Christmas Sugar Cookies that hold their shape and require no chilling!

There’s nothing more magical than baking Christmas sugar cookies during the holiday season! Whether you’re creating festive shapes with your kids, preparing a beautiful cookie platter, or gifting homemade treats to loved ones, these sugar cookies are the perfect choice. The best part? This recipe requires no chilling and still holds its shape, making it quick and easy to whip up delicious, bakery-style cookies. Plus, the simple icing recipe adds the perfect finishing touch, allowing for endless creative decorating options.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

No Chill Required – Unlike many sugar cookie recipes that require hours of chilling, this dough is ready to roll out immediately, saving you time.
Holds Its Shape – No more spread-out, unrecognizable cookies! These cutouts stay crisp and defined after baking.
Perfect Texture – A delicate balance of crisp edges and a soft, buttery center.
Easy & Fun to Decorate – The smooth surface is ideal for icing and decorating with festive designs.
Great for Gifting – These cookies are sturdy yet delicious, making them perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday tins, and homemade gifts.
Kid-Friendly – A great activity for children who love using cookie cutters and decorating their own holiday treats.
Customizable Flavors – Easily add almond extract, cinnamon, or lemon zest for a unique twist on the classic sugar cookie.

Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
1 egg white
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp milk
¾ tsp baking powder

For the Icing:

2 cups powdered sugar
1 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
3 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional: food coloring for decorating

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough

Take the butter out 1 hour before baking to allow it to soften.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes on medium speed). Scrape the sides as needed.
Lower the speed and add in the milk, vanilla extract, and egg white. Mix until well combined, then scrape the bowl.
Add the baking powder, then slowly incorporate the flour while mixing on low. The dough will start to come together and form a smooth consistency.

2. Roll & Cut

Lightly flour a rolling surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, lifting them with a spatula if needed.
Place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 2 inches between each cookie.
If the dough starts to feel too soft, place it in the refrigerator for 5 minutes before continuing to cut out more cookies.

3. Bake & Cool

Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool completely before decorating to prevent the icing from melting.

4. Make the Icing

Melt the butter in the microwave.
In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir until smooth. The icing should be thick but spreadable.
If you need a thicker icing, add more powdered sugar. For a thinner consistency, add ½ tsp of milk at a time until the desired texture is achieved.
Divide the icing into separate bowls and mix in food coloring if desired.

5. Decorate & Enjoy

Use an icing bag or a spatula to decorate your cookies. Add food coloring for festive colors.
Allow the icing to set completely before stacking or storing.
Add sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or edible glitter for extra holiday charm.

Tips for the Best Christmas Sugar Cookies:

Use room temperature ingredients – This helps the dough come together smoothly.
Roll evenly – Keeping an even thickness ensures consistent baking.
Let the cookies cool completely – Icing melts on warm cookies, so patience is key!
Get creative – Try different cookie cutter shapes and decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, or royal icing.
Store properly – Keeping the cookies in an airtight container maintains their freshness longer.
Experiment with extracts – Swap vanilla extract for almond, lemon, or peppermint for a unique flavor profile.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked cookies (without icing) for up to 3 months. Just thaw and decorate when ready.
Make the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before rolling.
Decorated cookies can be stored in a single layer with parchment paper between layers to prevent smudging.

Final Thoughts

This easy Christmas sugar cookie recipe is perfect for the holiday season, whether you’re baking with family, making gifts, or just enjoying a sweet treat. With no chilling required and a foolproof dough that holds its shape, you’ll have beautifully decorated cookies in no time. Plus, the versatile icing allows for endless decorating possibilities, making these cookies an absolute holiday staple. Gather your loved ones, break out the cookie cutters, and enjoy the magic of holiday baking. Happy baking and happy holidays!