Name: Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-489105H50S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional); 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted; 2–3 tablespoons milk (whole or 2%); 1 teaspoon light corn syrup (optional, for shine); ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract; Food coloring (gel preferred); Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional)

The holiday season brings with it twinkling lights, cheerful carols, and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting from the kitchen. Among all the festive treats, Christmas sugar cookies stand out as timeless classics. Their buttery sweetness pairs perfectly with the magic of decorative icing, making them both delicious to eat and delightful to look at. Whether you’re baking with children, preparing for a holiday party, or simply indulging in seasonal joy, these sugar cookies with easy icing will become a cherished tradition in your home.

Ingredients

To achieve perfect results, it’s important to measure ingredients accurately. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Sugar Cookies:

2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Easy Icing:

2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted
2–3 tablespoons milk (whole or 2% works best)
1 teaspoon light corn syrup (adds shine, optional)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract
Food coloring (gel preferred for vibrant colors)
Sprinkles, edible glitter, or decorative sugars (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set this mixture aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer until the texture becomes light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until fully combined.

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the cookies tough instead of tender.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling is crucial, as it prevents the dough from spreading too much while baking and helps the cookies keep their festive shapes.

Step 3: Roll and Cut Shapes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll one portion of dough to about ¼-inch (6 mm) thickness. Use your favorite holiday cookie cutters—stars, trees, bells, or gingerbread men—to cut shapes. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Gather scraps, reroll, and cut more cookies until the dough is used up. Repeat the process with the second disk of dough.

Step 4: Bake

Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Keep a close eye, as overbaking can cause them to become dry. Remove from the oven and let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Icing

While the cookies cool, prepare the icing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, corn syrup, and extract of your choice. The icing should be smooth and slightly thick, yet fluid enough to drizzle. If it feels too stiff, add more milk a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too runny, add a little more powdered sugar.

Step 6: Decorate

Divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to create festive shades. Spoon the icing into piping bags or use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped. Outline the cookies first, then flood the center with icing, using a toothpick or small spatula to spread it evenly. Add sprinkles or decorative sugars while the icing is still wet. Allow cookies to sit uncovered until the icing sets, usually within 2–3 hours.

Conservation and Storage

To maintain their freshness, store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep well for up to one week. If you want to prepare them ahead, you can freeze the undecorated cookies. Simply place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before decorating.

Variations

Christmas sugar cookies are wonderfully versatile. You can infuse the dough with different flavors, such as a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a citrus twist. Swap almond extract for peppermint extract if you want a wintry, minty note. For a richer flavor, you can also add a touch of brown sugar to the dough.

For icing, experiment with natural food colorings made from beet powder (red), matcha (green), or turmeric (yellow). If you’re aiming for a more sophisticated cookie, decorate with royal icing for intricate designs, though this requires a bit more patience.

Serving Suggestions

Sugar cookies are best enjoyed as part of a festive spread. Pair them with hot cocoa, mulled cider, or a warm cup of tea by the fireplace. For holiday parties, arrange them on a platter with other seasonal treats like gingerbread or shortbread. You can also package a few cookies in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts.

For family gatherings, set up a decorating station where everyone—especially children—can unleash their creativity with sprinkles and icing colors. It turns cookie decorating into an engaging and memorable activity.

Conclusion

Christmas sugar cookies with easy icing bring together the perfect balance of buttery flavor and sweet decoration. The recipe is straightforward, yet the results look and taste impressive enough for any holiday occasion. With simple ingredients and a little creativity, these cookies become more than just dessert; they become edible art and cherished traditions. Whether you prefer them as colorful gifts, festive party treats, or cozy snacks with a warm drink, these cookies embody the spirit of the season—versatile, delightful, and always full of flavor.

Save

Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 30 minutes active + chilling
Yield: About 30 cookies (depending on cutter size) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Classic buttery sugar cookies decorated with simple, colorful icing. Perfect for Christmas baking, gifting, and festive family fun.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sugar Cookies:

2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For the Easy Icing:

2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted
2–3 tablespoons milk (whole or 2%)
1 teaspoon light corn syrup (optional, for shine)
½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
Food coloring (gel preferred)
Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix in dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Chill: Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Roll & Cut: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to ¼-inch thick on a floured surface. Cut into holiday shapes and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges just begin to brown. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the Icing: Mix powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, corn syrup, and extract. Adjust consistency with more milk or sugar.