Description
These Christmas Sugar Cookies are delightful, festive treats perfect for holiday celebrations. Soft, buttery cookies are studded with colorful sprinkles and topped with creamy, vanilla-flavored frosting and extra sprinkles for a cheerful finish. Easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Dry 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)
Wet Ingredients for Cookies
- 1 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 1/4 cup White granulated sugar
- 2 Large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, sift the all-purpose flour. Add baking powder, baking soda, salt, and Christmas sprinkles. Stir to combine evenly.
- Beat butter and sugar: Using a mixer, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar on high speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and eggs, then continue beating on high for 1 minute to incorporate fully.
- Combine wet and dry: Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Rest the dough: Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes to let gluten develop, improving texture. Meanwhile, line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Chill dough balls: Using a large cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls and place them on the prepared cookie sheets. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Bake cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place about 6 cookie dough balls per cookie sheet. Bake for 13-15 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Cool cookies: Let cookies sit on the baking sheets for 5 minutes after baking, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare frosting: While cookies cool, sift the powdered sugar. Beat the unsalted butter on high speed for 3 minutes until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
- Add flavor to frosting: Incorporate vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and heavy cream into the frosting. Beat on high for 2 minutes until light and creamy.
- Frost and decorate: Use a small cookie scoop to dollop frosting onto each cooled cookie. Spread the frosting evenly using an offset icing spatula, then top with extra Christmas sprinkles for a festive look.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure a smooth dough and frosting.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and keeps cookies thick and soft.
- If you prefer a thicker frosting, add less heavy cream. For a softer frosting, add a bit more cream.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Make sure to use Jimmie sprinkles or similar sturdy sprinkles to maintain festive colors without bleeding during baking.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
