There’s something unmistakably magical about Christmas, especially when the scent of freshly baked sugar cookies fills the air. This classic Christmas Sugar Cookie recipe has been a tradition in my family for generations, bringing everyone together during the holiday season. It’s the perfect canvas for custom decorations, making it a favorite choice for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re searching for gluten-free, vegan, or other dietary-friendly options, this guide has you covered. Dive in and discover how to bake perfect sugar cookies that will make your holiday celebrations even sweeter!

Ingredients List:

2 ¾ cups all-purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Baking soda
1 teaspoon Baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
Colored sprinkles or icing for decoration

Possible Substitutions:

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free Flour blend.
Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with a dairy-free margarine.
Vegan: Swap the egg for 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Flour, Baking soda, Baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until the dough is smooth.
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm it up.
Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface.
Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
Place cookies on an ungreased Baking sheet.
Sprinkle colored sprinkles on top before Baking (optional).
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow cookies to cool on the Baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Tricks Section:

Chilling the Dough: Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during Baking.
Decorating: Get creative with icing and sprinkles! Use royal icing for detailed designs or simply sprinkle colored sugar before Baking.
Storage: Keep cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 100 kcal
Macronutrients:
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
Micronutrients:
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 50 mg

Recipe Notes:

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
For softer cookies, do not overbake — remove them from the oven while they’re still slightly underbaked.

5 FAQs:

How do I store leftovers?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
How can I make them gluten-free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose Flour with a gluten-free Flour blend in equal proportions.
What can I use if I don’t have almond extract?
You can use additional vanilla extract or omit it altogether for a pure vanilla flavor.
How do I reheat sugar cookies?
If you prefer warm cookies, microwave them briefly for about 5-10 seconds.

We would love to hear your thoughts! Please leave a comment below, rate this recipe, or share your delicious creations on social media. Your feedback means the world to us!

Recipe Card: Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

2 ¾ cups all-purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Baking soda
1 teaspoon Baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
Colored sprinkles or icing for decoration

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Flour, Baking soda, Baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until smooth.
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface.
Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
Place cookies on an ungreased Baking sheet.
Sprinkle colored sprinkles on top before Baking (optional).
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool on the Baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 100 kcal
Protein: 1 g
Fat: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 50 mg

Tips and Variations:

Experiment with different extracts like lemon or peppermint for unique flavors.
Use cookie stamps or patterns for decorative designs before Baking.

Storage:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

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