Get ready to transform your kitchen into a festive wonderland with these irresistible Christmas Sugar Cookies that promise to be the star of every holiday gathering! These melt-in-your-mouth delights are not just cookies; they're edible memories waiting to be created, combining the perfect balance of buttery sweetness and delicate almond undertones. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these cookies will become your new holiday tradition that will have family and friends begging for more.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 36 cookies
Ingredients
- 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 sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Buttercream frosting for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg to the butter mixture, beating well until fully incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Gently flatten each cookie ball with the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand to create uniform, slightly pressed cookies.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden. The centers should look slightly soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cookies are completely cool, prepare the buttercream frosting. Using a piping bag or offset spatula, decorate the cookies with festive designs and colors.
- Allow the frosting to set for about 30 minutes before storing the cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper.
Tips
- • Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted - room temperature is key for the perfect cookie texture. • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling if you want cleaner, more defined cookie shapes. • Use a light touch when flattening cookies to maintain their soft, tender crumb. • For the most festive look, invest in holiday-themed piping tips for your buttercream frosting. • Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure crisp decorations. • Store cookies in a single layer between parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture and prevent frosting smudging.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130kcal
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
