The scent of vanilla and butter baking in the oven instantly transports me back to my grandmother's kitchen, a place of warmth, laughter, and endless holiday magic. Every year, without fail, she would pull out her worn, flour-dusted recipe card for the ultimate Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing. It wasn't just about the cookies themselves; it was the ritual – the messy flour on my cheeks, the gentle hum of Christmas carols, and the sheer joy of decorating each one with a rainbow of sprinkles and frosting. Those simple moments created memories I cherish to this day, and it's a tradition I've lovingly carried on with my own family. This particular recipe isn't just a collection of ingredients; it's a taste of nostalgia, a sprinkle of joy, and a whole lot of love baked into every bite. Get ready to create your own cherished holiday memories with this truly special Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing.

Why This Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing is a Must-Try

• Perfectly Soft & Chewy: Unlike some dry, crumbly sugar cookies, this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing yields a delightful soft texture that practically melts in your mouth.
• Simple, Flavorful Icing: Forget complicated royal icing! Our easy icing comes together in minutes and hardens just enough to stack, yet remains soft to eat. It's the ideal complement to your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing.
• Holds Its Shape Beautifully: Whether you're cutting out intricate snowflakes, festive trees, or jolly Santa shapes, these cookies will maintain their form during baking, ensuring your decorating efforts shine.
• A Blank Canvas for Creativity: This Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing is designed for decorating! Gather your family and unleash your inner artist with endless possibilities for sprinkles, colors, and designs.

Key Ingredient Notes for Your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing

While the magic of baking often lies in the technique, the quality and temperature of your ingredients play an equally crucial role, especially when perfecting a Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing. Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your cookies are nothing short of perfect:

Unsalted Butter: The Foundation of Flavor

Always opt for unsalted butter when baking, as it gives you complete control over the salt content in your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing. Ensure your butter is at room temperature – not melted, not cold. This is perhaps one of the most vital tips for a successful sugar cookie. When butter is at room temperature, it can cream properly with the granulated sugar, creating a light, airy, and well-emulsified base. This process incorporates tiny air pockets into the mixture, which expand during baking, contributing significantly to the cookies' tender crumb and preventing them from becoming dense. Cold butter won't emulsify correctly and will lead to a lumpy dough, while melted butter will result in a greasy, flat, and hard Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing that spreads too much.

Granulated Sugar: More Than Just Sweetness

Beyond its primary role as a sweetener, granulated sugar also contributes significantly to the texture and structure of your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing. When creamed with room-temperature butter, the sharp edges of the sugar crystals cut into the fat, creating those essential tiny air pockets we just discussed. These air pockets are crucial for a light and tender cookie. Sugar also aids in moisture retention, keeping your cookies soft and fresh longer, and contributes to the beautiful golden edges you look for. Don't be tempted to reduce the sugar too much, as it affects both the sweetness and the structural integrity of your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing.

All-Purpose Flour: The Structural Backbone

Measuring your all-purpose flour correctly is paramount! Too much flour is a common baking mistake that can lead to dry, tough, and crumbly cookies, while too little can make them spread excessively and lose their festive shapes. The best way to measure flour is to spoon it lightly into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge (like the back of a knife). This "spoon and level" method prevents compacting the flour, giving you a much more accurate measurement than simply scooping from the bag. A good quality all-purpose flour provides the perfect balance of protein to give your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing structure without making them overly chewy.

Pure Vanilla Extract: The Soul of Sugar Cookies

While often overlooked or seen as a minor flavoring, high-quality pure vanilla extract is paramount in a truly exceptional Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing. It’s the primary flavoring agent here, so don't skimp on it! A good pure vanilla extract will elevate the overall taste, adding warmth, depth, and a quintessential sweetness that artificial vanilla simply can't replicate. It truly makes all the difference in the finished cookie, adding that comforting, familiar taste we all associate with homemade Christmas treats. Consider using a good quality extract for the best flavor profile for your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing.

Large Egg: The Binder

The humble large egg plays several vital roles in this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing. It acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together and adding structure. The egg also contributes moisture, richness, and helps with the emulsification of the fats and liquids, ensuring a smooth, cohesive dough. Using a room-temperature egg is best, as it incorporates more easily into the creamed butter and sugar mixture without seizing it up, leading to a more uniform dough.

Baking Powder & Salt: The Unsung Heroes

Baking powder is our leavening agent, giving the cookies a slight lift and contributing to their soft texture. While you don't want these cookies to puff up like cakes, a little leavening helps create that desirable tenderness. Salt, often underestimated, is crucial for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors in your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing. It prevents the cookies from tasting bland and amplifies the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the butter and vanilla. Don't skip it!

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing

Ready to get baking? Follow these detailed steps to create the most delicious Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing your family and friends have ever tasted. We’ve included some pro tips to ensure success!

Preparing the Dough

• Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined. This is a crucial step for a tender Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing.
• Step 2: Beat in the large egg and the pure vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
• Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Do not overmix, or your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing might become tough.
• Step 4: Divide the dough in half. Flatten each half into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 days. Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and ensures your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing holds its shape beautifully.

Rolling and Baking the Cookies

• Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
• Step 6: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. If the dough is too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Use your favorite Christmas-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
• Step 7: Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie. Re-roll any scraps, but avoid overworking the dough.
• Step 8: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Baking time will vary depending on your oven and the size of your cookies. Watch them closely! For a perfect Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing, you want them soft, not overly browned.
• Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorating warm cookies will cause the icing to melt!

Whipping Up the Easy Icing

• Step 10: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and pure vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If the icing is too thick, add more milk a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency for your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing. If it's too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
• Step 11: Divide the icing into separate bowls if you plan to use different colors. Add a few drops of gel food coloring to each bowl and mix until the desired shade is achieved.

Decorating Your Masterpieces

• Step 12: Once the cookies are completely cool, get creative! You can spread the icing with a small offset spatula or knife, or use piping bags with various tips for more intricate designs. Don't forget the sprinkles! This is the most fun part of making this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing!
• Step 13: Allow the decorated cookies to set for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or until the icing is firm to the touch. This will prevent smudging when storing.

Variations & Serving Suggestions for Your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing

While this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing is perfect as is, there's always room for a little creativity! Here are some ideas to make them even more special:

Flavor Variations:

• Citrus Zest: Add 1-2 teaspoons of finely grated orange or lemon zest to the dough along with the vanilla for a bright, zesty kick. This pairs wonderfully with the sweet icing. You can even try our Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze for more citrus inspiration.
• Almond Extract: Replace half of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a distinct, nutty flavor. It adds a sophisticated twist to this classic Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing.
• Spiced Cookies: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced version.

Icing & Decorating Ideas:

• Royal Icing: For a more professional, hard-set finish, consider using royal icing. It allows for very fine details and creates a beautiful glossy sheen, though it's a bit more work than our easy version.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some white or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the set icing for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
• Edible Glitter & Pearl Dust: Elevate your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing with a touch of edible glitter or pearl dust for a truly magical, festive sparkle.
• Theme it Up: Think beyond Christmas! This base recipe is perfect for any holiday or occasion. Just change your cookie cutters and icing colors. Maybe even pair it with some fun Snowman Poop treats for a truly hilarious holiday spread!

Serving Suggestions:

• Cookie Exchange: These cookies are always a hit at holiday cookie exchanges. Pack them beautifully in festive tins.
• Gift Giving: Tie a few decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing in a clear cellophane bag with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• With Hot Beverages: Enjoy them with a warm mug of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea for the ultimate cozy treat.
• After-School Treat: Keep a batch on hand for a delightful surprise for the kids during the holiday season.

Storage Tips: Keeping Your Cookies Fresh

Once your beautiful Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing are completely cool and the icing has set, proper storage is key to keeping them fresh and delicious for days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before decorating. If you're looking for great storage solutions, I highly recommend sturdy airtight containers, like these Basics Glass Food Storage containers, which are perfect for keeping your baked goods fresh.

Nutrition Information

Here's a breakdown of the estimated nutrition facts per serving for this delightful Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing. Please note these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and serving sizes.

These Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing are a treat to be enjoyed in moderation!

And there you have it – your ultimate guide to creating a truly magical Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing. These cookies are more than just a dessert; they're a centerpiece of holiday traditions, a canvas for creativity, and a delicious way to spread joy. Whether you're baking them for a festive gathering, a thoughtful gift, or simply to enjoy with your loved ones, the warmth and aroma filling your home will be just as sweet as the cookies themselves. So gather your ingredients, put on some carols, and let the holiday baking begin! Happy baking, and may your Christmas be filled with delicious moments and cherished memories!

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Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing

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A classic, tender Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing that holds its shape perfectly, ideal for holiday decorating and creating cherished family memories. This recipe promises soft, chewy cookies every time, perfect for festive gatherings.

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: About 3-4 dozen cookies (depending on cutter size)

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
For the Easy Icing:
3 cups powdered sugar
4-6 tbsp milk (or water)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Gel food coloring (optional)
Assorted sprinkles (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 2: Beat in the large egg and the pure vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Divide the dough in half. Flatten each half into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 days. Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and ensures cookies hold their shape.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Step 6: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite Christmas-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
Step 7: Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie. Re-roll any scraps, but avoid overworking the dough.
Step 8: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Baking time will vary depending on your oven and the size of your cookies. Watch them closely!
Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and pure vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If the icing is too thick, add more milk a teaspoon at a time. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Step 11: Divide the icing into separate bowls if you plan to use different colors. Add a few drops of gel food coloring to each bowl and mix until the desired shade is achieved.
Step 12: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread the icing with a small offset spatula or knife, or use piping bags for intricate designs. Add sprinkles as desired.
Step 13: Allow the decorated cookies to set for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or until the icing is firm to the touch before storing.

Notes

For best results, ensure butter and egg are at room temperature. Do not overmix the dough. Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining cookie shape. Store decorated cookies in an airtight container once icing is set.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 25g)
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 70mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg