Name: Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups All-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp Baking powder; 1/2 tsp Baking soda; 1 tsp Salt; 1/3 cup Christmas sprinkles (Use Jimmie sprinkles); 1 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 1/4 cup White granulated sugar; 2 Large eggs (room temperature); 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract; 1 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature); 3 cups Powdered sugar (sifted); 1 TBSP Pure vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 2 TBSP Heavy cream; Extra Christmas sprinkles for topping

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 4 reviews

If you're looking to create holiday magic in your kitchen, this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies are the perfect combination of tender, buttery dough studded with festive sprinkles and topped with a fluffy, sweet vanilla frosting that feels like a little celebration in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or gifting to loved ones, this recipe will fill your home with the warm, nostalgic scents of Christmas and bring joy to every plate.

Ingredients You'll Need

A close-up image of light yellow cookie dough with small red, green, and white sprinkles mixed in, showing a rough, sticky texture inside a white bowl with traces of flour on the sides, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role in crafting cookies that are soft yet sturdy, sweet but balanced, and bursting with holiday cheer. The simplicity of these ingredients allows the flavors to shine, from the creamy butter to the sparkle of the Christmas sprinkles embedded in the dough.

2 ¾ cups All-purpose flour: The foundation for soft yet sturdy cookies that hold their shape beautifully.
½ teaspoon Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough without spreading too thin.
½ teaspoon Baking soda: Adds a slight lift and tenderness to the crumb.
1 teaspoon Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
⅓ cup Christmas sprinkles: Our favorite Jimmie sprinkles add festive color and fun texture.
1 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature): Key for rich flavor and soft texture in the dough.
1 ¼ cup White granulated sugar: Sweetness that caramelizes slightly as the cookies bake.
2 Large eggs (room temperature): Provide structure and moisture for tender cookies.
1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the dough.
1 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature) for frosting: Creates the creamy richness for the frosting.
3 cups Powdered sugar (sifted): The secret to a silky smooth frosting that spreads like a dream.
1 tablespoon Pure vanilla extract for frosting: Gives the frosting a luscious vanilla flavor.
Pinch of Salt for frosting: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavor.
2 tablespoon Heavy cream: Makes the frosting light, fluffy, and spreadable.
Extra sprinkles: For that final festive touch on top of each cookie.

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by sifting the all-purpose flour to avoid any lumps and ensure a light texture. Then, mix in the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and those cheerful Christmas sprinkles. Incorporating the sprinkles here makes sure they’re well-distributed, giving each cookie a fun pop of color and sparkle right in the dough.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Take your softened butter and white sugar and beat them together on high speed for about two minutes. This step is crucial as it introduces air, which will help the cookies be light and tender. Then add the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a smooth and fluffy batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the wet ingredients until everything is just combined. Avoid over-mixing here to keep your cookies soft and tender rather than tough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Let the dough rest for about 10 minutes — this resting period helps the gluten develop for better cookie texture. Next, line two cookie sheets with parchment paper, scoop out dough balls with a large cookie scoop, place them on the sheets, then chill the dough for 30 more minutes. This chilling step prevents spreading and will keep the cookies thick and soft.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place six cookie dough balls on each tray and bake for 13 to 15 minutes. Look for the edges to turn lightly golden while the centers remain tender. This timing gives you cookies that hold their shape but melt in your mouth.

Step 6: Cool Before Frosting

Once out of the oven, let the cookies sit on the sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is essential to prevent the frosting from melting off when applied.

Step 7: Whip Up the Frosting

While your cookies cool, sift the powdered sugar to remove clumps. Beat the room temperature butter on high for three minutes until light and fluffy, then gradually add the powdered sugar. Mix in the vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and heavy cream, beating on high for an additional two minutes until your frosting is smooth, creamy, and perfect for spreading.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Use a small cookie scoop or a spoon to dollop frosting onto each cookie, then gently spread it with an offset spatula. Finish with extra sprinkles for that joyful, festive look that makes these cookies irresistible.

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

The image shows a close-up of soft sugar cookies with two layers, one whole and one sliced in half and stacked. Each cookie has a light golden color with small red and green specks inside the dough. The cookies are topped with a thick, creamy white frosting that is spread in a swirled pattern. The frosting is sprinkled with small round red, green, and gold sprinkles that add a festive touch. The cookies rest on a white marbled surface, and behind them is a blurred background with more cookies visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Besides the classic colorful sprinkles, you can add a little edible shimmer dust or tiny candy pearls to make your cookies extra special. Fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving offer a lovely contrast and festive flair.

Side Dishes

These sugar cookies go perfectly alongside a warm cup of hot chocolate, peppermint tea, or eggnog. The creamy drinks complement the sweet cookie and frosting beautifully and make your holiday gathering feel cozy and indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies on a festive platter with fresh pine sprigs or holly for a charming holiday centerpiece. You can also package them in clear cellophane with a ribbon for delightful homemade gifts that look just as good as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe creations in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Layer them with parchment paper to keep the frosting intact and preserve freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cookie dough balls for up to three months. Simply scoop them onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to your baking time. For frosted cookies, freeze on a tray first before transferring to a container to avoid smudging the icing.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the sugar cookies tough or melt the frosting unevenly.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter for this recipe?

It’s best to stick with unsalted butter to control your salt levels precisely. Using salted butter might make the cookies slightly too salty or alter the delicate flavor balance.

How do I prevent sprinkles from bleeding color into the dough?

Using high-quality Jimmie sprinkles as recommended helps because they are less likely to bleed. Also, avoid mixing the dough too long once sprinkles are added to prevent color from spreading.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

With a few modifications like using plant-based butter and egg replacers, it’s possible, but the texture and flavor will differ. The classic buttery richness is part of what makes this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe so special.

How thick should I scoop the dough for baking?

Using a large cookie scoop and spacing six per sheet ensures cookies bake evenly and stay soft with a slight chew. You want about one-inch dough balls for the perfect thickness.

What’s the best way to get the frosting smooth and fluffy?

Make sure your butter is at room temperature before beating, sift your powdered sugar, and beat the frosting on high speed. Adding heavy cream gradually helps achieve that silky, spreadable texture.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe isn’t just a treat; it’s a joyful tradition waiting to happen in your own kitchen. The blend of buttery cookies with creamy frosting and festive sprinkles is pure holiday happiness. Trust me, once you bake these, you’ll want to make them every year to share smiles and sweetness with family and friends. So, grab your apron and enjoy every delicious moment!

Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need