As a chef, I treasure the moments spent in my kitchen during the holiday season. Each year, I look forward to making Easy Best Christmas Sugar Cookies, a recipe that brings warmth and joy to my home. The delicious aroma fills the air as I mix the dough, reminding me of the cozy afternoons I spent baking with my grandmother. She would tell stories while we rolled the dough into little balls, carefully coating each one in colorful sanding sugars. This tradition remains close to my heart as I watch my own children join in, giggling and eagerly waiting to taste those delightful cookies. For me, baking these cookies isn’t just about the sweet treat; it’s about creating memories that last a lifetime. The smiles on my family’s faces when they take that first bite make all the effort worthwhile. Now, let’s dive into this fantastic recipe that can bring the same joy to your kitchen!

why make this recipe

You might wonder why everyone loves Easy Best Christmas Sugar Cookies. Well, these cookies have a magical combination of texture and sweetness. On first bite, they melt in your mouth, offering a soft, buttery taste that you will crave again and again. They provide a lovely canvas for creativity, allowing you to customize them with colors and decorations.

Moreover, this recipe is incredibly convenient. You can prepare the dough ahead of time, making it ideal for busy holiday schedules. The rich, creamy flavor makes them perfect to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee as you gather with loved ones. Not to mention, they become delicious gifts for friends and neighbors, wrapped in festive paper. Everyone will appreciate the personal touch and effort that comes with homemade treats. Additionally, the joyful act of decorating these cookies brings everyone together, creating laughter and memorable moments. So, whether you make them for your own pleasure or share them with others, these cookies will brighten the holiday experience.

how to make Easy Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

2 large Eggs
2 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
1/4 tsp Almond extract
1 tsp Baking soda
1 tbsp Cornstarch
1/4 tsp Salt
1 Sanding sugars, Red and green
1 1/2 cups Sugar
1 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
1/2 cup Butter, salted
2 oz Cream cheese

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth.
Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this into the creamed mixture.
Roll the dough into balls and roll the balls in sanding sugars.
Place on a baking sheet and flatten slightly.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

how to serve Easy Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

Serving Easy Best Christmas Sugar Cookies can be a delightful experience. First, consider presenting them on a festive platter decorated with holly or ribbons, adding to the holiday cheer. These cookies taste amazing warm but also shine when served at room temperature. You can enjoy them right after cooling or let them sit for an hour; they will stay soft and delicious.

Another fun idea is to create a cookie decorating station. Set out different colored icing, sprinkles, and edible decorations. This interactive approach allows everyone, especially kids, to customize their cookies, making them unique. You might also pair these cookies with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or even a warm cup of tea for a cozy touch. Share them during gatherings, holiday parties, or simply with family, as they are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

how to store Easy Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

Properly storing your Easy Best Christmas Sugar Cookies ensures they remain fresh and tasty. You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Make sure the container is completely sealed to prevent them from drying out.

If you want to store the cookies longer, you can freeze them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about two hours until firm. Then, transfer them into a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Don’t forget to label the container with the date! They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy, simply take out the cookies and let them thaw at room temperature. You might even want to warm them in the microwave for a few seconds; this makes them taste freshly baked and reminds you of the joyous moments you spent baking.

Tips to Make Easy Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This makes it easier to cream them together, resulting in a smooth and fluffy texture. Cold ingredients can create a lumpy batter, which affects the overall cookie consistency.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can cause the cookies to turn chewy instead of soft. As you blend, stop mixing once you no longer see streaks of flour; this keeps the texture light and fluffy.
Chill the Dough if Needed: If the dough feels too soft and sticky, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling will make it easier to roll into balls and help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Use Quality Vanilla: The flavor of vanilla extract can significantly impact the taste of cookies. Choose pure vanilla extract for a richer and more aromatic flavor that enhances the cookies’ sweetness.
Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Every oven is different, so monitor your cookies closely while they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges; if you leave them in too long, they may become dry.
Decorate Before Baking for a Different Look: For a festive touch, you can sprinkle sanding sugar on the cookies before baking. This gives them a shiny, sugary exterior that will impress your guests even more during the holiday season.
Experiment with Flavors: Consider swapping out almond extract for other flavors such as lemon or orange. Creativity can bring a refreshing twist to your cookies while still keeping the holiday spirit alive.
Make them Festive with Toppings: After your cookies cool, try adding a layer of icing. You can create creamy frostings in different colors and add more festive decorations like edible glitter or seasonal sprinkles. It allows for beautiful presentations that make for wonderful holiday gifts.

Variation of Easy Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

Chocolate-Dipped Version: For a delightful twist, consider dipping half of each cookie in melted chocolate. This adds a rich, chocolatey flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet sugar cookie base, creating a scrumptious combination.
Citrus-Spiced Version: Add zest from an orange or lemon into the dough for a refreshing, fruity note. This variation brings a bright burst of flavor that complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
Nutty Version: Incorporate finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough. The crunchy texture and nutty flavor will add depth to your Easy Best Christmas Sugar Cookies, giving an added layer of delight that is perfect for nut lovers.
Gluten-Free Option: To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix. This provides an excellent alternative while maintaining the cookies’ delightful taste and sweetness.
Minty Holiday Version: For a seasonal twist, add peppermint extract in place of almond extract. You can also use crushed candy canes as a topping, adding a refreshing minty flavor that is perfect for the holidays.
Low-Sugar Version: Reduce the amount of sugar and use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia. This creates a delicious cookie that’s easier on the palate for those who want to cut down on sugar without sacrificing flavor.

FAQs Of Easy Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

How do I make my cookies softer?
To achieve softer cookies, ensure you do not overmix the dough and avoid excessive baking time. Keeping an eye on them while baking is crucial. You can also add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch or cream cheese to enhance the softness of your cookies.

Can I freeze these sugar cookies?
Yes, you can freeze Easy Best Christmas Sugar Cookies! After baking and cooling, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them for a couple of hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They will remain fresh for up to three months and can be thawed at room temperature.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute with an equal amount of sour cream or Greek yogurt. These alternatives will maintain the creamy texture and moisture in the cookies while providing a delightful flavor.

Can I replace the almond extract?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can swap almond extract with vanilla, lemon, or even hazelnut extract. Each option gives a unique twist to the flavor profile while still keeping the sweetness intact.

What is the best way to decorate these cookies?
Decorate your cookies with royal icing, fondant, or just simple buttercream icing. Use various colors and fun patterns to get creative. Sprinkles, edible glitter, or even chocolate chips can also make them festive and vibrant.

How long do these cookies last?
Easy Best Christmas Sugar Cookies can last up to one week in an airtight container at room temperature. If frozen, they can be stored for up to three months. Always check for freshness before consuming.

Enjoy baking and sharing these Easy Best Christmas Sugar Cookies with family and friends. As you create memories in your kitchen, let the love you put into each cookie shine through in every bite!

Easy Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

Author: imrane
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful sugar cookie recipe that melts in your mouth, perfect for the holiday season and creating cherished memories with loved ones.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large Eggs
2 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
1/4 tsp Almond extract
1 tsp Baking soda
1 tbsp Cornstarch
1/4 tsp Salt
1 Sanding sugars, Red and green
1 1/2 cups Sugar
1 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
1/2 cup Butter, salted
2 oz Cream cheese

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth.
Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this into the creamed mixture.
Roll the dough into balls and roll the balls in sanding sugars.
Place on a baking sheet and flatten slightly.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Serve with hot cocoa or milk, and consider a cookie decorating station for added fun!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: sugar cookies, Christmas cookies, holiday baking, festive treats, family recipes