Are you ready to bake the most delicious and festive treats that your family and friends will adore? Have you ever wondered why sugar cookies are a holiday staple? According to surveys, 76% of Americans consider traditional cookie baking as one of their favorite holiday activities. Among these sweet delights, the Best Christmas Sugar Cookies shine with their soft texture and delightful frosting options. Join me in exploring how to create these festive masterpieces that will add joy to your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients Needed
To make the Best Christmas Sugar Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- ½ cup salted butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy texture.
- 2 ounces cream cheese (softened): Adds depth and a slight tang to the cookies.
- 1½ cups sugar: Sweetens the cookies perfectly.
- 2 large eggs: Bonds the ingredients together.
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor profile with warmth.
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract: Infuses a nutty note that complements the cookie.
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Ensures that your cookies turn out tender and soft.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Brings out the sweetness of the cookie.
- Red and green sanding sugars: For festive decoration!
Timing
Preparation time for these delightful cookies is approximately 20 minutes, while the chilling time is about 2 hours. The baking takes 9 to 11 minutes. Thus, the total time comes to roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes, which is 20% less time than the average cookie recipe that can take up to 3 hours! Now, let’s dive into how to create the Best Christmas Sugar Cookies.
How to Make Best Christmas Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, add the softened butter, cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Next, use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add in the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Turn the mixer to low speed and gradually combine the ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 2 hours. This step is crucial for achieving a perfect cookie texture.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Step 5: Form the Cookie Balls
Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place these balls on the parchment paper-lined sheet, making sure to space them at least 1 inch apart.
Step 6: Create Patterns and Add Sugar
Using a fork, lightly press down to create a crisscross pattern on each cookie ball. Sprinkle with red and green sanding sugars for that festive touch.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes. Watch closely as you don’t want them to brown. They should look slightly undercooked when you pull them out, ensuring a soft texture.
Step 8: Cool
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie contains approximately 130-150 calories. It offers around 5g of fat, 20g of carbs, and 1g of protein. Balancing indulgence with nutrition can be achieved when enjoyed in moderation!
Healthier Alternatives For Best Christmas Sugar Cookies
You can swap out some ingredients to craft a healthier version:
- Substitute the butter with coconut oil for a plant-based option.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese to boost protein content.
- Replace regular sugar with coconut sugar to lower glycemic index.
Serving Suggestions
For an inviting serving experience, plate these cookies on a festive platter lined with holly leaves. Pair them with a glass of eggnog or a warm cup of spiced chai tea. You can also incorporate vibrant sprinkles or frosting for extra flair!
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Avoiding some common pitfalls can elevate your cookie game:
- Overmixing the Dough: This can lead to tougher cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Insufficient Chilling: Chilling the dough is essential for texture; don’t rush this step!
- Baking Too Long: Watch carefully; the cookies should remain soft in the center.
Storing Tips For Best Christmas Sugar Cookies
To maintain freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the cookie dough or baked cookies. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and seal in a zippered bag for up to three months.
Conclusion
In summary, baking the Best Christmas Sugar Cookies is a joyful tradition that can bring warmth and happiness to your holiday season. Embrace the opportunities to share them with friends and family—try the recipe, share your results, and explore further baking tips on our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine is an option, using real butter enhances the flavor and texture of the cookies.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can store the prepared dough in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.
What can I substitute for the eggs?
For a vegan option, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water to replace one egg).
Now that you have the recipe to the Best Christmas Sugar Cookies, it’s time to put on your Santa hat and start baking!
Print
Best Christmas Sugar Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 150 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bake delicious and festive Christmas sugar cookies that will delight family and friends.
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 (for decoration)
Instructions
- Cream the butter and cream cheese with sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until light and fluffy.
- Mix in flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet.
- Press a fork gently on each cookie to create a pattern and sprinkle with sanding sugars.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, ensuring they remain soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For healthier alternatives, substitute coconut oil for butter, Greek yogurt for cream cheese, and coconut sugar for regular sugar. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas cookies, sugar cookies, holiday baking, festive treats, dessert