Description
Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies that are buttery, soft, and perfect for holiday decorating. These cookies are easy to make and deliciously festive, ideal for cookie cutters and icing.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, measured correctly
- 1 Tbsp baking powder, aluminum free
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 °F and position a rack in the center to ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand-up or handheld mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and egg to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the flour mixture in three parts to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition until a soft dough forms.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion out to a 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes.
- Bake Cookies: Place the cut cookies onto a parchment paper- or silicone-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 °F for 10 minutes until the edges begin to turn golden.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with your favorite cookie icing.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid any metallic taste and ensure proper rising.
- Rolling dough to 1/4 inch thickness helps cookies bake evenly and maintain shape.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Cool cookies completely before icing to prevent melting or spreading of icing.
- This dough can be chilled for 30 minutes before rolling to make it easier to handle in warmer kitchens.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg