Welcome to the most wonderful time of the year! There’s just something magical about holiday baking, isn’t there? I absolutely love making Christmas sugar cookies decorated with icing. The smell of sweet vanilla and warm butter filling the kitchen brings back such fond memories of baking with my family. We’d gather around the kitchen table, rolling out dough, cutting out festive shapes, and letting our creativity shine with colorful icing and sprinkles. My favorite part? Sneaking a cookie or two before they even made it to the decorating stage! Trust me, there’s no better way to spread joy during the holidays than sharing these beautiful cookies with friends and family. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!
Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookies Decorated
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful Christmas sugar cookies! Make sure to gather everything before you start, so you can enjoy the process without any interruptions. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 to 4 cups royal icing (for decorating)
- Sprinkles for decoration
Don’t forget, the quality of your ingredients can really enhance the flavor of these cookies! I always opt for pure extracts and fresh butter for the best results. Happy baking!
How to Prepare Christmas Sugar Cookies Decorated
Alright, let’s get started on these festive delights! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delicious Christmas sugar cookies decorated with icing that will wow your family and friends!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first—let’s preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it helps your cookies bake evenly. Nobody wants a cookie that’s burnt on the edges and raw in the middle, right?
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Give it a good whisk until everything is nicely combined. This step ensures that your cookies will rise perfectly!
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Now, grab another bowl and cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar. You want to beat this until it’s smooth and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes should do the trick. This is where the magic starts, so don’t rush it!
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Time to add some flavor! Beat in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract. Mix it all together until it’s well incorporated. The aroma of vanilla and almond is just heavenly!
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Now, gradually blend that dry mixture into the wet ingredients. I like to do this in batches, mixing until everything is fully combined. You want a nice, soft dough that holds together perfectly.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Here comes the fun part! Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets. Once you’ve got them all lined up, flatten each ball gently with the bottom of a glass. This gives them that lovely cookie shape!
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Pop those cookie sheets into the preheated oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the edges should be lightly golden while the centers might look a little soft. They’ll firm up as they cool!
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Once baked, let the cookies cool on wire racks. This is crucial! You don’t want to rush the decorating, or the icing will melt right off. Once they’re completely cool, it’s time to unleash your creativity with icing and sprinkles!
Tips for Success with Christmas Sugar Cookies Decorated
Want to make sure your Christmas sugar cookies turn out as amazing as they look? I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that’ll help you achieve cookie perfection!
- Use quality ingredients: Always opt for fresh, high-quality butter and pure extracts. It really makes a difference in flavor!
- Chill the dough: If your dough feels too soft to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes rolling and cutting much easier!
- Colorful icing: Get creative with your royal icing! Use different colors to bring your cookies to life. You can even mix colors for fun effects!
- Let the icing dry: After decorating, allow your cookies to dry completely before stacking them. This prevents any smudging and keeps your designs looking sharp!
- Experiment with sprinkles: Don’t hold back on the sprinkles! They add a festive touch and a delightful crunch. Try using different sizes and shapes!
- Practice makes perfect: Don’t worry if your first batch isn’t Instagram-ready. The more you decorate, the better you’ll get. Plus, they’ll still taste delicious!
Remember, the most important part is to have fun while baking! These Christmas sugar cookies are all about spreading joy and creating sweet memories with loved ones.
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
As with any delicious recipe, the nutritional information for these Christmas sugar cookies decorated with icing can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. For example, different brands of butter or sugar might have slightly different nutritional values. So, while I’ve provided some general information, it’s not set in stone! If you’re tracking your intake closely, I recommend checking the labels of your ingredients for the most accurate numbers. Enjoy your baking and the sweet treats that come from it, knowing that the joy of the season is what really counts!
FAQ About Christmas Sugar Cookies Decorated
Got questions about making these delightful Christmas sugar cookies decorated with icing? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get, along with my answers to help you along your baking journey.
Can I use a different type of icing?
Absolutely! While royal icing gives you that beautiful, smooth finish, you can also use buttercream or glaze if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the texture and drying time might vary.
How do I store these cookies after decorating?
To keep your cookies fresh and your icing intact, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you stack them, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Just roll it into balls, flash freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven, adding a minute or two to the baking time!
How do I make my cookies soft and chewy?
If you like your cookies soft and chewy, be careful not to overbake them! Take them out when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look a bit soft. They’ll firm up as they cool!
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! You can easily swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for that perfect texture. Your holiday cookie spread will still be a hit!
Why You’ll Love Christmas Sugar Cookies Decorated
These Christmas sugar cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a holiday tradition! Here’s why I think you’ll fall head over heels for them:
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll whip up a batch in no time. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers!
- Customizable: Get creative with your decorations! Use different colors of icing, fun sprinkles, or even edible glitter to make each cookie uniquely yours.
- Perfect for Celebrations: These cookies are a festive staple at any holiday gathering. They make lovely gifts, party favors, or simply a sweet treat to share with loved ones.
- Family Fun: Decorating these cookies is a wonderful way to bond with family and friends. Everyone can get involved, and the laughter and creativity will fill your kitchen!
- Deliciously Sweet: The combination of buttery goodness and sweet icing is a match made in heaven. Every bite is a delightful reminder of the joy of the season!
Trust me, once you start making these cookies, they’ll become a treasured part of your holiday celebrations for years to come!
Imprimer
Christmas Sugar Cookies Decorated for Holiday Joyful Baking
- Temps Total: 40 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious Christmas sugar cookies decorated with icing and sprinkles.
Ingrédients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 to 4 cups royal icing
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Cool on wire racks before decorating with icing and sprinkles.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different colors of icing for festive designs.
- Allow icing to dry completely before stacking cookies.
- Temps De Préparation: 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 7g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: Christmas sugar cookies, decorated cookies, holiday treats
