When Christmas rolls around, you can bet I’m thinking about cookies right away. There’s no denying that the scent of sugar cookies wafting through the house brings a cozy, festive vibe that just sets the mood right. Now, if you’re like me, you may not have the professional chef skills, but that shouldn’t stop you from whipping up a batch of delightful cookies.
Let’s keep it simple: you just need butter, sugar, and eggs to get started. Mix those up, and you’ve got the foundation for some real winners. The best part? It’s all about putting a little twist on your batch that turns them from plain old cookies into something special. Trust me, it’s those personal touches that make a difference during the holiday season.
So, let’s dive into a straightforward sugar cookie recipe that anyone can follow.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and warm for those cookies.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, throw in that softened butter and sugar. Mix it well until it’s light and fluffy—don’t rush this, give it a minute.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Next, crack in your eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Stir it all together until it’s smooth.
- Sift in the Dry Ingredients: Now, let’s get our flour in there! Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually mix it into your wet ingredients. You want it to come together nicely but not overmix.
- Shape Them Up: Grab a spoon and scoop out some dough. Roll them into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten them a bit with the bottom of a glass if you like a little more surface area for icing or sprinkles.
- Bake: Pop them in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, just until the edges start to lightly brown. Keep an eye on them—they can go from perfect to burnt in a blink!
- Cool and Decorate: Let them cool on the baking sheet for a minute before transferring them to a wire rack. Once they’ve cooled completely, get creative with your frosting or decorations if you’re feeling fancy.
And there you have it—simple, straightforward sugar cookies that can be dressed up or left plain as you please. These little treats are perfect for sharing with loved ones or just enjoying with a cup of tea by the fire. Happy baking!
Recipe
Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are a holiday staple, known for their perfectly sweet and buttery flavor that delights both the young and old at heart. They offer a blank canvas for creativity, often decorated with vibrant icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter that reflect the festive spirit.
These cookies aren’t only a treat but a holiday tradition, encouraging families to gather and express their creativity together. Perfect for gifting or indulging in with a warm cup of cocoa, these cookies are sure to bring cheer to any occasion.
This classic Christmas sugar cookie recipe is both simple and fun to make, requiring just a few pantry staples. With a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are the epitome of holiday delight.
The recipe includes basic ingredients such as butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and baking powder. A hint of vanilla and almond extract elevates their flavor, making them slightly sweet and delicately fragrant.
Whether you prefer them plain or decorated, these cookies are sure to be a festive hit. They can also be paired well with other traditional treats like gingerbread cookies, which have been a part of holiday traditions for centuries.
Cooking Instructions:
To make the dough, begin by creaming together a cup of butter with a cup of sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in one large egg and 1 teaspoon each of vanilla and almond extract, mixing until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together three cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough in half, shape each piece into a disc, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before starting, as this will help achieve a smooth and creamy dough.
Chilling the dough is essential as it prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, maintaining their shape.
If you plan to decorate your cookies with icing, wait until they’re completely cooled to prevent it from melting and sliding off.
You can prepare royal icing for crisp, sharp designs, or use a buttercream icing for a softer, more spreadable texture.
Store your cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and enjoy them within a week.
Happy baking and decorating
When the holiday season rolls around, baking Christmas cookies becomes a cherished tradition in many households. These sweet treats, with their rich history and endless variety, hold a special place in holiday celebrations worldwide.
While the origins of Christmas cookies date back to medieval Europe, where spices and dried fruits were incorporated into the dough to create festive flavors, today’s recipes have evolved to include everything from classic gingerbread men to more modern confections.
This particular recipe marries traditional flavors with a contemporary twist, offering a delightful balance of nostalgia and innovation. Whether you’re revisiting childhood memories or starting new traditions, these Christmas cookies are sure to bring warmth and cheer to your holiday festivities.
Conclusion
When you’re ready to make these easy Christmas cookies, you’re in for a treat. Gather your ingredients like you would family for a holiday gathering—everything’s better together. As you mix and roll the dough, you’ll notice that familiar, warm scent wafting through the kitchen. It’s like you’re welcoming the holidays right at home.
Now, these cookies aren’t just any cookies; they’re little pieces of happiness that you can share with friends, family, or even just keep for yourself (no judgment here!). So, put on that apron and let’s make some delicious memories. Now, is the time to embrace your inner baker, stir up some dough, and enjoy the simple joys of the season. Happy baking!