Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

The Best Christmas Sugar Cookies are a delightful and festive treat that can brighten up any holiday gathering. Soft, buttery, and easy to make, these cookies are perfect for decorating with family or gifting to friends. With their sweet vanilla and almond flavors, they stand out as a holiday favorite. Whether you’re hosting an event or simply indulging in some seasonal baking, these sugar cookies will surely bring joy to the occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Perfect for Decorating: With a soft texture that holds its shape, these cookies are ideal for festive decorating fun with icing and sprinkles.
• Versatile Flavor: The combination of vanilla and almond extracts provides a unique flavor profile that pleases everyone’s palate.
• Great for Gifting: Pack them in decorative boxes or tins for thoughtful homemade gifts during the holiday season.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With 36 cookies per batch, they are perfect for sharing at parties, cookie swaps, or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious world of sugar cookie making, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process and enhance your experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for combining all your ingredients efficiently.
• Hand mixer: This tool saves time and ensures your butter and cream cheese become light and fluffy quickly.
• Cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop helps create uniform dough balls, resulting in evenly baked cookies.
• Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Ingredients

Grandma’s Christmas sugar cookies are a soft, buttery treat that will be a new holiday favorite.

Ingredients:
– ½ cup salted butter, (softened)
– 2 ounces cream cheese, (softened)
– 1½ cups sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
– ¼ teaspoon almond extract
– 2½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– red and green sanding sugars

How to Make Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, add the softened butter, cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Turn the hand mixer to low speed to combine these dry ingredients until you form a soft dough.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Use a 1-inch cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place these dough balls on the prepared baking sheet at least 1 inch apart.

Step 6: Add Texture

Using a fork, make a criss-cross pattern by pressing down lightly into each cookie dough ball. This gives them that classic sugar cookie appearance.

Step 7: Sprinkle with Sugar

Sprinkle red or green sanding sugars on top of each cookie ball before baking for an added festive touch.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 9 to 11 minutes. Be careful not to overcook; they should not brown on the edges but appear slightly undercooked when you take them out.

Step 9: Cool Down

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious creations!

How to Serve Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

Serving the Best Christmas Sugar Cookies can elevate your holiday gatherings. These cookies are not only a delightful treat but can also be presented in various ways to charm your guests.

Festive Cookie Platters

• Create an inviting cookie platter with a mix of different shapes and sizes. Add some festive decorations like holly or small ornaments for a holiday touch.

Hot Cocoa Pairing

• Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa. The rich chocolate flavor complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

Gift Boxes

• Package the cookies in decorative gift boxes or tins. This makes for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create delicious ice cream sandwiches. Choose your favorite ice cream flavor for a delightful twist.

Cookie Decorating Station

• Set up a cookie decorating station for kids and adults alike. Provide icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter for a fun activity.

How to Perfect Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

To ensure that your Best Christmas Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for achieving the right texture. It helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you have the right quantities. This affects both taste and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding flour. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft ones.
• Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should look slightly undercooked when removed from the oven for that soft texture.
• Cool on a Wire Rack: Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack after baking. This helps them maintain their shape and prevents sogginess.

Best Side Dishes for Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

These sugar cookies can be enjoyed alongside several delightful side dishes that complement their sweetness beautifully.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds a bright contrast and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Include an assortment of cheeses for a savory option that pairs well with sweet treats.
3. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts offer a crunchy texture and contrasting flavors that enhance your cookie experience.
4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over cookies or serve it as a dip for an extra indulgent treat.
5. Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, fruity side that complements the sugar cookies.
6. Chocolate Fondue: A chocolate fondue station invites guests to dip their cookies into rich melted chocolate, creating an interactive dessert experience.
7. Mini Cupcakes: Offer mini cupcakes in festive flavors alongside the cookies for variety and visual appeal.
8. Coffee or Tea Service: A warm beverage service brings comfort and enhances the enjoyment of these delicious sugar cookies with every bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking sugar cookies can be straightforward, but some common mistakes can ruin your batch. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the churning time: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies spreading too much while baking. Always refrigerate your dough for at least 2 hours.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing will result in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and the dough is soft.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at too high a temperature can cause cookies to brown before they are fully cooked inside. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Neglecting parchment paper: Skipping parchment paper can lead to sticky cookies that are hard to remove. Always line your baking sheet to ensure easy removal.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Improper measurements can alter the texture and taste of your cookies. Use precise measuring tools for consistent results.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container: Keep your Best Christmas Sugar Cookies fresh by sealing them in an airtight container.
• Duration: They will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freezing Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

• Use freezer-safe containers: Wrap each cookie individually or stack them with parchment paper between layers.
• Duration: They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm them for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these the Best Christmas Sugar Cookies?

These cookies are soft, buttery, and have a delightful balance of flavors thanks to cream cheese and extracts, making them perfect for holiday celebrations.

How do I customize my Best Christmas Sugar Cookies?

You can add festive sprinkles, chocolate chips, or even swap out vanilla extract for different flavors like peppermint or lemon for unique twists.

Can I make these sugar cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute while following the same recipe instructions.

How long does it take to prepare Best Christmas Sugar Cookies?

Preparation takes about 10 minutes, but you need to allow time for chilling the dough—around 2 hours before baking.

Conclusion

These Best Christmas Sugar Cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite in your home. Their soft and buttery texture pairs wonderfully with festive colors from sanding sugars. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or decorations! Enjoy baking this versatile treat with family and friends this festive season.

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