Name: Christmas Sugar Cookies That Bring Joy to Your Holidays
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (Substitute with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.); 1 teaspoon baking powder (Ensure it is fresh for maximum effectiveness.); ½ teaspoon salt (Use kosher salt for a more rounded taste.); 1 cup unsalted butter (Softened (68-72°F).); 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (Can be replaced with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.); 1 large egg (Room temperature for better mixing.); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (Use pure vanilla for best results.); 1 teaspoon almond extract (Optional; omit if allergic.); ½ cup Christmas jimmies sprinkles (For decorative appeal.); 8 oz full-fat cream cheese (Allow to soften for easy mixing.); ½ cup salted butter (Can replace with unsalted butter and a pinch of salt.); 2 cups sifted powdered sugar (Sifting ensures a smooth consistency.); ¼ cup heavy cream (Use very cold cream.); Christmas sprinkles (various) (For decoration just before serving.)

The moment I lift freshly baked Christmas Sugar Cookies from the oven, a wave of nostalgia washes over me. Warm, inviting, and speckled with festive red and green sprinkles, these treats have a magical way of transforming my kitchen into a holiday wonderland. Inspired by Crumbl’s iconic recipe, my version combines a soft, chewy texture with a creamy layer of cream cheese frosting—a perfect holiday delight that’s not only quick to whip up but also ideal for sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or looking for a sweet gift for a neighbor, these cookies check all the boxes. Ready to sweeten your holidays and learn the secret to creating these delightful masterpieces? Let’s dive in!

Why are these Christmas Sugar Cookies special?

Delightful flavors unite in each bite—a sweet combination of vanilla and cream cheese that will have you reminiscing about holidays past. Charming appearance: the vibrant red and green sprinkles make these cookies an eye-catching addition to any dessert table. Versatile for every occasion, they shine equally at holiday gatherings or as delicious gifts for friends. Quick-to-make yet impressive, you’ll have fresh cookies in just over 30 minutes, perfect for those last-minute baking whims. If you love festive treats, you might also enjoy these Christmas Sugar Cookie shots or our indulgent Marshmallow Swirl Cookies.

Christmas Sugar Cookies Ingredients

• Perfect for holiday baking!

For the Cookie Dough

All-purpose flour – Provides structure; substitute with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
Baking powder – Adds leavening for a soft texture; ensure it is fresh for maximum effectiveness.
Salt – Enhances flavor; use kosher salt for a more rounded taste.
Unsalted butter – Keeps the cookies tender; make sure it’s softened (68-72°F).
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough; can be replaced with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
Egg – Binds ingredients together; ensure it’s at room temperature for better mixing.
Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and flavor; use pure vanilla for best results.
Almond extract (optional) – Introduces a subtle nutty flavor; omit if allergic or for a simpler taste.
Christmas jimmies sprinkles – For decorative and festive appeal; avoid nonpareils as they bleed color.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

Full-fat cream cheese – Creates a creamy frosting; allow to soften for easy mixing.
Salted butter – Adds flavor to frosting; can replace with unsalted butter and a pinch of salt.
Sifted powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting; sifting ensures a smooth consistency.
Heavy cream – Helps to make the frosting fluffy; use very cold cream for best results.
Christmas sprinkles (various) – Used for decoration just before serving; adds extra festive flair.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure your Christmas Sugar Cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. Having everything ready creates a smooth workflow, making your holiday baking experience enjoyable.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt until evenly combined. This mixture forms the backbone of your cookie dough, so mixing well ensures that the leavening is evenly distributed. Set this bowl aside as you move to the next step.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer, beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar on medium speed for about 1-2 minutes. Your mixture should become light and fluffy—a lovely pale yellow color. This creamy combination provides that soft texture everyone loves in Christmas Sugar Cookies.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add 1 large room-temperature egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed for approximately 30 seconds until well incorporated. The dough will start to come together nicely, bringing that delightful warmth of vanilla flavor into your cookies.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually mix in the flour mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed until just combined. Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as you can no longer see the flour. The dough should begin to unify, ready to incorporate the festive touches ahead.

Step 6: Add the Festive Sprinkles
Lightly fold in ½ cup of Christmas jimmies with a spatula, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough. Be gentle—this motion allows your cookies to maintain their structure while adding that vibrant touch of holiday spirit essential for Christmas Sugar Cookies.

Step 7: Portion the Dough
Using a cookie scoop, portion out about 2 tablespoons of dough (approximately 48-50 grams) and roll them into balls. Place them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. This ensures the cookies have enough space to spread out while baking and keeps the shapes intact.

Step 8: Flatten the Cookies
Slightly flatten each dough ball to about ½ inch thick. This gentle pressing helps them bake evenly, leading to that perfect chewy texture. The cookies should look slightly domed but flattened enough to achieve the desired appearance in your Christmas Sugar Cookies.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. Watch for the edges to set while the centers remain soft and slightly shiny. This visual cue indicates that your cookies are ready, making for a delightful, chewy holiday treat.

Step 10: Shape the Cookies
Once out of the oven, use a glass or cookie cutter to gently shape the cookies into perfect circles while they are still warm. This step allows you to give your Christmas Sugar Cookies that immaculate look, ensuring everyone will be impressed.

Step 11: Cool on Wire Rack
Let the cookies sit on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This period allows them to firm up just enough and retains their soft, chewy center.

Step 12: Prepare the Frosting
In a clean mixing bowl, beat together 8 oz of softened full-fat cream cheese and ½ cup of salted butter until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. This fluffy base will create a wonderfully rich frosting to top your cookies, taking them to the next festive level.

Step 13: Add Flavor to Frosting
Add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, mixing until well-combined. This step enhances the frosting flavor, giving it that delicious balance to complement the sweet Christmas Sugar Cookies you just baked.

Step 14: Combine with Powdered Sugar
Gradually add in 2 cups of sifted powdered sugar (in three parts) while mixing on low speed until your frosting becomes smooth. Make sure each addition is incorporated fully before adding more, ensuring that your final frosting texture is velvety and luscious.

Step 15: Whip in the Cream
Slowly drizzle in ¼ cup of very cold heavy cream while whisking to incorporate air. Continue whisking for 1-1½ minutes until stiff peaks form, giving your frosting the light and fluffy consistency ideal for topping your Christmas Sugar Cookies.

Step 16: Frost and Decorate
Frost each cooled cookie generously with your cream cheese frosting and finish off with a sprinkle of Christmas-themed sprinkles just before serving. The combination of frosting and bright colors brings out the festive spirit, making these cookies a delightful treat for the holidays!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Sugar Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing everything together, rolling the dough into balls, and placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate. If you want to take it a step further, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months—just be sure to allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake the refrigerated cookies as instructed, and frost them with the cream cheese frosting right before serving for that fresh, delightful finish. These strategies make your holiday baking experience smoother and allow you to enjoy these delicious cookies with minimal effort!

What to Serve with Christmas Sugar Cookies

Serving these delightful treats alongside complementary flavors and textures will create the perfect holiday experience.

Hot Chocolate: The creamy richness of hot chocolate balances the sweetness of the cookies, making them a cozy match. Picture yourself with a warm mug in hand, savoring each delightful bite of cookie.
Eggnog: A classic holiday drink, eggnog’s spiced flavor enhances the festive spirit while the cookies provide a refreshing sweetness. Together, they bring the essence of Christmas to your table.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the soft, chewy cookies. The melting ice cream creates a dreamy dessert that’s indulgent and satisfying.
Christmas Fruit Salad: Light and refreshing, a fruit salad with winter fruits like pomegranate, citrus, and kiwi contrasts beautifully with the rich cookies. Its vibrant colors mirror the festive sprinkles adorning your treats, bringing a burst of freshness.
Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or spiced tea provides a comforting pair to your sugar cookies, enhancing their sweetness while providing a friendly kick. The aromatic notes will make each bite feel even more special.
Chewy Gingerbread Cookies: For those who love variety, pairing these sugar cookies with chewy gingerbread cookies introduces festive spices. The contrast of flavors offers an exciting holiday treat for you and your guests.
Milk: A classic pairing, a cold glass of milk will always complement sugar cookies. The simple, sweet taste of milk balances the flavors, making it a nostalgic treat reminiscent of childhood.
Holiday Nut Mix: For a savory touch, a mix of nuts can contrast with the sweet, creamy cookies. The crunchiness enhances the texture of the dessert, giving a delightful crunch for every bite.

Christmas Sugar Cookies Customizations

Feel free to transform these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookies into your own festive masterpiece, where flavors and textures become uniquely yours!

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. The taste remains delightful, ensuring everyone can enjoy these treats.
Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut oil or a plant-based butter for the butter and use dairy-free cream cheese in the frosting. You’ll still achieve that creamy, decadent frosting without the dairy.
Citrus Zest: Add a tablespoon of fresh orange or lemon zest to the dough for a burst of bright flavor. This refreshing twist brings an unexpected delight to your cookies.
Nutty Flavor: Swap out some of the vanilla extract for almond extract to give your cookies a warm, nutty background. For a nut-free version, simply skip this addition!
Spiced-Up Version: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into your dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor that feels like cozy holiday hugs.
Decorative Sprinkles: Instead of traditional Christmas sprinkles, opt for themed sprinkles, like snowflakes or holiday shapes, to add a unique touch for special occasions or gatherings.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cookies for an indulgent touch. It adds a delightful contrast with rich chocolate and creamy frosting.

These variations can transform your cookie experience, making them perfect for sharing or gifting. If you’re in the mood for more delightful cookie recipes, don’t miss our scrumptious Chocolate Peppermint Cookies!

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Sugar Cookies

Room Temperature: Store uniced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight to maintain their freshness.

Fridge: If you have iced cookies, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This helps the frosting stay nice and firm while keeping the cookies soft.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy frozen cookies, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving, or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly-baked feel! Enjoy these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookies throughout the holiday season!

Expert Tips for Christmas Sugar Cookies

Perfectly Soft: Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, creating a soft texture that’s key to these Christmas Sugar Cookies.
Temperature Matters: Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smooth frosting; cold ingredients can lead to lumps!
Mix with Care: Avoid overmixing the dough after adding the flour to maintain that tender, chewy cookie consistency everyone loves.
Frosting Thickness: For a thicker frosting, increase the powdered sugar to 240 g (2 cups). This adds a delightful richness to your Christmas Sugar Cookies.
Test Batch: Bake one cookie first to check texture before making the whole batch—adjust baking time if needed for your oven.

Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of flour should I use for Christmas Sugar Cookies?
I recommend using all-purpose flour for the best structure in your cookies; however, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if you’re looking for a gluten-free option. Just ensure the blend contains a binding agent for optimal results!

How do I store Christmas Sugar Cookies?
You can store uniced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For iced cookies, keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days, allowing the frosting to remain firm while keeping the cookies soft.

Can I freeze Christmas Sugar Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze unfrosted cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to airtight containers or freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly-baked feel!

Why did my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to softened butter that was too warm or not enough flour. Ensure your butter is softened properly (68-72°F) and measure your flour accurately. If all else fails, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Can I use different decorations for the cookies?
Very! Feel free to decorate your cookies with various sprinkles or omit the frosting altogether for a simpler treat. You can even add citrus zest for a fresh twist to the flavor profile if you’re looking to experiment!

Are Christmas Sugar Cookies safe for pets?
Generally, it’s best to keep these cookies away from pets as they contain ingredients like butter and sugar that aren’t suitable for their diets. Always consult your veterinarian regarding any treats you might want to share with your furry friends.