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Soft, Chewy Christmas Sugar Cookies

Recipe by Rebekah Winscott

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!

  • Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield25 1x

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

  1. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
  2. Add egg and vanilla: Mix in egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
  4. Chill: Wrap dough and chill for 30 minutes to make it easier to roll and cut.
  5. Preheat & roll out: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough between parchment paper to ¼ inch thick.
  6. Cut shapes: Use cookie cutters to make festive shapes like trees, stars, and snowflakes.
  7. Bake: Place on parchment-lined sheet and bake 7–8 minutes, until edges are just set (not browned).
  8. Cool & decorate: Cool on a rack completely before icing.
  9. Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust consistency if needed.
  10. 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).

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

Find it online: https://thisnanacancook.com/christmas-sugar-cookies-recipe/