20 Quick & Delicious Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipes

The holiday season is here, and it’s time for Christmas baking. Baking holiday cookies, especially sugar cookie recipes, is a favorite tradition. It brings families and friends together.

Sugar cookies are a top Christmas treat in the United States. They are loved for their many variations. Our 20 recipes will make your holiday season brighter. They are quick and delicious, perfect for everyone.

Key Takeaways

• 20 unique sugar cookie recipes for the holiday season
• Quick and easy baking options for busy holiday schedules
• Diet-friendly variations for special dietary needs
• Step-by-step instructions for decorating and baking
• Traditional and innovative recipe ideas for holiday gatherings

The Magic of Holiday Sugar Cookie Baking

Holiday sugar cookie baking brings people together. Families and friends unite in the kitchen. They make delicious homemade sugar cookies.

Baking sugar cookies is more than fun. It’s a way to connect with loved ones. It creates lasting memories.

Decorating cookies adds a creative touch. People can show their artistic side. They use different icings and decorations to make each cookie special.

Sugar cookies are a big part of Christmas traditions. They are loved at holiday gatherings. Whether it’s a family recipe or something new, baking and sharing cookies is universal.

Baking can also be calming. It’s a break from the holiday rush. When people bake and share cookies, they spread joy and feel connected.

Essential Ingredients and Tools for Perfect Christmas Cookies

Perfect Christmas sugar cookies start with the right ingredients and tools. It’s key to know how each part helps in baking.

Must-Have Ingredients for Sugar Cookie Success

The quality of your ingredients is key for great sugar cookies. High-quality butter and pure vanilla extract give the best flavor. The sugar type changes the cookie’s texture and taste.

Granulated sugar makes the outside crisp. Brown sugar makes them chewy. Fresh leavening agents like baking soda and baking powder are important for the right texture.

• High-quality butter for rich flavor
• Pure vanilla extract for authentic taste
• Granulated sugar for crispness
• Brown sugar for added chewiness
• Fresh leavening agents for proper texture

Time-Saving Baking Tools and Equipment

The right baking tools make cookie-making easier. Reliable measuring cups and mixing bowls are must-haves. Silicone baking mats stop cookies from spreading too much and make cleaning up easier.

Quality cookie cutters in fun shapes add fun to your cookies. Decorating tools like piping bags and tips help make your cookies look great.

Classic Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipes

Baking classic Christmas sugar cookies is a cherished holiday activity. It fills homes with warmth and the sweet scent of sugar and spices. These timeless treats are a staple of holiday celebrations. They offer a canvas for creativity through various shapes, decorations, and flavors.

1. Traditional Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Traditional cut-out sugar cookies are a holiday favorite. They are known for their versatility in shape and decoration. These cookies provide a perfect balance of sweetness and structure, making them ideal for cutting into festive designs.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Chill dough for at least 30 minutes.
6. Roll out dough to desired thickness and cut into shapes.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Decorating Tips

For traditional cut-out sugar cookies, royal icing is a popular choice for decoration. It can be colored to match any holiday theme and dries hard, making it perfect for intricate designs.

2. Grandma’s Soft Sugar Cookies

Grandma’s soft sugar cookies offer a tender, cake-like alternative to the traditional cut-out cookies. These cookies are characterized by their soft texture and sweet, nostalgic flavor.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Scoop dough into balls and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Decorating Tips

Soft sugar cookies can be decorated with a simple powdered sugar glaze or glittery sprinkles for a festive touch.

3. Crisp Vanilla Sugar Cookies

Crisp vanilla sugar cookies provide a delightful contrast with their snappy texture and pronounced vanilla flavor. These cookies are perfect for dunking in hot chocolate or coffee.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Chill dough, then roll out to desired thickness.
6. Cut into shapes and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.

Decorating Tips

Crisp vanilla sugar cookies can be decorated with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

4. No-Chill Sugar Cookies

No-chill sugar cookies offer a convenient alternative for those short on time during the holiday season. These cookies still deliver on flavor and texture without the need for chilling the dough.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Scoop dough into balls and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Decorating Tips

No-chill sugar cookies can be decorated with simple glazes or sprinkles. Their soft texture makes them ideal for sandwich cookies with buttercream or jam fillings.

Quick Sugar Cookie Recipes (Ready in 30 Minutes or Less)

Need quick sugar cookie recipes for the holidays? We’ve got you covered. Here are four fast recipes that make delicious cookies in 30 minutes or less. They’re great for busy people, last-minute hosts, and anyone wanting homemade Christmas cookies fast.

15-Minute Sugar Cookie Drops

The 15-Minute Sugar Cookie Drops recipe is easy. It skips cutting and decorating, but still looks festive. Use colored sugar or drizzled icing for a quick touch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Colored sugar for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Combine dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Decorating Tips

Use colored sugar for a pop of color. Drizzle with icing when cool.

One-Bowl Sugar Cookies

The One-Bowl Sugar Cookies recipe is quick and easy. It’s perfect for those short on time. You won’t sacrifice flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients in one bowl until a dough forms.
3. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Decorating Tips

Add sprinkles before baking for a festive look. Use royal icing for detailed designs.

Sugar Cookie Bars

Sugar Cookie Bars are a time-saving option. They turn traditional dough into a sheet pan. Cut into squares after baking and decorating.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl.
3. Cream butter and sugar in another bowl.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
5. Press dough into a sheet pan.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.

Decorating Tips

Top with frosting and sprinkles right after baking. Cut into bars for individual decorating.

No-Roll Sugar Cookies

The No-Roll Sugar Cookies recipe skips the hard rolling and cutting. It’s a simple scoop-and-bake method for a festive look.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Colored sugar for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Combine dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Decorating Tips

Decorate with colored sugar before baking. Drizzle with icing when cool.

Flavor-Infused Christmas Sugar Cookies

This holiday season, make your sugar cookies special with unique flavors. These cookies offer a fun twist on traditional treats. They will make your family and friends remember the taste of Christmas.

9. Lemon Zest Sugar Cookies

Lemon zest sugar cookies add a bright and citrusy taste to your holiday treats. The lemon zest and juice mix well with the rich Christmas flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
4. Stir in lemon zest and juice.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Decorating Tips

Use lemon-infused royal icing for a citrusy touch. A simple powdered sugar glaze and sprinkles add a festive look.

10. Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Peppermint sugar cookies are a classic Christmas treat. They capture the essence of the season with crushed candy canes and peppermint extract.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and peppermint extract.
4. Stir in crushed candy canes.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Decorating Tips

Crush more candy canes for a peppermint kick. Use white royal icing and red sprinkles for a festive look.

11. Almond Extract Sugar Cookies

Almond extract sugar cookies add a sophisticated twist. They have a marzipan-like flavor that pairs well with royal icing.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp almond extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and almond extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Decorating Tips

Use almond-flavored royal icing to enhance the flavor. Decorate with intricate designs to show off the cookie’s delicate taste.

“The art of baking is not just about following a recipe, it’s about understanding the nuances of flavor and texture that make a cookie truly special.” –

12. Cinnamon-Spiced Sugar Cookies

Cinnamon-spiced sugar cookies add warm spice notes. They are like snickerdoodles but perfect for Christmas.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, vanilla, and cinnamon.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Decorating Tips

Decorate with cinnamon-infused royal icing and cinnamon sugar. Use cookie stamps or embossing tools for intricate designs.

20 Quick & Delicious Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipes for Special Diets

Christmas cookie traditions are now more inclusive. We have sugar cookie recipes for special diets. The holiday season is a time for sharing treats with family and friends. But, dietary restrictions can make this hard.

Our selection of special diet sugar cookies makes sure everyone can enjoy the festive spirit. They are delicious and safe for all.

Gluten-Free Christmas Sugar Cookies

For those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity, our gluten-free Christmas sugar cookies are perfect. Getting the right texture is key. It starts with the right gluten-free flour blend.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then chill the dough.
4. Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Decorating Tips

Use gluten-free sprinkles and icing to decorate your cookies. Make sure your icing is gluten-free. You can make it from scratch or check the labels.

Vegan Sugar Cookies

Vegan sugar cookies can be just as tasty as traditional ones. The secret is using the right plant-based butter and egg replacers.

Ingredients

• 1 cup vegan butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg replacer (e.g., flaxseed or chia eggs)
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Cream vegan butter and sugar together.
2. Add egg replacer and mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Chill, roll out, and cut into shapes.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Decorating Tips

Choose vegan-friendly food coloring and sprinkles. Making your own icing with vegan butter and powdered sugar is a great option.

Keto-Friendly Sugar Cookies

For those on a ketogenic diet, our keto-friendly sugar cookies are a delicious treat. They fit within dietary guidelines.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sweetener (e.g., Swerve or Erythritol)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix almond flour and sweetener in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and eggs together, then add vanilla extract.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a dough.
5. Chill, roll out, and cut into shapes.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Decorating Tips

Use sugar-free decorating icing and sprinkles. Make sure your decorating supplies are keto-friendly.

Dairy-Free Sugar Cookies

Our dairy-free sugar cookies are perfect for those with milk allergies or lactose intolerance.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dairy-free butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Cream dairy-free butter and sugar.
2. Add egg and mix well.
3. Whisk together dry ingredients in a separate bowl.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a dough.
5. Chill, roll out, and cut into shapes.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Decorating Tips

Choose dairy-free icing and sprinkles. Making your own icing with dairy-free butter and powdered sugar is a great option.

With these special diet sugar cookie recipes, everyone can enjoy Christmas cookies. This is true, no matter their dietary restrictions.

Creative Christmas Sugar Cookie Variations

Make your holiday baking special with these creative Christmas sugar cookie ideas. They go beyond just decorating. You can make amazing holiday treats with unique looks.

17. Chocolate-Dipped Sugar Cookies

Turn simple sugar cookies into fancy treats with chocolate. Tempering the chocolate is key for a smooth finish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Bake sugar cookies according to your favorite recipe.
3. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
4. Dip cooled cookies into melted chocolate, then place on a wire rack to set.

Decorating Tips

Make decorative drizzles and patterns with melted white chocolate or colored icing. Try different chocolate types for different tastes.

18. Stained Glass Window Cookies

Make your cookies look like stained glass with crushed hard candies. This adds a colorful, see-through center.

Ingredients

• Assorted hard candies, crushed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Cut out cookie shapes with a window in the center.
2. Fill the window with crushed hard candies.
3. Bake until the candies are melted and the cookies are golden.

Decorating Tips

For clean melting and bright colors, spread candies evenly. Hang these cookies in your window to catch the light beautifully.

19. Sugar Cookie Sandwiches

Make cookies better by pairing them with festive fillings. This is a fun twist for holiday parties.

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Assorted fillings (e.g., peppermint buttercream, cranberry jam)

Instructions

1. Bake two batches of sugar cookies.
2. Spread or pipe filling on one cookie, then top with another.

Decorating Tips

Get the right filling consistency by adjusting powdered sugar or liquid. Handle the cookies gently when assembling.

20. 3D Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Add a cool touch to your cookies with stackable pieces that make 3D trees.

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Green icing or decorations

Instructions

1. Bake multiple cookie shapes in varying sizes.
2. Stack cookies, starting with the largest at the base, using icing to secure.

Decorating Tips

Decorate the cookies with green icing before stacking to look like a tree. Add stars or ornaments for a final touch.

Tips for Decorating and Storing Your Christmas Cookies

As the holiday season comes, decorating and storing Christmas cookies is fun. The right touches on your sugar cookies can make them look great and last longer.

Royal Icing Techniques for Beginners

Royal icing is a classic for decorating. It might seem hard at first, but it’s easy once you get it. There are two types: piping for lines and flooding for big areas. Piping consistency is thick for lines, and flooding consistency is thin for big designs.

Start with simple designs like stripes or dots. Fixing common problems like colors bleeding or icing not setting is important. Use gel food coloring to avoid thin icing, and make sure the icing is right for it to set fast.

Creative Packaging Ideas for Cookie Gifts

When you give Christmas cookies as gifts, the packaging matters. Use eco-friendly options like reusable tins or fabric wraps. DIY packaging can make the gift even more special. Make sure the packaging keeps the cookies safe and fresh.

How to Store Sugar Cookies to Maintain Freshness

Keeping your Christmas cookies fresh is important. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For cookies with royal icing, store them flat to avoid smudges. You can also freeze them to keep them fresh longer. Just put them in an airtight container or bag and store at 0°F (-18°C) or below.

Conclusion

The holiday season is filled with the smell of Christmas desserts. Holiday baking is more than a tradition. It’s a way to connect with loved ones and make memories.

The 20 quick and delicious Christmas sugar cookie recipes are for everyone. They are perfect if you’re short on time or have special dietary needs. Or if you want to try something new.

Homemade Christmas gifts, like these sugar cookies, are special. They show you care and put effort into them. As you try different recipes and decorations, remember the joy is in the love you put into each cookie.

So, dive into the holiday spirit and try new things. Your homemade Christmas cookies will be loved. They’re not just tasty, but they help create memories. Happy baking!