Christmas Sugar Cookies

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Few things say “holidays” quite like the sight of festive sugar cookies sparkling with red and green sprinkles. These Christmas Sugar Cookies are everything a holiday treat should be: buttery, soft, slightly chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They’re the perfect canvas for festive decorations or just a simple dusting of sugar crystals.

With their delightful texture and nostalgic flavor, these cookies are a staple for cookie exchanges, holiday trays, or a cozy night with hot cocoa. Kids love to help press them down with a fork and sprinkle on the colors, and the recipe is easy enough to whip up on a whim.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe

These cookies hit the sweet spot between a classic sugar cookie and a soft shortbread. They don’t require chilling, rolling, or cutting, making them a stress-free option when you need a quick and festive bake. They’re buttery, soft in the center, and finished with a light crunch from the colorful sugar topping.

What Kind of Sugar Should I Use for Topping?

Coarse sanding sugar or colored sprinkles work best. Red and green sugar crystals create the iconic holiday look, but feel free to customize them for other seasons. The sugar adds a touch of crunch and festive sparkle, while sticking beautifully to the slightly warm dough before baking.

---

Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter – Gives the cookies a rich, creamy texture and flavor. Use softened butter for easy creaming.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create that slightly crisp edge.
• Egg – Binds the dough together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the cookie’s flavor with warm, cozy notes.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and shape.
• Baking Powder – Gives the cookies a gentle lift for a soft texture.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and brings out flavor.
• Red and Green Sanding Sugar – For decorating and adding a festive crunch.

---

How To Make the Christmas Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This creates the base for a soft cookie texture.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until a soft dough forms—don’t overmix.

Step 5: Form and Decorate Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet and flatten slightly with a fork. Sprinkle red and green sugar generously over each cookie.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are just barely golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

---

How to Serve These Festive Cookies

These cookies are great served as-is, with a glass of milk, or alongside hot cocoa at a holiday party. This recipe yields about 24 cookies and serves around 8 to 10 people, depending on how many each person grabs (and trust us, they’ll grab more than one!).

How to Store Christmas Sugar Cookies

Once cooled, store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container—it helps maintain moisture. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Stack with parchment paper between layers and thaw at room temp when ready to serve.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 48 hours in advance and keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge. Let it sit out for 15–20 minutes before scooping and baking.

Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Form into dough balls, flatten slightly, and freeze on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to baking time.

Do I have to use red and green sugar?
Not at all. Feel free to use rainbow sprinkles or any color theme you like. These cookies can be adapted for any occasion.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your butter was too soft or melted, that could cause excess spreading. Make sure the butter is softened but not greasy. Also, measure flour carefully.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just ensure it includes xanthan gum or a similar binder.

---

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved these Christmas Sugar Cookies, you’ll want to check out these other festive favorites:

• Candy Cane Cookies with that nostalgic peppermint swirl.
• Soft Christmas Peppermints for a melt-in-your-mouth treat.
• Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies with a Nutella surprise.
• Mini Pecan Pies that bring pie flavor in cookie size.
• Zesty Lemon Meringue Pie Cannoli for a citrus twist on a classic favorite.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you stick to classic red and green or go wild with color? Did you add extra flavors or keep it simple? I love seeing your creations and how you make them your own.

More daily festive bakes and cookie inspiration await you at Life With Livia.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?