Name: Christmas Sugar Cookie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2.5 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 teaspoon baking soda; 0.25 teaspoon salt colored sanding sugar, for decoration

Soft, buttery, and sprinkled with holiday cheer, these Christmas Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat for your festive dessert table. With their classic crisscross design and colorful sugar crystals, they bring joy to every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange or leaving a plate out for Santa, these cookies are guaranteed to delight.

The best part? These cookies are incredibly easy to make. No chilling required and no fancy ingredients. Just a simple dough that bakes into soft, tender cookies with slightly crisp edges. Dress them up in red and green sugar for a festive flair, or keep them classic with white sprinkles. Either way, they’re holiday magic.

What Kind of Sugar Should I Use?

For the best results, use granulated sugar in the dough to create a tender texture with just the right sweetness. Decorate the tops with colored sanding sugar to give that festive sparkle and crunch. Avoid using powdered sugar as it changes the structure and finish of the cookie.

Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and the melt-in-your-mouth texture we love in sugar cookies.
Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetness and that soft, chewy center.
Egg: Binds the dough together while adding richness.
Vanilla Extract: Gives a warm, aromatic note that enhances every bite.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough for perfect structure.
Baking Soda: Provides lift and softness.
Salt: Balances sweetness and sharpens the overall flavor.
Colored Sanding Sugar: Optional, but adds that merry, sparkling holiday touch.

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This sets the base for a tender cookie.

Step 2: Mix in Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. The dough will become silky and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Shape and Decorate

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet. Press down gently with a fork in a crisscross pattern. Sprinkle with red or green sanding sugar.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, just until the edges are set. Let cookies cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve and Store Christmas Sugar Cookies

These cookies are delightful fresh out of the oven or served at room temperature with a mug of hot cocoa. For gatherings, arrange them on a festive platter or wrap in treat bags as holiday gifts.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.

Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows

The perfect warm pairing for a bite of buttery sugar cookie.

Peppermint Mocha

Adds a minty zing that complements the cookie’s sweet simplicity.

Spiced Apple Cider

A cozy and aromatic drink that balances the cookie’s sweetness.

Eggnog

Rich and creamy, eggnog makes a nostalgic pairing for festive cookies.

Holiday Cheeseboard

Pair sweet cookies with salty cheeses, dried fruits, and nuts for a snack spread.

If you love these Christmas Sugar Cookies, check out these other festive favorites on Savor Queen:

Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth winter treat.
Chocolate Cherry Cookies for a rich and fruity twist.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Cookies with layers of flavor.
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies if you love ooey-gooey indulgence.
Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies for classic Southern charm.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe a hint of almond extract or festive sprinkles? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

Christmas Sugar Cookie

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 36 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Get ready to fill your kitchen with the sweet scent of the holidays with these classic Christmas Sugar Cookies! They’re soft, buttery, and decorated with festive colored sugar for that nostalgic charm. Perfect for cookie exchanges, Santa’s treat plate, or simply cozy nights with hot cocoa. This easy recipe is a must for anyone seeking quick dessert ideas, holiday baking, simple cookie recipes, or fun food ideas for Christmas. Make a big batch—they disappear fast!