Christmas Sugar Cookie

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Christmas just isn’t complete without a batch of soft, buttery Christmas Sugar Cookies fresh from the oven. These cookies are festive, easy to make, and perfect for decorating with the whole family. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in with hot cocoa or prepping a dessert tray for a holiday party, these cookies bring the magic of the season in every bite.

With their signature crisscross pattern and dusting of red and green sugar sprinkles, these cookies strike the perfect balance between nostalgic and cheerful. Plus, they’re a great make-ahead option—ideal for gift boxes, cookie swaps, or simply stocking your holiday cookie jar.

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What Kind of Sugar Makes the Best Christmas Sugar Cookies?

For this recipe, regular granulated sugar is your best friend. It creates that classic sugar cookie texture we all love—crisp edges with a soft, chewy center. Powdered sugar or brown sugar will change the consistency, so stick with granulated for that perfect traditional bite. For decorating, colored sanding sugar or festive sprinkles are perfect for a seasonal flair without overwhelming the cookie’s flavor.

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Ingredients for the Christmas Sugar Cookie

Unsalted Butter – Using unsalted butter gives you full control over the salt content and delivers that rich, buttery base.

Granulated Sugar – The essential sweetener for that classic sugar cookie taste and structure.

Egg – Adds moisture and binds the dough together, helping the cookies hold their shape.

Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and enhances the overall sweetness.

All-Purpose Flour – Provides the sturdy structure needed for cookies that hold their shape.

Baking Soda – This leavening agent ensures a light texture and gentle rise.

Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.

Holiday Sprinkles or Colored Sugar – Adds a fun, festive finish to each cookie. Choose red, green, gold, or mix and match for that ultimate holiday look.

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How To Make the Christmas Sugar Cookie

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps create a soft, airy texture in your final cookies.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. This adds richness and depth of flavor to the dough.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Shape and Decorate

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a fork to gently press down in a crisscross pattern, then sprinkle with red or green sugar.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes. The edges should just start to turn golden while the centers remain soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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How to Serve and Store Christmas Sugar Cookies

Serve your cookies fresh with a glass of milk or a mug of hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy treat. They make charming additions to holiday platters or wrapped in cellophane for sweet homemade gifts.

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To make them ahead, freeze the dough balls (without sugar topping) and bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep sugar cookies soft?

Don’t overbake! Pull them from the oven as soon as the edges turn slightly golden. Also, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.

Can I use salted butter instead?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to balance the flavors.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! It scales up beautifully and is perfect for holiday baking in big batches.

Can I make these gluten-free?

You can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still be tasty.

How do I add more flavor?

Try adding a bit of almond extract along with vanilla, or even a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy twist.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Christmas Sugar Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other festive favorites:

• Lemon Churro Cookies if you’re craving tangy meets warm spice.
• Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars for a nutty, soft-baked treat.
• Whipped Shortbread Cookies that melt in your mouth.
• Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with a fruity-chocolatey burst.
• Cotton Candy Cookies for a whimsical holiday twist.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go all red sprinkles or mix in some gold? Did your kids help decorate?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

You can also follow more of my everyday recipes here on Pinterest @lifewithninarecipes.

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