Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

Grandma’s Best Christmas Sugar Cookies are not just delicious; they are a festive tradition that brings joy to any holiday gathering. These cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating with vibrant red and green sanding sugars. Whether you’re sharing them at a family gathering, leaving them for Santa, or simply enjoying a sweet treat, these cookies will surely become a staple in your holiday baking routine. Their delightful flavor and airy texture make them stand out from the crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies can be baked by anyone, even beginners.
• Perfectly Soft: The combination of cream cheese and butter ensures that every bite is melt-in-your-mouth soft.
• Customizable: Decorate with different colors of sanding sugar or cookie icing to match any occasion or personal preference.
• Family Tradition: Baking these cookies offers an opportunity to create lasting memories with loved ones during the holiday season.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them plain or as part of a cookie platter; they pair well with milk or hot cocoa!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools is essential for making the Best Christmas Sugar Cookies efficiently and effectively. Here’s what you need to get started.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Plastic wrap
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl allows for easy mixing without spills.
• Hand mixer: It saves time and effort when beating ingredients until fluffy.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.

Ingredients

Grandma’s Christmas sugar cookies are a soft, buttery treat that will be a new holiday favorite.

Ingredients:
– ½ cup salted butter, (softened)
– 2 ounces cream cheese, (softened)
– 1½ cups sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
– ¼ teaspoon almond extract
– 2½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– red and green sanding sugars

How to Make Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, add softened butter, softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Using a hand mixer, beat these ingredients together until light and fluffy, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the sides of the bowl. Next, add in the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Turn the hand mixer to low speed and mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap to keep it airtight. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the dough to firm up.

Step 4: Preheat Oven

After chilling the dough for 2 hours, remove it from the refrigerator. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 5: Shape Cookies

Use a 1-inch cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a ball using your hands and place them on the prepared baking sheet—ensure they are at least 1 inch apart.

Step 6: Create Patterns

With a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to create a criss-cross pattern.

Step 7: Add Sanding Sugar

Sprinkle red or green sanding sugars over each cookie before baking for that festive touch.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Place your baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 9 to 11 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they shouldn’t brown on the edges but rather look slightly undercooked when you pull them out.

Step 9: Cool Down

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and family celebrations. Here are some creative ways to serve them that will impress your guests.

Festive Cookie Platters

• Arrange the cookies on a large, decorative platter with holiday-themed decorations like holly or ornaments.
• Include a mix of other holiday cookies for variety and color.

Hot Cocoa Pairing

• Serve the cookies alongside steaming cups of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and marshmallows.
• This combination creates a cozy winter treat that everyone will love.

Gift Boxes

• Package the cookies in festive boxes tied with ribbons as thoughtful homemade gifts.
• Add a personal touch by including a handwritten recipe card for your loved ones.

Cookie Decorating Station

• Set up a decorating station with icing, sprinkles, and edible decorations.
• Allow guests, especially kids, to customize their cookies for added fun during the festivities.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two sugar cookies to sandwich a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream.
• Roll the edges in chocolate chips or crushed candy canes for extra flavor and crunch.

How to Perfect Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

Perfecting your Christmas sugar cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your cookies turn out soft and delicious every time.

• Chill the dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours to help maintain shape while baking.
• Measure accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons correctly to ensure the right balance of ingredients.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Watch baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake; remove them when they’re slightly undercooked for that soft texture.
• Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal and even baking.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to switch up extracts or add zests like lemon or orange for a unique twist.

Best Side Dishes for Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

While these sugar cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with festive side dishes can enhance the overall experience. Here are some excellent side dishes that complement their sweetness.

1. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like oranges, pomegranates, and apples balances the rich flavors of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter
   Include various cheeses such as brie, cheddar, and gouda alongside some crackers for a savory contrast.
3. Nut Mix
   A blend of spiced or roasted nuts adds a crunchy texture that pairs well with soft sugar cookies.
4. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
   The salty-sweet combination makes these treats a delightful addition to any dessert table.
5. Mini Cupcakes
   Offer an assortment of mini cupcakes in different flavors to create an appealing dessert spread.
6. Holiday Punch
   A non-alcoholic fruit punch made with cranberry juice, ginger ale, and fresh fruit is festive and refreshing alongside the cookies.
7. Caramel Apples
   Sliced caramel apples provide a fun way to enjoy fruit while keeping the dessert table exciting.
8. Cheesecake Bites
   Small cheesecake bites topped with berries make for an elegant touch that’s perfect for any festive occasion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Best Christmas Sugar Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Boldly measuring ingredients: Not measuring your ingredients accurately can lead to cookies that are too dry or too gooey. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Boldly skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the right texture. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread too much while baking.
• Boldly overmixing the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined; stop as soon as you see no dry flour.
• Boldly ignoring baking times: Cookies can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Keep a close eye on them and remove them when they look slightly undercooked.
• Boldly overcrowding the baking sheet: Placing cookies too close together can cause them to merge during baking. Leave at least 1 inch of space between each cookie.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store best sugar cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will last for about 1 week.

Freezing Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat cookies individually for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 2 minutes, ensuring they stay soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Best Christmas Sugar Cookies so special?

These cookies are soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, making them perfect for holiday celebrations.

Can I customize the decorations on my Best Christmas Sugar Cookies?

Absolutely! You can use different colored sugars or icing to match your holiday theme.

How do I ensure my Best Christmas Sugar Cookies are soft?

Avoid overbaking and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

Can I use gluten-free flour for the Best Christmas Sugar Cookies?

Yes, substituting with a gluten-free blend should work, but check the blend’s instructions for best results.

Conclusion

The Best Christmas Sugar Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile enough to suit any holiday gathering. You can easily customize them with various decorations or flavors. Give this recipe a try and share these sweet treats with your loved ones!