Illustration of a smiling grandma in a chef hat and apron, holding a wooden spoon, with the text GrandmaRecipe.com below her.Search

dessert

Christmas Sugar Cookies

By Grandma Millie

Be the first to rate this recipe

A variety of decorated Christmas Sugar cookies on a wooden table with holiday decorations.

Christmas Sugar cookies bring all the cozy charm of baking with grandma, with buttery sweetness and a sparkle of vanilla in every bite. Soft dough rolls out easily into little trees, stars, and snowflakes while the kitchen fills with laughter and the scent of cinnamon. A hint of orange zest and non alcoholic vanilla makes each cookie taste extra festive, crisp at the edges and tender in the center. Once they cool, decorate your Christmas Sugar cookies with colorful icing and cheerful sprinkles, then share them by the glow of twinkling lights for a simple, joy filled holiday treat.

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 1 hr 25 mins
Serves: 24 servings
Calories: 150

Recipe card

Print / PDF

Christmas Sugar Cookies

Rate this recipe

Be the first to rate

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
chilling
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 25 mins
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients

  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour (the base of your cookies)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (for a little lift)
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt (enhances flavor)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature for easy mixing)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for that sweet touch)
  • 1 large egg (binds all ingredients together)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds a lovely aroma)
  • 0.5 teaspoon almond extract (optional) (for an extra layer of flavor)

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing bowlFor mixing ingredients
  • 1 Baking sheetFor baking cookies
  • 1 Parchment paperTo line the baking sheet
  • 1 Rolling PinFor rolling out the dough
  • 1 Cookie cuttersFor cutting shapes
  • 1 wire rackFor cooling cookies

Method

  1. 1

    In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

  2. 2

    In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.

  3. 3

    Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated.

  4. 4

    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

  5. 5

    Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

  6. 6

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you roll out the dough.

  7. 7

    On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness and cut into your favorite shapes.

  8. 8

    Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

  9. 9

    Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

  10. 10

    Once cooled, decorate your cookies as desired and enjoy the festive spirit!

Notes

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories150
Fat7g
Protein2g
Carbohydrates22g
Sugar10g

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sugar cookies

  • Perfectly soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Customizable with festive sprinkles or icing for a personal touch.
  • Simple ingredients make it easy to whip up a batch anytime.
  • Great for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges with friends.
  • A delightful way to create lasting memories with loved ones.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create delightful Christmas sugar cookies!

Ingredients for Christmas Sugar cookies displayed on a kitchen table.
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour – the base of your cookies
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder – for a little lift
  • ½ teaspoon salt – enhances flavor
  • 1 cup unsalted butter – at room temperature for easy mixing
  • 1 cup granulated sugar – for that sweet touch
  • 1 large egg – binds all ingredients together
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds a lovely aroma
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional) – for an extra layer of flavor

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies

Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookies! With a preparation time of about 15 minutes, a cooking time of 8–10 minutes, and a chilling time of at least 1 hour, you’ll have a festive treat that’s perfect for sharing.

Step-by-step process of making Christmas Sugar cookies, including whisking dry ingredients, creaming butter and sugar, adding wet ingredients, and rolling out dough.

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you roll out the dough.

Step 7: Roll and Cut Shapes

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness and cut into your favorite shapes.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 9: Cool Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Decorate

Once cooled, decorate your cookies as desired and enjoy the festive spirit!

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
CategoryDessert
CuisineAmerican
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Extra Time60 minutes (Chilling)
Total Time85 minutes
DietaryVegetarian
Serves24 servings
Best ServedDecorated and festive!

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Sugar Cookies

  • Chill your dough for at least an hour for easier rolling.
  • Use a mix of vanilla and almond extract for a delightful flavor.
  • Roll out the dough on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Decorate with colorful sprinkles before baking for a festive touch.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh.

How to Serve this Christmas Sugar cookies

  • Decorate with colorful icing and sprinkles for a festive touch.
  • Pair with a warm cup of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider.
  • Serve on a decorative platter for holiday gatherings.
  • Include in a holiday cookie box as a sweet gift for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Keep your Christmas Sugar Cookies fresh and delicious with these simple storage tips:

Storing Christmas Sugar cookies Leftovers

  • Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
  • Place in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
  • Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Store at room temperature for up to one week.

Freezing Christmas Sugar cookies

  • Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap.
  • Place wrapped cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
  • Label with the date for easy reference.
  • Freeze for up to three months for best quality.

Reheating Christmas Sugar cookies

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Heat for 5-7 minutes until warm.
  • Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for the best taste!

Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.

Final Thoughts

As you gather around with loved ones, these Christmas Sugar Cookies are sure to bring smiles and sweet memories! With their simple preparation and delightful taste, they’re the perfect holiday treat to share. So roll up your sleeves, sprinkle some joy, and enjoy every bite of these festive cookies. Happy baking!

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.

What are the essential ingredients for Christmas sugar cookies?
The essential ingredients for Christmas sugar cookies include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. These simple ingredients come together to create a deliciously sweet and soft cookie that’s perfect for the holiday season! You can also add festive sprinkles or colored sugar for a fun touch.
How can I prevent my Christmas sugar cookies from spreading while baking?
To prevent your Christmas sugar cookies from spreading, make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps the butter solidify, which keeps the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Additionally, using parchment paper on your baking sheets can help maintain their shape during baking.
How do I keep Christmas sugar cookies soft and fresh?
To keep your Christmas sugar cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also place a slice of bread in the container; the moisture from the bread will help keep the cookies soft. If you want to keep them for a longer period, consider freezing them in a sealed bag or container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three months.
What are some creative decorating tips for Christmas sugar cookies?
Get creative with your Christmas sugar cookie decorating! Use royal icing to create intricate designs, or simply sprinkle colored sugar or edible glitter on top for a festive touch. You can also use melted chocolate to drizzle over the cookies or add candy canes, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra flavor and decoration. Let your imagination run wild and have fun with it!

Kitchen notes

Nutrition & sources

Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.

Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.

For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.

Comments

Made this recipe? Share how it turned out for your family.

No comments yet — be the first to leave a note.

More to cook

Related Dessert recipes

More cozy favorites from the same kitchen shelf.

Browse all dessert
A plate of golden-brown fruit pastries filled with mixed fruits, garnished with sugar.

dessert

Fruit Pastry

Fruit pastry shines with golden, flaky layers wrapped around a colorful mix of ripe berries and tender fruit slices. Sweet strawberries, tart raspberries, and juicy peaches blend with a touch of vanilla and a splash of fresh orange juice for a filling that’s vibrant and naturally sweet. As it bakes, the buttery crust turns crisp and fragrant, filling your kitchen with warm, bakery-style aromas. Simple to prepare just roll, fill, and bake this easy fresh fruit pastry is perfect for brunch spreads, afternoon treats, or last-minute desserts. Every slice delivers bright fruit flavor, delicate crunch, and pure homemade comfort.

Continue reading →

A star-shaped cake on a white stand, decorated with colorful sprinkles.

dessert

Star Cake

Star cake brings a touch of magic to any dessert table with its soft vanilla crumb and bright hint of lemon zest. Fresh from the oven, star cake fills the kitchen with warm, sweet aromas that draw everyone in for a slice. A swirl of smooth buttercream frosting adds creamy richness, while the light, moist texture makes each bite feel special. Perfect for celebrations or simple family moments, star cake is an easy yet eye-catching treat that turns everyday baking into something memorable.

Continue reading →

A two-layer chocolate coconut cake with chocolate frosting and shredded coconut on top, set on a wooden table.

dessert

Chocolate Coconut Cake

Chocolate coconut cake combines rich chocolate flavor with the light, tropical sweetness of coconut in one irresistibly moist dessert. Tender cake layers made with coconut milk create a soft texture, while a smooth chocolate frosting adds deep, indulgent flavor. A sprinkle of coconut flakes on top brings gentle crunch and extra coconut aroma, balanced by warm notes of vanilla. Simple ingredients and easy steps make chocolate coconut cake perfect for celebrations or everyday treats when you want something comforting, flavorful, and a little special.

Continue reading →