Description

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)

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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.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 85mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg