies bring joy to any holiday gathering. Decorate them with icing or enjoy them plain—either way, they are sure to be a hit at any celebration.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Flour: 2 ¾ cups
Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
Salt: ½ teaspoon
Unsalted butter: 1 cup, softened
Granulated sugar: 1 ½ cups
Egg: 1 large
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Almond extract: ½ teaspoon
Colored sugar or icing for decoration: as desired
Prep Time
The prep time for these Christmas sugar cookies is approximately 15 minutes. This allows you to gather your ingredients and mix them to create the perfect cookie dough.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 8 to 10 minutes
Total Time: approximately 25 minutes, including prep and baking
Yield: About 24 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters
Enjoy making these festive treats, and share them with family and friends for a truly joyful holiday season!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the cookies.
Step 2: Prepare Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. Gradually incorporate the flour, baking powder, and salt until the dough forms.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Once chilled, dust your work surface with flour. Roll out the cookie dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Ensure the dough is even to promote uniform baking.
Step 5: Cut the Cookies
Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Place the cutouts on ungreased baking sheets, allowing space between each cookie for expansion.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden color. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
Step 7: Cool the Cookies
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 8: Decorate the Cookies
Once completely cooled, decorate the cookies as desired with icing or sprinkles. Get creative and make them festive!
Notes
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to three months.
Variations
Feel free to add different extracts or spices to the dough for a unique flavor, or incorporate chocolate chips for added texture.
Cook techniques
Chilling the Dough
Chilling the cookie dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to roll out and cut. It also enhances the flavor as it allows the ingredients to meld together.
Using Cookie Cutters
To achieve festive shapes, use cookie cutters to cut the chilled dough. Ensure that the cutters are dusted with flour to prevent sticking.
Baking at the Right Temperature
Baking sugar cookies at the right temperature ensures that they cook evenly. Preheat the oven fully before placing the cookies inside for optimal results.
Checking for Doneness
Sugar cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
Decorating with Icing
Once the cookies have cooled completely, you can decorate them with royal icing or buttercream. Let the icing set for a polished finish.
FAQ
Can I use different types of flour?
While all-purpose flour is recommended, you can use other types, but it may change the texture of the cookies.
How long can I store sugar cookies?
Sugar cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature or longer in the fridge.
Can I freeze sugar cookies?
Yes, you can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies. Be sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
What can I use if I don’t have vanilla extract?
If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can substitute with almond extract or leave it out for a less sweet flavor.
Why did my cookies spread while baking?
Cookies may spread due to warm dough, too much butter, or not enough flour. Ensure the dough is chilled adequately before baking.
Conclusion
These Christmas sugar cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed throughout the holiday season. Their soft, chewy texture combined with the sweet flavors make them a favorite for festive gatherings. Personalize your cookies with various decorations or enjoy them plain for a classic taste. Whether you’re baking alone or with family, these cookies are sure to bring joy and cheer to your celebrations.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Gingerbread Cookies
Infuse your holiday baking with the spiced flavors of gingerbread cookies. Decorate them with icing and candies for a festive touch.
Peppermint Bark
Create a sweet and minty treat by layering chocolate with crushed peppermint candies. This combination brings a refreshing flavor that complements the sugar cookies.
Royal Icing Decorated Cookies
Enhance your cookie experience by decorating sugar cookies with royal icing. Use various colors and designs to make them visually appealing.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Mix in chocolate chips to your sugar cookie dough for a delightful twist that combines two classic favorites.
Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Incorporate eggnog into your sugar cookie recipe for a holiday flavor that embodies the essence of Christmas.
Linzer Cookies
Explore the delightful combination of almond and raspberry jam with linzer cookies, which make a thoughtful addition to your festive cookie assortment.