Holiday Sugar Cookies: A Deliciously Festive Treat
The scent of sugar cookies baking in the oven transports me straight back to my childhood, nestled in the warmth of my grandmother’s kitchen. Each holiday season, we would gather around the table, the air thick with laughter and the sweet, sugary aroma wafting through the house. These tender little cookies, crowned with colorful sprinkles, symbolized joy and togetherness. Today, I’m excited to share my version of these delightful Holiday sugar cookies that are sure to become your family’s new favorite tradition. They’re perfect for sharing with friends, decorating with the kids, or simply indulging in with a cozy cup of hot cocoa. Trust me, you’ll want to pin this recipe for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This equation equals fun in the kitchen, making it a perfect solution for busy holiday schedules.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love helping roll the dough and decorating with bright, cheerful sprinkles — making great memories in the process.
- Customizable: With just a few simple tweaks, you can create variations that suit your unique tastes.
- Crowd-Pleasing: No one can resist a golden, buttery cookie fresh from the oven. They’ll be a hit at every gathering!
- Nostalgic: Reminiscent of holiday traditions, these comforting cookies evoke warm feelings of togetherness.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 3 tablespoons sugar for decoration
- Sprinkles (optional)
Let’s Make It Together
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare for the deliciousness ahead!
- In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. The blend of dry ingredients will give our cookies that perfect texture.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until smooth and fluffy — this is where the magic begins!
- Beat in the egg, then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts. The aromas of vanilla and nutty almond will fill your kitchen with festive cheer.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, combining until just incorporated. The dough should be soft and easily manipulable.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into small balls, and place them on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball gently using the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar, ensuring each cookie is a lovely even shape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges.
- Let the cookies cool on wire racks before serving; the sweet anticipation will only add to the enjoyment.
- For a fun extra touch, decorate with sprinkles before baking. Watch your little ones light up as they add their personal touch!
Delicious Variations to Try
While this Holiday sugar cookie recipe is delightful as is, here are a few creative twists to make them truly your own:
- Zesty Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a refreshing twist that brightens up your traditional recipe.
- Crispy Chocolate Chip Variation: Mix in a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to create a delicious chocolatey juxtaposition with the cookie’s buttery sweetness.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a rich, crunchy texture.
- Coconut Bliss: Incorporate shredded coconut into the dough for a chewy, tropical finish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-ahead Magic: You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before baking for even results.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of almond extract, you can simply replace it with more vanilla extract or use hazelnut extract for an interesting flavor profile.
- Storage Suggestions: Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for up to three months to savor that cozy holiday taste later!
- Slicing Tricks: For a more uniform shape, consider using a cookie scoop instead of rolling by hand.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 60mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! The cookie dough can be made in advance and refrigerated.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to switch butter for a dairy-free alternative and customize it with your favorite mix-ins.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- How long does it last? These cookies can last up to a week, but they’ll probably disappear faster than you think!
A Cozy Closing Note
These Holiday sugar cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a delicious embodiment of warmth, love, and festive cheer. As you whip up a batch and share them with your loved ones, remember that it’s the memories made in the kitchen that will last a lifetime. Save this Holiday sugar cookie recipe to your holiday baking board so it’s ready when you need the perfect comforting treat! Happy baking, my friends!
Holiday Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Decoration
- 3 tablespoons sugar for decoration
- 1 cup Sprinkles (optional) Use colorful sprinkles for decoration.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, combining until just incorporated.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into small balls and place them on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball gently using the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges.
- Let the cookies cool on wire racks before serving.
Decorating
- Decorate with sprinkles before baking for a fun touch.
