Classic Sugar Cookies – Christmas Baking Fun

These Classic Sugar Cookies are the heart of every festive baking tradition — buttery, soft, and beautifully golden.
They’re easy to roll, cut into your favorite shapes, and decorate with colorful icing or sprinkles.
Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or cozy weekend baking with family.

Summary

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Difficulty: Easy

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (medium & large)
  
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
  
• Measuring cups and spoons
  
• Rolling pin
  
• Cookie cutters
  
• Baking sheet with parchment paper
  
• Wire rack for cooling
  

Ingredients for Classic Sugar Cookies

For the Cookies

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  
• 1 cup granulated sugar
  
• 1 large egg
  
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  
• ½ tsp baking powder
  
• Pinch of salt
  

For Decoration (Optional)

• Royal icing or buttercream frosting
  
• Food coloring or sprinkles
  

Directions for Classic Sugar Cookies

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
   
2. Add Egg and Vanilla:
   Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
   
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir into the butter mixture until a dough forms.
   
4. Chill the Dough:
   Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes (this helps the cookies hold their shape when baked).
   
5. Shape and Bake:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness.
   Cut out desired shapes and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are just turning golden.
   
6. Cool and Decorate:
   Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating with icing or sprinkles.
   

Tips & Variations for Classic Sugar Cookies

• Add ½ tsp almond extract for a richer flavor.
  
• Roll dough slightly thicker for softer cookies.
  
• Freeze unbaked cookie shapes for up to 2 months.
  
• For colorful designs, use natural food dyes or powdered sugar glaze.
  

Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie)

Nutritional Highlights

• Simple, clean ingredients
  
• Moderate sugar content for a balanced treat
  
• Source of energy for festive gatherings
  

Dietitian Tips

• Substitute half the flour with whole-wheat pastry flour for extra fiber.
  
• Reduce sugar by 10–15% without affecting texture.
  
• Use grass-fed butter or plant-based margarine if preferred.
  

Conclusion

These Classic Sugar Cookies are a timeless holiday favorite — crisp at the edges, tender inside, and endlessly customizable.
Whether you frost them with colorful icing or enjoy them plain, they bring warmth, nostalgia, and joy to every celebration.

Classic Sugar Cookies – Christmas Baking Fun

Soft, buttery sugar cookies with a light golden edge — ideal for decorating and sharing during the holiday season.

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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• For the Cookies
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• For Decoration Optional
• Royal icing or buttercream frosting
• Food coloring or sprinkles

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (medium & large)
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• – Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling Pin
• Cookie cutters
• Baking sheet with parchment paper
• Wire rack for cooling

Method

 

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Add Egg and Vanilla:
4. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir into the butter mixture until a dough forms.
7. Chill the Dough:
8. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes (this helps the cookies hold their shape when baked).
9. Shape and Bake:
10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness.
11. Cut out desired shapes and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are just turning golden.
12. Cool and Decorate:
13. Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating with icing or sprinkles.

Notes

Tips & Variations
Add ½ tsp almond extract for a richer flavor.

Roll dough slightly thicker for softer cookies.

Freeze unbaked cookie shapes for up to 2 months.

For colorful designs, use natural food dyes or powdered sugar glaze.

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