Christmas Sugar Cookies with Easy Icing

Christmas Sugar Cookies

These christmas sugar cookies are a classic holiday treat with soft centers, gently crisp edges, and a smooth icing that sets beautifully without the fuss of traditional royal icing. This recipe delivers reliable results, holds shape perfectly, and creates a festive cookie ideal for gifting, parties, and decorating with kids.

Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 12 minutes

Ingredients

Cookies

2 and one quarter cups all purpose flour
One half teaspoon baking powder
One quarter teaspoon salt
Three quarters cup unsalted butter softened
Three quarters cup granulated sugar
One large egg at room temperature
Two teaspoons pure vanilla extract
One quarter to one half teaspoon almond extract optional

Easy Icing

Three cups confectioners sugar
One half teaspoon vanilla extract
Two teaspoons light corn syrup
Four and a half to five tablespoons room temperature water
Pinch of salt
Optional gel food coloring and sprinkles

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the dry mixture

Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Combine thoroughly to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning, which helps the cookies rise lightly and bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and smooth. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract if using. Mix until fully combined and scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure an even mixture.

Step 3: Mix dough and roll out

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix on low until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two portions. Roll each piece to one quarter inch thickness on lightly floured parchment or a silicone mat. This technique makes the dough easier to chill and ensures smooth rolling without breaking.

Step 4: Chill, cut, and bake

Stack the rolled dough sheets with parchment between them and chill for one to two hours. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut dough into holiday shapes, re rolling scraps as needed. Bake for eleven to twelve minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool fully before icing.

Step 5: Prepare the icing and decorate

Whisk confectioners sugar, vanilla, corn syrup, water, and salt to create a thick glossy icing. Adjust water slightly if needed. Tint with gel food coloring if desired. Dip cookies or pipe designs. Allow icing to dry for twenty four hours for stackable cookies.

Pro Tips

Use room temperature butter that feels cool to the touch to ensure proper creaming and dough structure.

Roll the dough before chilling to prevent cracking, uneven rolling, and difficulty handling cold dough.

Always chill the rolled dough sheets to maintain clean cookie cutter edges and prevent spreading.

Add almond extract for richer depth of flavor that complements holiday spices and vanilla.

Allow icing to dry uncovered in a cool room for even setting and a smooth glossy finish.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Serve christmas sugar cookies with hot cocoa, warm spiced cider, or a festive peppermint mocha.
Arrange them on a holiday dessert table alongside gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark, and shortbread for a balanced cookie assortment.
Gift them in decorated tins lined with parchment for a classic holiday presentation.
Pair them with vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert that highlights the soft and sweet cookie texture.
Add them to a cookie decorating party spread where each guest personalizes their own cookies.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 cookie	140	2g	20g	6g	0g	12g

Nutrition facts are estimated and may vary based on ingredient brands and preparation.

FAQs

Print