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Easy Christmas Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe for Decorating
These Christmas cut out sugar cookies are thick, tender, and perfect for decorating with colorful icing and sprinkles. Their buttery vanilla flavor, festive shapes, and soft texture make them a joyful holiday treat for cookie exchanges, parties, and family baking days.
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Why Make This Recipe
- Simple holiday baking: The dough uses familiar pantry ingredients and straightforward preparation steps.
- Perfect for decorating: Cut the dough into your favorite festive shapes and finish the cookies with icing and sprinkles.
- Thick and tender: These cookies make satisfying Christmas sugar cookie cutouts with plenty of surface area for decorating.
- A festive crowd-pleaser: Serve them at holiday gatherings, package them as gifts, or enjoy them with hot cocoa.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Icing and sprinkles for decorating
How to Make It
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your oven before mixing the dough so it reaches the correct temperature for baking.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly so the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This creates a smooth, airy base for the cookie dough.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until the egg and extracts are fully incorporated.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until combined. Add the dry ingredients in stages and mix just until the dough comes together.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes. Use festive cookie cutters to create Christmas trees, stars, snowflakes, ornaments, or other favorite designs.
Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Arrange the cutouts on the prepared baking sheet so they are ready for the oven.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Watch the cookies closely toward the end of baking to help preserve their soft, tender texture.
Let cool and then decorate with icing and sprinkles. Allow the cookies to cool before decorating so the icing can set neatly on the surface.
How to Serve It
- Serve the decorated cookies with hot cocoa, coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.
- Arrange them on a festive platter for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or dessert tables.
- Package individual cookies in treat bags or boxes for a cheerful homemade holiday gift.
How to Store It
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep decorated cookies separated with parchment paper if needed to help protect the icing and decorations.
For longer storage, place the cookies in a freezer-safe container and separate layers with parchment paper. Thaw them before serving. Avoid reheating decorated sugar cookies, as heat can soften the icing and affect the decorations. If desired, allow chilled cookies to come to room temperature before serving to restore their best texture.
Helpful Tips
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming it with the sugar so the mixture becomes smooth and light.
- Avoid overmixing after adding the flour. Mix only until the ingredients are combined for tender cookies.
- Let the cookies cool completely before decorating so the icing stays in place and the sprinkles adhere neatly.
Optional Variations
- Use only vanilla extract if you prefer a classic vanilla sugar cookie flavor without almond extract.
- Add festive food coloring to the icing to create red, green, white, or other holiday designs.
- Decorate with a combination of icing, sprinkles, and other seasonal toppings for different textures and colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip the almond extract?
Yes. Almond extract is optional, so you can omit it and use the vanilla extract for a classic flavor.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Bake them for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, and avoid overbaking.
When should I decorate the cookies?
Let the cookies cool before adding icing and sprinkles so the decorations set properly.
What shapes work well for these cookies?
Christmas trees, stars, snowflakes, ornaments, candy canes, and gingerbread-style shapes all work well for these cutout cookies.
Can I freeze the decorated cookies?
Yes, place them carefully in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Thaw them before serving and avoid reheating.
Christmas Cut Out Sugar Cookies
These thick, tender cookies are perfect for decorating with colorful icing and sprinkles, making them a joyful holiday treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure the butter is softened before creaming.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional) Can be omitted for a classic vanilla flavor.
Decorating Ingredients
- Icing and sprinkles Use for decorating the cookies.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until combined.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Baking
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool and then decorate with icing and sprinkles.
Notes
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze in a container with parchment paper between layers.
