Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
The tradition of baking cookies for Christmas dates back to medieval Europe. Spiced cookies became popular during the 16th century as spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger became more accessible. These cookies were often shaped into festive designs, reflecting the holiday spirit.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Rolling Pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
- Decorative sprinkles, icing, or colored sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the DoughIn a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a dough forms.
- Chill the DoughDivide the dough into two portions and flatten each into a disk.Wrap the disks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for easier rolling and cutting.
- Roll and CutPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about ¼ inch thick.Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes, transferring the cookies to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the CookiesBake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- Decorate (Optional)Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar as desired.Let the decorations set before serving or storing.