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Classic Christmas sugar cookies in snowflake, tree, and star shapes, decorated with colorful icing and festive sprinkles, arranged on a white marble background for the holidays.

Classic Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe for Festive Decorating

These buttery sugar cookies hold their shape beautifully and are perfect for decorating. A holiday baking favorite, ideal for cookie swaps, gifts, or festive family fun.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (360g)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226g)
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300g)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Equipment

  • stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Rolling Pin
  • christmas cookie cutters
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Cream together butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Scrape down bowl as needed.
  2. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet on low speed until just combined. Dough will be soft.
  5. Divide dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Roll dough on floured surface to 1/4-inch thick. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
  8. Transfer cookies to baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart.
  9. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Let cool 5 minutes on pan, then transfer to wire rack.
  10. Once cooled, decorate with icing or sprinkles as desired.

Notes

Chilling the dough is crucial for defined shapes and easier handling. Use unsalted butter for best results and high-quality vanilla extract to enhance flavor. Decorate only once cookies are fully cooled.