These sugar cookies strike the perfect balance between taste and texture. They’re not overly sweet, making them perfect for decorating with royal icing or colored sugar. The dough is easy to roll out and cut into fun holiday shapes without spreading or puffing too much in the oven. Whether you’re baking with kids, gifting homemade treats, or hosting a cookie decorating party, this recipe is your go-to for classic holiday cookies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter (softened)
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Almond extract (optional)
Royal icing or buttercream (optional, for decorating)
Sprinkles or colored sugar (optional)
Directions
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract and almond extract if using.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
Cut into desired shapes using holiday cookie cutters and transfer to prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are just barely golden. Do not overbake.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate with icing and sprinkles once cooled, if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 24–30 cookies, depending on the size of your cutters. Prep time is about 20 minutes, chill time is 1 hour, and bake time is 8–10 minutes per batch, totaling around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Variations
Add citrus zest (like lemon or orange) to the dough for a fresh flavor twist.
Swap almond extract with peppermint extract for a holiday twist.
Use gluten-free flour to make the cookies gluten-free.
Add festive food coloring to the dough or icing for vibrant holiday designs.
Make sandwich cookies with jam or frosting in between.
Try different shapes and themes for various holidays year-round.
Storage/Reheating
Store decorated or undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months. Let cookies thaw at room temperature and decorate as desired after thawing. Decorated cookies can also be frozen, but icing may slightly change in texture.
FAQs
Do these cookies hold their shape while baking?
Yes, the dough is formulated to hold its shape without spreading, making it perfect for cutouts.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
What type of icing is best for decorating?
Royal icing is best for detailed designs, while buttercream is great for spreading and simple decorating.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling helps prevent spreading and makes the dough easier to roll and cut.
Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes, freeze them in layers between parchment paper in an airtight container.
How thick should I roll the dough?
About ¼ inch thick is ideal for soft, sturdy cookies.
Why are my cookies tough?
Overmixing the dough or adding too much flour can make them tough. Mix just until combined.
Can I skip the almond extract?
Yes, it’s optional. You can use all vanilla extract or try another flavoring like lemon or peppermint.
How do I get smooth icing?
Use royal icing with a flood consistency and let it dry completely before adding layers or details.
Are these cookies good for gifting?
Yes, they pack and ship well, especially when individually wrapped or layered with wax paper.
Conclusion
The Best Holiday Sugar Cookies are a festive essential, perfect for baking with loved ones or impressing at cookie swaps. With their buttery taste, soft texture, and versatility for decorating, they’re sure to become a treasured tradition in your holiday kitchen. Simple, reliable, and irresistibly delicious—these cookies are holiday baking at its best.
The Best Holiday Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for cutting into festive shapes. These classic cookies hold their shape while baking and are ideal for decorating with icing or sprinkles.
Ingredients
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
Royal icing or buttercream (optional, for decorating)
Sprinkles or colored sugar (optional)
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract and almond extract if using.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters and transfer to prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are just barely golden. Do not overbake.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate with royal icing, buttercream, or sprinkles once fully cooled.
Notes
Add citrus zest for a fresh flavor twist.Use peppermint extract for a holiday variation.Gluten-free flour can be substituted 1:1 for a GF version.Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen.Decorated cookies freeze well but may lose icing texture slightly.
