Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

Grandma’s Christmas sugar cookies are the epitome of holiday cheer, bringing warmth and joy to any gathering. These Best Christmas Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery delights perfect for festive occasions such as Christmas parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights at home. With their vibrant colors and delightful sweetness, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your holiday baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of butter, cream cheese, and vanilla creates a rich and satisfying flavor that melts in your mouth.
• Customizable Decor: Use red and green sanding sugars to add a festive touch, making them perfect for holiday celebrations.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 36 cookies per batch, they’re ideal for sharing with friends and family or gifting during the holidays.
• Versatile Treat: While perfect for Christmas, these cookies can be enjoyed year-round on any special occasion.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking these delightful cookies, gather your essential tools. Having the right kitchen tools will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Why These Tools Matter

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools ensure that your dough is mixed thoroughly and achieves the light, fluffy texture that makes these cookies so delicious.
• Cookie scoop: This tool helps you portion out even cookie balls, ensuring uniform baking and perfect presentation.
• Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

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

• 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: Prepare the Dough

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

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Turn the hand mixer to low speed and combine 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. Chilling helps develop flavor and ensures the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Step 4: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet

Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 5: Portion the Dough

Use a 1-inch cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place them on the parchment-lined cookie sheet at least 1 inch apart.

Step 6: Create Patterns on Cookies

Using a fork, make a crisscross pattern by pressing down lightly into each cookie ball.

Step 7: Add Festive Touches

Sprinkle red or green sanding sugars over each cookie for an extra festive flair.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes. Avoid overcooking; check that they do not brown at the edges. The cookies should remain soft and appear slightly undercooked when removed from the oven.

Step 9: Cool Before Serving

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

Enjoy your delicious Best Christmas Sugar Cookies, perfect for celebrating this joyous season!

How to Serve Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

Serving the Best Christmas Sugar Cookies is all about enhancing their festive appeal and creating a delightful experience for your guests. Here are some creative ways to serve these delicious treats during the holiday season.

Festive Cookie Platter

• Arrange cookies on a colorful platter with a mix of red and green decorations. This visually appealing display brings the holiday spirit to your dessert table.

Hot Cocoa Pairing

• Serve warm cookies alongside a cup of rich hot cocoa. The combination of warm, buttery flavors with chocolate creates a comforting experience.

Gift Boxes

• Package cookies in decorative gift boxes or tin containers. This makes for a heartfelt gift that friends and family will appreciate during the holidays.

Cookie Decorating Station

• Set up a decorating station where guests can personalize their cookies with icing and sprinkles. It’s a fun activity that engages everyone at your gathering!

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Make delightful ice cream sandwiches using two cookies and your choice of ice cream in between. This indulgent treat is perfect for cookie lovers.

How to Perfect Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

To achieve the perfect batch of Best Christmas Sugar Cookies, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing, resulting in a lighter texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined to keep cookies tender; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for 2 hours helps maintain shape while baking and enhances flavor.
• Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on them as they bake; you want them soft, not browned around the edges.
• Experiment with flavors: Try adding citrus zest or different extracts like peppermint for a unique twist on traditional flavors.
• Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and softness after baking.

Best Side Dishes for Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

When serving Best Christmas Sugar Cookies, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert offerings. Here are some delightful suggestions:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the rich flavors of sugar cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Offer an assortment of cheeses paired with crackers; the savory elements balance well with sweet treats.
3. Nut Mix: A bowl of spiced nuts adds crunch and a touch of saltiness that pairs nicely with sugary desserts.
4. Mini Cupcakes: Serve bite-sized cupcakes in festive flavors like gingerbread or peppermint for additional sweetness.
5. Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy option that complements sugary treats perfectly.
6. Hot Beverages Bar: Set up a station with hot chocolate, coffee, and tea options that guests can enjoy alongside their cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Best Christmas Sugar Cookies can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened for better mixing and texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate flour measurement; packed flour can lead to dense cookies.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix only until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough instead of soft and chewy.
• Skipping the chilling time: Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking; don’t skip this crucial step!
• Not watching baking time: Keep an eye on the oven; underbaking is key for soft cookies, and they should look slightly underdone when removed.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week to keep them fresh.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date.

Reheating Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a covered skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Best Christmas Sugar Cookies soft?

The combination of cream cheese and butter contributes to their soft texture. Be careful not to overbake!

How long do Best Christmas Sugar Cookies last?

These cookies last about a week in an airtight container at room temperature, or up to three months if frozen.

Can I decorate Best Christmas Sugar Cookies?

Absolutely! Use icing, sprinkles, or sanding sugar to give your cookies festive flair.

Can I use different extracts in my sugar cookies?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with lemon or coconut extract for unique flavors that suit your taste.

Conclusion

These Best Christmas Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. With their soft, buttery texture, they can easily become a favorite during the holiday season. Experiment with various decorations or flavorings to make them uniquely yours!

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