Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

Grandma’s Best Christmas Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that brings warmth to any holiday gathering. These cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating with festive colors. Ideal for sharing with family and friends, they also make wonderful gifts or sweet additions to your holiday dessert table. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet aroma, these cookies will surely become a cherished tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Customizable Flavors: You can easily adjust the flavors by using different extracts or adding spices like cinnamon.
• Fun for All Ages: Decorating these cookies is a fun activity for kids and adults alike, making it a great holiday bonding experience.
• Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in festive boxes to share the joy of the season with neighbors and friends.
• Versatile Occasion Use: While perfect for Christmas, these sugar cookies can be enjoyed during any celebration or just as a sweet treat.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Plastic wrap
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to mix all ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
• Hand mixer: It saves time and effort when beating butter and cream cheese to create a fluffy batter.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down sides of bowls to ensure no ingredients are left behind.

Ingredients

Grandma’s Christmas sugar cookies are a soft, buttery treat that will be a new holiday favorite.

• ½ cup salted butter, (softened)
• 2 ounces cream cheese, (softened)
• 1½ cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• red and green sanding sugars

How to Make Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, add butter, cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and almond extract. Using a hand mixer, beat until light and fluffy, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Turn the hand mixer to low speed and combine the ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 2 hours. This step is crucial as it helps the dough firm up for easier handling.

Step 4: Preheat Oven

Once the dough has been chilled for 2 hours, remove it from the refrigerator. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 5: Form Cookies

Use a 1-inch cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place them on the parchment paper-lined cookie sheet, leaving at least 1 inch between each ball.

Step 6: Decorate

Using a fork, make a crisscross pattern by pressing down lightly into each cookie dough ball. Sprinkle with red or green sanding sugars for that festive touch.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes. Be careful not to overcook; they should not brown on the edges. The cookies should look slightly undercooked when you pull them out of the oven.

Step 8: Cool Down

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to continue cooling completely. Enjoy your delicious creations!

How to Serve Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

Serving the Best Christmas Sugar Cookies can elevate your holiday gatherings. These cookies are not just delicious; they also add a festive touch to any occasion. Here are some fun and creative serving suggestions.

Cookie Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter, mixing in some seasonal decorations like pinecones or holly leaves for a charming presentation.

Milk Pairing

• Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk. The creamy texture complements the buttery cookies beautifully and enhances their flavor.

Hot Cocoa Side

• Pair your sugar cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa. The richness of hot chocolate makes for a delightful contrast to the soft sweetness of the cookies.

Gift Bags

• Package the cookies in decorative bags as gifts. They make perfect homemade gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.

Cookie Decorating Station

• Set up a cookie decorating station with icing and sprinkles. Guests can personalize their cookies, making it an engaging activity for all ages.

Festive Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two sugar cookies to create ice cream sandwiches. Choose festive flavors like peppermint or gingerbread to match the holiday spirit.

How to Perfect Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

Perfecting your Best Christmas Sugar Cookies can turn a good recipe into an unforgettable treat. Keep these tips in mind for baking success.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 2 hours helps prevent spreading, resulting in thicker, softer cookies.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that butter and cream cheese are softened helps achieve a smoother batter and better texture.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can lead to dry results.
• Do Not Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time. The cookies should appear slightly undercooked when you take them out, ensuring they stay soft.
• Experiment with Sprinkles: Try different colors or types of sanding sugars for decoration. This adds variety and makes your cookies visually appealing.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and softness.

Best Side Dishes for Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

These sugar cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweetness. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides a savory contrast, making it an excellent pairing alongside sweet treats.
3. Mini Quiches: Savory mini quiches can serve as a delightful counterpart, offering variety during your holiday spread.
4. Veggie Tray: Crisp vegetables with dip offer a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with soft, sugary textures.
5. Holiday Punch: A fruity punch adds festive flair and pairs well with dessert items like sugar cookies.
6. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: These provide a sweet-and-salty element that enhances taste diversity on your table.
7. Roasted Nuts: A bowl of seasoned roasted nuts gives guests something crunchy and savory amidst sweet treats.
8. Popcorn Mix: Create a festive popcorn mix with chocolate drizzles and holiday-themed candies for fun snacking options alongside your cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking sugar cookies can be tricky, and it’s essential to avoid some common pitfalls to achieve the Best Christmas Sugar Cookies. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Chilling Step: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Always refrigerate the dough for the recommended time to maintain shape.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too long can make your cookies tough instead of soft. Mix just until combined after adding the dry ingredients.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Using too much flour or sugar can alter the texture and taste. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Different ovens can have varying temperatures. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Overbaking the Cookies: Cookies should not brown on the edges. Pull them out when they look slightly undercooked to ensure they remain soft.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for about 1 minute with a lid on to keep moisture in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these the Best Christmas Sugar Cookies?

These cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for any holiday celebration, making them an ideal festive treat.

Can I customize my Best Christmas Sugar Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.

How do I decorate my Best Christmas Sugar Cookies?

Use royal icing, sprinkles, or colored sugars to create beautiful designs that match your holiday theme.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they can last up to one week at room temperature or three months in the freezer.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it. Just thaw it overnight before baking.

Conclusion

The Best Christmas Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit any festive occasion. With options to customize flavors and decorations, you can make them uniquely yours. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful holiday treat!

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