These Christmas sugar cookies are the perfect holiday treat—soft, buttery, and beautifully decorated with icing. Whether you’re baking them for a festive gathering or making them as a fun family tradition, these cookies are guaranteed to bring holiday cheer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Texture – Soft and slightly chewy with crisp edges.
Easy to Decorate – Holds its shape well for decorating with icing or sprinkles.
Make-Ahead Friendly – The dough can be prepared in advance and stored for later.
Versatile – Use different shapes and colors to match your holiday theme.
Kid-Friendly – A fun activity for kids to cut, bake, and decorate.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Large eggs
Vanilla extract
Almond extract (optional)
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt

For decoration:

Royal icing or buttercream frosting
Food coloring
Sprinkles or sugar decorations

Directions

Prepare the Dough – Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs, vanilla, and almond extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
Chill the Dough – Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the cookies hold their shape.
Roll and Cut – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into festive shapes using cookie cutters.
Bake – Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool completely.
Decorate – Use royal icing or buttercream to decorate as desired. Add sprinkles or edible decorations for a festive touch.

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 24 cookies (varies based on cutter size)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1.5 hours

Variations

Spiced Version: Add cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm holiday flavor.
Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Replace some flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
Lemon or Orange Zest: Add citrus zest for a bright, fresh taste.
Dipped in Chocolate: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for an extra treat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigeration: Decorated cookies with royal icing can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Dough can also be frozen and thawed before rolling.
Reheating: No need to reheat, but you can microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them slightly warm.

FAQs

How do I keep my sugar cookies from spreading?

Chilling the dough before rolling and baking helps prevent spreading. Also, avoid over-creaming the butter and sugar.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Baked cookies can be stored or frozen until ready to decorate.

What’s the best frosting for decorating sugar cookies?

Royal icing is great for intricate designs, while buttercream is perfect for a softer, creamier texture.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.

How do I make my cookies extra soft?

Slightly underbake them and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.

Can I use alternative sweeteners?

Granulated sugar substitutes like erythritol or coconut sugar can be used, but the texture may vary.

How do I prevent my cookies from becoming too dry?

Measure your flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method, and don’t overbake.

What’s the best way to roll out cookie dough evenly?

Use rolling pin guides or roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper for even thickness.

Can I decorate these cookies without icing?

Yes! Sprinkle sugar or cinnamon-sugar before baking for a simple, elegant finish.

Do I need a stand mixer to make these cookies?

No, a hand mixer works well, but you can also mix the dough by hand with a sturdy spoon.

Conclusion

These Christmas sugar cookies are the ultimate holiday treat—simple to make, fun to decorate, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re making them for a cookie exchange, holiday party, or just a cozy night at home, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite. Enjoy baking and happy holidays!