The holiday season is upon us, and that means it’s time to whip up some delightful Christmas Sugar Cookies! These cookies are the perfect canvas for festive decorations and flavors, capturing the spirit of Christmas in every bite. With a tender crumb, a hint of cream cheese, and just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies will become a cherished tradition in your holiday baking repertoire. So, preheat your oven and let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will bring joy to your holiday celebrations!
What Sets This Recipe Apart
This Christmas Sugar Cookies recipe stands out due to its unique addition of cream cheese, which not only enhances the flavor but also adds a rich, velvety texture. The combination of butter and cream cheese creates a cookie that is soft yet holds its shape beautifully, making them ideal for cutting into festive shapes. Additionally, this recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re decorating cookies with kids or preparing a batch for cookie exchanges, these cookies are sure to impress!
Ingredient Breakdown
To create these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- ½ cup butter, at room temperature – This adds richness and flavor.
- 3 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature – This gives the cookies a soft texture and tangy taste.
- 1 cup sugar – Sweetness is key for any cookie!
- 1 egg – Acts as a binder and adds moisture.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – A classic flavor that enhances the cookie’s taste.
- 2 cups flour – The base of the cookies, providing structure.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
Cook’s Kit
Before you start baking, gather the following tools:
- Mixing bowls – For combining your ingredients.
- Electric mixer – Makes creaming butter and sugar a breeze.
- Baking sheet – For placing your cookies as they bake.
- Parchment paper – Helps prevent sticking and simplifies cleanup.
- Cookie cutters – If you want festive shapes!
- Cooling rack – To cool your cookies after baking.
Christmas Sugar Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature butter and cream cheese. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for achieving that soft texture.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Egg
Next, add the cup of sugar to the mixture, followed by the egg and vanilla extract. Continue to mix until everything is well combined and fluffy.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder throughout the flour.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Step 7: Roll and Cut
Once chilled, sprinkle some flour on your work surface. Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes. Place the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
Step 9: Cool and Decorate
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once completely cool, decorate with icing, sprinkles, or any festive toppings you desire!
Health-Conscious Tweaks
If you’re looking to make your Christmas Sugar Cookies a bit healthier, consider these options:
- Replace half of the butter with applesauce for a lower-fat version.
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
- Reduce the sugar by ¼ cup for a less sweet cookie.
- Try using a sugar substitute like coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary
- These cookies can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking. Simply thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
- Feel free to experiment with different flavorings, such as almond extract or citrus zest.
- The dough can also be colored using food coloring for a fun twist.
- For an extra festive touch, roll the edges of the cookies in colored sugar before baking.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
To keep your Christmas Sugar Cookies fresh:
- Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- If you’ve decorated the cookies, consider separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months.
Common Questions
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used, it may alter the flavor and texture of your cookies. Butter is recommended for the best results.
What kind of decorations work best for sugar cookies?
Royal icing, buttercream frosting, and sprinkles are all popular choices for decorating Christmas Sugar Cookies. Get creative!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before rolling and baking.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and the center looks set. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
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Bring It Home
Now that you have the perfect recipe for Christmas Sugar Cookies, it’s time to gather your loved ones and create some holiday magic in the kitchen. These cookies not only taste delicious but also provide a wonderful opportunity to bond over baking. Enjoy decorating them together, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family. This festive season, let your Christmas Sugar Cookies bring a sweet smile to everyone’s face!
With the right ingredients and a little love, your Christmas Sugar Cookies will be a hit at every gathering. Happy baking!
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Christmas Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even baking.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine butter and cream cheese. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until fluffy.
- Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
- Step 5: Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
- Step 6: Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to maintain shape.
- Step 7: Roll out dough to ¼ inch thick on a floured surface and cut into shapes.
- Step 8: Bake on parchment-lined baking sheet for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Step 9: Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
- Freeze unbaked cookies for later baking.
- Experiment with flavorings like almond extract.
- Use food coloring for fun dough variations.
- Roll cookies in colored sugar for extra festivity.
