The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house can instantly evoke the warmth and joy of the holiday season. This year, I’m excited to share my delightful Christmas Sugar Cookies, inspired by the beloved Crumbl recipe. These cookies are incredibly soft and chewy, making them a perfect canvas for a creamy cream cheese frosting and festive jimmies that shout “holiday cheer!” Not only do they bring a touch of whimsy to your holiday baking, but they’re also a fantastic choice for cookie exchanges or cozy family gatherings. Quick to prepare and utterly delicious, these cookies offer a sweet escape from the ordinary fast-food treats that tend to rule our busy lives. Are you ready to get your holiday spirit simmering in the kitchen? Let’s dive into this festive baking adventure together!
What Makes These Cookies Irresistible?
Softness is key: Each bite of these Christmas Sugar Cookies is like a warm hug, thanks to their chewy texture. Flavorful frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a delightful tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookie. Festive fun: With vibrant red and green jimmies, they’re ideal for brightening up your holiday celebrations! Versatile variations: Feel free to swap in your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to personalize each batch. Quick preparation: You can whip them up in no time, making them a great option for last-minute baking or spontaneous cookie exchanges. Get ready to impress friends and family with these delightful treats!
Christmas Sugar Cookies Ingredients
• Dive into the magic of holiday baking with these delicious Christmas Sugar Cookies!
For the Cookies
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; substitute with a gluten-free blend for a festive gluten-free option.
- Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent; always check it’s fresh for the best rise.
- Salt – Enhances flavor; omit for low-sodium diets if necessary.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and tenderness; vegan butter can be a great dairy-free substitution.
- Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and texture; consider using brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Egg – Binds ingredients together while adding moisture; flaxseed meal mixed with water works as a vegan alternative.
- Vanilla Extract – Delivers aromatic flavor; almond extract will add a unique twist if you prefer.
- Christmas Jimmies Sprinkles – Adds a festive touch; feel free to use mini chocolate chips for a different flair.
For the Frosting
- Cream Cheese – Offers a creamy, tangy base; opt for vegan cream cheese to keep it dairy-free.
- Heavy Cream – Adds lightness to frosting; coconut cream can keep it dairy-free while still delicious.
- Christmas Sprinkles – Perfect for adding a decorative flair to your frosted cookies.
With these simple yet essential ingredients, your holiday baking will truly shine! Happy baking!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prep Oven
Begin your festive baking by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, take 2-3 baking sheets and line them with parchment paper, ensuring you have a non-stick surface for your delightful Christmas Sugar Cookies. This initial setup not only saves time, but also helps ensure perfectly baked goodies later!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This combination enhances the texture and flavor of your cookies. Once well-blended, set this dry mixture aside, as it will be combined with the wet ingredients shortly for your soft and chewy cookies.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a stand mixer, beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. This crucial step ensures a rich and tender dough. As the butter and sugar meld, the kitchen will start to fill with a sweet aroma that hints at the deliciousness to come.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and an optional ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the creamed mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined; be gentle, as overmixing can impact the texture of your Christmas Sugar Cookies. This step will help infuse your dough with a lovely, warming flavor.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually pour your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed. Continue to mix until the dough just comes together, being careful not to overmix. You should see no flour streaks, and the dough should appear cohesive but not overly sticky. This careful blend is essential for achieving that soft and chewy texture you crave.
Step 6: Add Sprinkles
Gently fold in ½ cup of festive Christmas jimmies sprinkles using a spatula. This is where your cookies gain their charming holiday appearance! Ensure the sprinkles are evenly distributed throughout the dough, adding visual delight to each lovely cookie that will soon emerge from your oven.
Step 7: Portion Dough
Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, form balls of dough and place them on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing is important as it allows the Christmas Sugar Cookies to spread and bake evenly without merging together. You’ll want to create a lovely batch of festive treats!
Step 8: Flatten Dough
Ahead of baking, gently flatten each cookie dough ball to about ½ inch thick. This slight adjustment will ensure they bake more uniformly, resulting in a delightful chewiness. The visual cue of these flattened balls sets the stage for perfectly shaped cookies once they’re baked.
Step 9: Bake
Slide the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. Watch closely: the edges should firm up while the centers remain soft and slightly puffed. Resist the urge to let them brown; the key to perfect Christmas Sugar Cookies is that tender, soft top!
Step 10: Shape Cookies
As soon as they come out of the oven, use a round cutter (or a spatula) to reshape the cookies into perfect circles if necessary. This is best done while they are still warm and pliable, ensuring that your festive cookies look as good as they taste once they cool!
Step 11: Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling step is vital for achieving the perfect texture; they will transition from warm and delicate to ready for frosting in no time.
Step 12: Make Frosting
While the cookies cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together 8 ounces of cream cheese and ½ cup of softened unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Slowly drizzle in 2-4 tablespoons of cold heavy cream until the frosting is thick and holds stiff peaks.
Step 13: Frost Cookies
Once the cookies have completely cooled, it’s time to add that luscious frosting! Using a piping bag, pipe the cream cheese frosting onto each cookie generously. For that extra festive touch, sprinkle additional holiday sprinkles on top, transforming your Christmas Sugar Cookies into a holiday masterpiece that embodies all the cheer of the season!
Expert Tips for Christmas Sugar Cookies
- Perfect Temperature: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and cream cheese, are at room temperature for a smooth batter and frosting consistency.
- Mix Wisely: Avoid overmixing after adding flour; this keeps your Christmas Sugar Cookies soft and chewy. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
- Piping Technique: Use a piping bag for frosting to achieve that bakery-style swirl. Experiment with different tips for various decorating styles!
- Cooling Time: Let the cookies cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese from melting. This ensures beautiful, well-defined frosting.
- Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precision in your measurements, particularly for flour, to achieve consistent and perfect cookies every time.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Sugar Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save some time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by scooping it into balls and placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; simply refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Additionally, you can make the cream cheese frosting up to 3 days ahead; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its creamy texture. When ready to enjoy these delightful cookies, bake the dough straight from the fridge and frost them once they’re cooled. This way, you’ll have fresh-baked Christmas Sugar Cookies that taste just as delicious and festive with minimal effort!
Christmas Sugar Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to tailor this Christmas Sugar Cookies recipe to your tastes and dietary needs, making it a true delight for everyone!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend; ensure to add a binder, like xanthan gum.
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Dairy-Free: Swap unsalted butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives; your cookies will remain equally delightful.
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Sugar Swap: Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a lower glycemic index and a hint of caramel flavor.
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Add Spices: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warmly spiced twist.
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Nutty Texture: Fold in some finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch that complements the soft cookie.
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Chocolate Twist: Replace some of the Christmas jimmies with chocolate chips or chunks for a richer cookie experience!
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Flavor Infusion: Experiment with a dash of peppermint extract alongside the vanilla for a refreshing holiday zing.
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Royal Icing: For decorated cookies, swap cream cheese frosting for royal icing, which allows for precise designs and decorations!
Whether you’re mixing up flavors or adjusting for dietary needs, these variations ensure each batch is as unique as the celebrations you enjoy them with. And speaking of variations, if you’re in the mood to try more unique cookie recipes, why not explore some delightful options like Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies or Oreo Cheesecake Cookies? Happy baking!
What to Serve with Christmas Sugar Cookies?
The holiday season is brimming with joy, and pairing these delightful cookies with festive treats elevates your celebration!
- Hot Cocoa: Sip on rich, creamy hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy pairing that complements the sweetness of the cookies.
- Eggnog: This classic holiday drink adds a spiced, creamy touch that pairs wonderfully with the tangy cream cheese frosting.
- Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries and apples provide a bright, refreshing contrast to the rich cookies, balancing flavors beautifully.
- Cheese Board: Unique cheeses like brie or gouda offer savory satisfaction that contrasts the sweet, buttery cookies without overwhelming the palate.
- Spiced Nuts: Crunchy, spiced nuts add a delightful texture variation and a warm flavor that marries beautifully with the cookies’ sweetness.
- Candy Canes: Crushed peppermint can be sprinkled atop the cookies for a minty twist, introducing a refreshing holiday flavor.
With these tasty pairings, you’ll create a festive spread that dazzles the senses and warms hearts this holiday season!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Sugar Cookies
Room Temperature: Store frosted cookies at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After this time, they should be kept in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Fridge: Keep unfrosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps them stay soft and chewy while extending their shelf-life.
Freezer: Unfrosted Christmas Sugar Cookies can be safely frozen for up to 3 months. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for future baking delight.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature for a few hours. For an extra touch, reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore their fresh-baked taste.
Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookies?
When selecting ingredients for your Christmas Sugar Cookies, opt for fresh, high-quality items. The butter should be unsalted and at room temperature for easy creaming, while the flour should be properly measured for best results. Look for vibrant, colorful jimmies to bring that festive cheer to your cookies. Also, if you’re on a gluten-free diet, be sure to use a gluten-free flour blend, which works just as well in these sweet treats!
What is the best way to store my Christmas Sugar Cookies?
For storing frosted Christmas Sugar Cookies, keep them at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Unfrosted cookies can be stored in a similar airtight container in the fridge or even frozen for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy the flavor long after the holidays have passed.
Can I freeze Christmas Sugar Cookies?
Absolutely! Freezing un-frosted Christmas Sugar Cookies is a fantastic way to prepare in advance. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to label the bag with the date so you remember when they were made. Enjoy them within 3 months for the best quality!
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your cookie dough happens to be too sticky, don’t worry! This can occur if the butter was too warm or if extra moisture has been added. Start by chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, which will help firm it up. If it’s still too sticky, you can gradually mix in a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Are these Christmas Sugar Cookies suitable for dogs?
It’s best to avoid sharing these Christmas Sugar Cookies with your furry friends. Ingredients like chocolate and xylitol (if used in frosting) can be harmful to dogs. If you want to include your pets in the holiday fun, consider baking dog-friendly treats specially designed for them.
What if my cookies are too hard after baking?
If your Christmas Sugar Cookies turn out too hard, it could be due to overbaking. Cookies should be soft in the center when removed from the oven, as they continue to bake while cooling. To rescue them, you can place them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or some apple slices to help add moisture back into the cookies. For future batches, take them out of the oven when the edges are set but the tops still look soft.
Soft and Chewy Christmas Sugar Cookies That Melt Hearts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Using a stand mixer, beat together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing on low speed.
- Gradually pour dry ingredients into wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Christmas jimmies sprinkles gently with a spatula.
- Portion dough using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, spacing them on prepared baking sheets.
- Gently flatten each cookie dough ball to about ½ inch thick.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges firm up and centers are soft.
- Reshape warm cookies into perfect circles if necessary.
- Cool cookies on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
- Prepare cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar.
- Frost cooled cookies generously and add festive sprinkles on top.