There’s a certain magic that fills the air around the holidays, isn't there? For me, that magic is almost tangible in the scent of butter, vanilla, and sugar wafting from the kitchen. My grandmother, Nona Rose, was the queen of holiday baking, and her Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing was legendary. Every December, her tiny kitchen would transform into a festive wonderland, dusted with flour and adorned with brightly colored sprinkles. I remember, as a child, standing on a stool, eagerly waiting for my turn to roll out the dough, the coolness of it against my small hands, and then pressing out star and tree shapes with all my might. The secret, she’d whisper, wasn’t just in the ingredients, but in the love baked into every single cookie. This recipe isn't just about delicious cookies; it's about tradition, family, and creating those cherished memories that last a lifetime. I’m so excited to share Nona Rose’s timeless method with you, ensuring your holiday season is filled with the same joy and deliciousness!
Why This Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe is a Must-Try
- Perfectly Tender Texture: Our Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing yields cookies that are delightfully soft with slightly crisp edges, never hard or crumbly, making them a joy to eat.
- Holds Shape Beautifully: Say goodbye to misshapen cookies! This dough is specifically designed to maintain its form in the oven, meaning your intricate cut-outs will look exactly as intended.
- Simple, Versatile Icing: The easy royal icing recipe provided is not only simple to make but also incredibly versatile for decorating, allowing for both intricate designs and simple floods.
- A Beloved Family Tradition: This recipe isn't just a collection of instructions; it's a piece of my family's heritage, promising to bring warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations, just as it has for generations of ours.
Key Ingredient Notes
While this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing relies on common pantry staples, a few key ingredients deserve special attention to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.
First up, unsalted butter. Always, always use unsalted butter for baking unless a recipe specifically calls for salted. This gives you complete control over the salt content in your cookies. Make sure your butter is at room temperature – not melted, not cold from the fridge, but perfectly soft enough to indent with your finger. This allows it to cream properly with the sugar, creating tiny air pockets that contribute to a tender cookie. If your butter is too cold, it won't incorporate well; too warm, and your cookies might spread too much.
Next, let's talk about all-purpose flour. The amount of flour can vary slightly depending on humidity and how you measure it. For best results, spoon your flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge (like the back of a knife) rather than scooping directly from the bag. Scooping packs the flour down, adding too much, which can lead to dry, crumbly cookies. Adding a little extra flour if your dough feels too sticky is okay, but err on the side of less initially.
Finally, pure vanilla extract is crucial. While imitation vanilla is cheaper, pure vanilla offers a depth of flavor that really shines through in a simple cookie like this. It's worth the splurge for that rich, aromatic undertone that makes these Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing truly special. A good quality extract makes all the difference in the final taste profile.
Step-by-Step Guide with Pro Tips
Baking this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing is a journey, not a race. Take your time, enjoy the process, and you'll be rewarded with incredible results!
Step 1: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl often to ensure everything is thoroughly combined. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which helps the cookies stay tender.
Step 2: Beat in the egg and pure vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; just mix until the wet ingredients are incorporated.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing pockets of baking powder or salt in your cookies.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be thick and may seem a little crumbly at first, but keep mixing until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten too much, leading to tough cookies.
Step 5: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours. Chilling the dough is essential! It allows the butter to firm up, making the dough easier to roll out and preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. You can even chill it overnight for best results.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and helps with even baking.
Step 7: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. If the dough is too cold and hard to roll, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. Use your favorite Christmas cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Try not to twist the cutter as you lift it to keep the shapes perfect. Gather the scraps, gently re-roll, and cut out more cookies until all the dough is used from that batch. Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them.
Step 8: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Baking time can vary depending on your oven and the size of your cookies. Keep a close eye on them, as sugar cookies can go from perfectly baked to overdone very quickly. For a softer cookie, bake until the edges are just set and the centers still look slightly soft. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling completely is important before icing to prevent the icing from melting or running.
Step 9: While the cookies cool, prepare the easy royal icing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and meringue powder. Meringue powder helps stabilize the icing and gives it a nice sheen. Gradually add the water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly until the icing reaches your desired consistency. For outlining, you’ll want a thicker, toothpaste-like consistency. For flooding (filling in), you’ll want a thinner, syrup-like consistency that smooths out within 5-10 seconds after being drizzled. Add food coloring if desired. Store leftover icing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks; the Basics Glass Food Storage containers work wonderfully for this.
Step 10: Once the cookies are completely cool, it's time to decorate! Use piping bags with small tips for intricate designs and outlines, or simply spoon the icing onto the cookies and spread with a small offset spatula for a flooded look. Allow the icing to fully dry before stacking or storing the cookies. This can take several hours, or even overnight, depending on the humidity and icing thickness. This is the most fun part of making this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing – let your creativity shine! Perhaps you can pair them with a warm mug of The Best Homemade Hot Chocolate You'll Ever Make for a truly cozy treat!
Variations & Serving Suggestions
This Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing is fantastic as is, but it also serves as a wonderful canvas for creativity! Here are some ideas to make them even more special:
- Citrus Zest: Add 1-2 teaspoons of finely grated lemon or orange zest to the dough along with the vanilla extract for a bright, refreshing flavor twist.
- Almond Extract: Swap out half of the vanilla extract for almond extract to give your cookies a delicious marzipan-like flavor. This pairs beautifully with the simple sugar cookie base.
- Spiced Cookies: For a warmer flavor profile, add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves to the dry ingredients. These spiced Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing would be perfect alongside a The Ultimate Gingerbread House Recipe (VIDEO) for a Magical Christmas.
- Different Toppings: Beyond the easy royal icing, consider decorating with simple sprinkles, edible glitter, or even melted chocolate drizzles. For a super quick option, dust warm cookies with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar.
- Serving Ideas: Serve these cookies at your holiday party, package them in decorative boxes as homemade gifts, or simply enjoy them with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk by the fireplace. They are also wonderful for cookie exchanges!
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrate Content | 28g |
| Cholesterol Content | 25mg |
| Fat Content | 7g |
| Fiber Content | 0.5g |
| Protein Content | 2g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 4g |
| Serving Size | 1 cookie (approx. 35g) |
| Sodium Content | 75mg |
| Sugar Content | 18g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 3g |
As the aroma of these freshly baked Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing fills your home, you'll be reminded of the joy and warmth they bring. This recipe isn't just about baking; it's about creating memories, sharing love, and celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your holiday traditions, this foolproof recipe will guide you to perfect, delicious results every time. So gather your ingredients, turn on your favorite holiday tunes, and get ready to bake some magic. Happy holidays and happy baking!
FAQs
Why do my Christmas sugar cookies spread and lose their shape?
Cookies spreading is often due to the butter being too warm or the dough not being chilled enough. Ensure your butter is softened but still cool, and thoroughly chill the dough for at least 1-2 hours before rolling and cutting. Overworking the dough can also contribute to spreading.
Can I make the Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cookie dough can be made up to 3-4 days in advance and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling and baking.
How do I get the easy royal icing to the right consistency?
For outlining and intricate details, you'll want a thicker consistency, similar to toothpaste. For flooding (filling in areas), a thinner, syrup-like consistency is best, one that smooths out within 5-10 seconds after drizzling. Add water slowly, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Less water makes it thicker, more water makes it thinner.
Whatu2019s the best way to store decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies?
Once the royal icing is completely dry (which can take several hours or overnight), store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze undecorated baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months, then thaw and decorate when ready.
Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies with Easy Royal Icing
A delightful and foolproof Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing that yields perfectly soft, tender cookies every time. Ideal for holiday decorating and family traditions.
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 3 dozen (approx. 36 cookies)
Ingredients
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups (420g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Easy Royal Icing:
4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
3 tablespoons meringue powder
6-8 tablespoons warm water (or as needed for consistency)
Food coloring (optional)
Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-5 minutes, until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 2: Beat in the egg and pure vanilla extract until just combined, ensuring no streaks remain.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and a thick dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Divide the dough into two equal disks, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 7: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Gather scraps, re-roll gently, and cut more cookies.
Step 8: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. For softer cookies, bake until just set. Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Prepare the easy royal icing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder. Gradually add warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking until desired consistency is reached (thicker for outlining, thinner for flooding). Add food coloring if desired.
Step 10: Once cookies are completely cool, decorate with royal icing and sprinkles. Allow icing to dry completely (several hours or overnight) before stacking or storing.
Notes
Ensure butter is at room temperature for creaming. Do not overmix the dough to prevent tough cookies. Chill dough thoroughly for best results in holding shape. Always cool cookies completely before icing.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 35g)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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