Description
These soft Christmas sugar cookies are buttery, perfectly shaped, and easy to decorate. The dough holds its shape without spreading, making it perfect for holiday cut-outs. Great for cookie exchanges, decorating with kids, or festive gifting!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Glaze:
- 6-7 tbsp powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (or milk for a milder flavor)
- blue and green food coloring
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add egg and vanilla: Mix in egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Chill: Wrap dough and chill for 30 minutes to make it easier to roll and cut.
- Preheat & roll out: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough between parchment paper to ¼ inch thick.
- Cut shapes: Use cookie cutters to make festive shapes like trees, stars, and snowflakes.
- Bake: Place on parchment-lined sheet and bake 7–8 minutes, until edges are just set (not browned).
- Cool & decorate: Cool on a rack completely before icing.
- Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust consistency if needed.
- Decorate: Tint glaze with food coloring and spread or pipe designs. Let set for 30–60 minutes.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for a smooth, creamy dough. For dairy-free, sub with plant-based butter (like Earth Balance).
- Spoon and level the flour to avoid packing too much. For gluten-free, swap with a 1:1 GF baking flour blend.
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake them (edges should stay pale).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Holiday Treats
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 95 kcal
- Sugar: 6.5 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 4.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 1.1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg