Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies
Soft, buttery, and made for decorating — the cut-out cookie that turns a kitchen table into a Christmas workshop.
In a nutshell: This authentic american classic christmas sugar cookies comes together in just 1 hr 30 mins using simple whole ingredients. The chef's secret: 10 minutes in the freezer before baking firms the butter so stars stay stars instead of. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.
Classic Christmas sugar cookies: soft buttery cut-outs with a simple royal icing. The perfect cookie for holiday decorating.
Key Equipment
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Chill the cut shapes too: 10 minutes in the freezer before baking firms the butter so stars stay stars instead of spreading into blobs.
- Roll evenly at 1/4 inch: thin spots overbake and crisp while thick spots stay raw — an even roll is the difference between soft and crunchy cookies.
- Pull them early: sugar cookies keep baking on the hot pan, so pale centres with just-set edges give the soft texture everyone wants.
Ingredients
12
servings
-
1 cup butter, softened
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
1 egg, room temperature
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
½ tsp almond extract
-
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
-
1 tsp baking powder
-
½ tsp kosher salt
-
2 cups powdered sugar, for icing
-
3 tbsp milk, for icing, plus more as needed
-
½ tsp vanilla extract, for icing
-
1 tbsp sprinkles, for decorating
The Smart Meal Planner & Grocery Calculator
Interactive Google Sheets & Excel system with auto-generating grocery lists, macro calculations, and 50 pre-loaded recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cream and Mix
Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the egg, vanilla and almond extract. Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt separately, then mix in just until a dough forms.
Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 days. Cold dough holds its cut-out shapes in the oven.
Roll and Cut
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment. Roll one disc at a time to 1/4 inch on a floured surface, cut shapes, and arrange 1 inch apart on the sheets.
Bake Just Until Set
Bake for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are just set and barely golden — the centres should still look pale. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then move to a rack to cool completely.
Ice and Decorate
Whisk the powdered sugar, milk and vanilla into a smooth, thick icing. Spread or pipe onto the cooled cookies and add sprinkles before the icing sets. Let dry for 1 hour.
Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks
Kitchen EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack
Warp-resistant aluminum for even browning, from sheet-pan dinners to cookies.
View on AmazonVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife
Razor-sharp Fibrox Pro blade that home chefs and pros both reach for.
View on AmazonTILUCK Stainless Measuring Cups & Spoons, 10-Pc
Stainless steel cups and spoons that measure precisely and last.
View on AmazonMercer Culinary Locking Tongs, 9" + 12"
Locking tongs in two handy sizes for the stovetop and the grill.
View on AmazonAmazon Basics Non-Stick Parchment Paper Roll
Non-stick paper for lining pans – easy release, easy cleanup.
View on AmazonWoodenhouse Teak Wooden Spoons, 10-Pc
Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.
View on AmazonOXO Good Grips Silicone Whisk Set, 9" + 11"
Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.
View on AmazonUltra Cuisine Stainless Cooling Rack Set of 2
Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.
View on AmazonUmite Chef Stainless Mixing Bowls with Lids, 8-Pc
Nesting stainless bowls with airtight lids, from prep to storage.
View on AmazonHamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer
Six speeds with a snap-on storage case for the beaters.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Yes — wrap the discs tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then roll, cut and bake as usual.
Usually the dough was too warm or the butter was over-softened. Chill the dough and the cut shapes, and use butter that is cool to the touch, not greasy.
Yes — a simple royal icing of powdered sugar, meringue powder and water dries hard and is ideal for detailed decorating. The milk icing here is softer and quicker for kids.
In an airtight container at room temperature, iced cookies keep for up to 1 week. Layer them between sheets of parchment so the icing does not stick.
Classic Soft & Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies
These Classic Soft & Chewy Snickerdoodles are the quintessential holiday cookie! Exceptionally buttery...
View Recipe
Soft & Chewy Spiced Molasses Crinkle Cookies
These Soft & Chewy Spiced Molasses Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate cozy holiday baking tradition.
View Recipe
Eggnog Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce
Day-old bread bakes custardy in spiced eggnog under a warm butter-rum sauce.
View Recipe