Description
These Christmas sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating, holding their shape while baking with lightly crisp edges and tender centers.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups (281g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar (for icing)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
- 2 teaspoons light corn syrup (for icing)
- 4–5 tablespoons (67–75ml) water, room temperature (for icing)
- Pinch of salt (for icing)
- Optional: gel food coloring and sprinkles
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract, and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two portions. Roll each portion between two sheets of parchment paper to about ¼ inch thickness. Chill the rolled dough for 1–2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Use cookie cutters to cut shapes from the chilled dough. Arrange the cookies on lined baking sheets about 3 inches apart.
- Bake for 11–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
- To make the icing, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, corn syrup, salt, and water until smooth and glossy. Adjust with more water if needed for consistency.
- Decorate cooled cookies using piping bags or squeeze bottles. Allow the icing to set for 24 hours before stacking or packaging.
Notes
Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 10 days. Undecorated cookies and cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American