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Assortment of handcrafted Christmas cookies intricately decorated with vibrant red, green, and white icing, featuring festive patterns like snowflakes, candy canes, and holly leaves, elegantly arranged on a sparkling silver platter amidst a warm, candlelit holiday setting with twinkling ornaments and evergreen sprigs in the background.

Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies

These Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies are a must-have treat for any holiday gathering! With their soft, buttery texture and delightful sweetness, they make the perfect canvas for all kinds of fun decorations. Whether you’re decorating with colorful sprinkles, icing, or simply enjoying them as they are, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Equipment

  • 2 large mixing bowls
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer (optional)
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Wire rack for cooling

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar divided
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract optional
  • 1 teaspoon milk
  • Sprinkles or colored sugar optional for decorating

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture and mix until fully incorporated. Add the flour mixture in batches, mixing just until combined. Add the milk and mix again until the dough comes together.
  • Roll the dough into balls, about 1 inch in size. Roll each ball in the remaining ½ cup sugar. Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden brown. Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should look soft in the center.
  • Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once cooled, decorate the cookies with icing or sprinkles as desired.
Keyword Christmas Cookies