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Christmas Sugar Cookies

Christmas Sugar Cookies with Icing

Christmas Sugar Cookies that hold their shape and require no chilling!
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Course Dessert
Servings 18 Cookies

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
 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Notes

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.
Keyword christmas cookies, cookie, easy cookies, shaped cookies, sugar cookie
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