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These festive Christmas sugar cookies bring a touch of holiday magic to any table and are so easy to make that even little hands can help out. Their soft centers and crisp edges are a family favorite every December and the cheerful sprinkles make them stand out at every cookie exchange. This is the recipe I use every year when it is time to decorate the tree and it fills the kitchen with warmth and sugar cookie scent.
My family devours these every season and decorating each batch has become a highlighted event of our holiday traditions the kids argue over who gets the biggest cookie so I always make a double batch
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: melted brings richness and helps with the chewy texture always look for European-style butter if you want extra flavor
- Brown sugar: adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor choose a soft light brown sugar for best results
- White sugar: provides sweetness and that classic sugar cookie crunch use granulated sugar instead of coarse types for even mixing
- Large egg: binds everything together and provides tenderness make sure it is room temperature so the dough stays smooth
- Vanilla extract: gives signature sugar cookie aroma pure extract is best for a strong vanilla taste
- All-purpose flour: forms the sturdy base of the cookie sift for accurate measuring and no lumps
- Baking soda: creates lift and spreads the cookies evenly check yours is fresh for proper rise
- Baking powder: gives a boost to make the cookies puff up don’t substitute with more baking soda as it changes the flavor
- Salt: balances the sweetness and lifts all the other flavors kosher salt gives a clean taste
- Holiday sprinkles: these make the cookies festive choose red and green nonpareils or jimmies that hold color while baking
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Mix:
- Whisk the flour baking soda baking powder and salt in a small bowl until there are no streaks this helps prevent bites of bitterness and ensures the cookies rise evenly
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Whisk the melted butter with both sugars in a large bowl until smooth which is key for even texture then add the egg and vanilla and continue whisking for a full minute so it becomes pale and creamy
- Form the Dough:
- Slowly add the dry mix to the wet and stir with a wooden spoon gently until the dough is just coming together careful not to overmix as this keeps them tender finally fold in the holiday sprinkles so every cookie gets a pop of color
- Shape and Bake:
- Roll the dough into balls about a tablespoon each making sure they are the same size for even baking arrange on your lined baking sheet with space between so they do not stick together
- Bake and Cool:
- Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for ten minutes watch for lightly golden edges and soft middles let cool on the pan for five minutes so they set before moving to a rack
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once completely cool serve with cold milk or wrap up to share with friends for instant holiday cheer
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Every time I see the sprinkles baked into the cookie it reminds me of the year my daughter made a rainbow batch to break the holiday color rules and honestly those were the most joyful treats we ever made together now we always do at least one batch in wild colors because it sparked laughter that evening
Storage Tips
Keep these cookies in a tightly sealed container at room temperature for up to five days for maximum softness If you need to store them longer freeze in a single layer then transfer to a freezer bag and they will keep for up to three months just let them thaw on the counter before serving
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have brown sugar you can use only white sugar though you will miss a bit of chewiness For a dairy free version substitute plant based butter Make sure to use sprinkles that can withstand baking such as classic jimmies or nonpareils
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Serving Suggestions
Pile these cookies high on a holiday platter or pair them with hot cocoa for an after sledding treat They also make a wonderful homemade gift just slide a few into cellophane bags and tie with festive ribbon
Holiday Cookie Traditions
Sugar cookies are a classic in many homes during December whether you are making them for Santa or decorating with family This recipe is easy enough to involve kids and can be tweaked for any holiday by swapping sprinkle colors
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use only white sugar instead of both sugars?
Yes, you can use only white sugar, but the combination of brown and white sugar gives a richer flavor and softer texture.
- → How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking helps keep the cookies from spreading excessively in the oven.
- → Can I substitute the holiday sprinkles?
Absolutely! Try using chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or any seasonal decorative add-ins you prefer.
- → What's the best way to store these cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for optimal freshness.
- → How do I achieve soft, chewy cookies?
Avoid overbaking. Remove the cookies when the edges just begin to brown, so the centers stay tender and chewy.