Warm Holiday Sugar Cookies: A Beautiful Tradition
There’s something undeniably magical about baking during the holidays. The air fills with the delightful sweetness of sugar cookies, bringing whispers of joy and nostalgia. As a child, I would eagerly gather in the kitchen with my family, flour dusting our noses, the bright colors of sprinkles sparkling in the light like tiny bits of happiness. Those cozy moments, mixing, rolling, and decorating, ignited a love for holiday traditions that I carry into each culinary adventure.
Today, I’m excited to share my cherished Holiday Sugar Cookies recipe — a recipe that’s not only incredibly easy but also promises to create lasting memories with every bite. These cookies are perfect for any holiday gathering or simply an afternoon treat with your loved ones. Believe me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for last-minute holiday baking, these cookies can be whipped up in about an hour!
- Family-Friendly: A simple recipe that even the littlest bakers can help with, making it a fun bonding experience.
- Festively Delicious: Soft, tender, and very sweet, these cookies melt in your mouth and spread holiday cheer.
- Perfect for Decorating: Get creative with colorful sprinkles, making them a visual feast as well as a tasty one.
- Great for Gifting: Share a batch with neighbors, friends, or coworkers for a thoughtful homemade surprise!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Holiday Sugar Cookies
To make these delightful cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Sprinkles, for decoration
Let’s Make It Together
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, allowing the flavors to mingle.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball gently with the bottom of a glass, and sprinkle generously with festive sprinkles.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges turn golden.
- Let cool on wire racks to perfect those soft, chewy centers.
Fun Ways to Customize It
While these Holiday Sugar Cookies are delightful on their own, here are some fun ways to add your personal touch:
- Zesty Lemon: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist that brightens the sweetness.
- Rich Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate chips and drizzle them over the cooled cookies for an indulgent touch.
- Nutty Goodness: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.
- Coconut Bliss: Mixing in sweetened shredded coconut gives a tropical flair to these classic cookies.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of almond extract, vanilla works just as beautifully!
- Decoration Ideas: Use themed sprinkles for different holidays — red and green for Christmas, pastel hues for Easter!
- Storing Leftovers: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
For a serving size of 1 cookie, you can anticipate the following:
- Calories: 145
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Sugar: 9g
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 50mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! You can swap the egg for a flax egg or apple sauce for a vegan option.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- How long does it last? Baked cookies will stay fresh for about a week in room temperature, but they’re usually gone much sooner!
Wrapping It Up
These Holiday Sugar Cookies don’t just fill your home with delicious aromas; they fill your heart with warmth, reminding us of the joy of sharing and creating. Each golden bite holds a sprinkle of nostalgia and a dash of love, making them the perfect treat for this festive season. Don’t forget to save this Holiday Sugar Cookies recipe to your dessert board, so it’s always ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy baking, my friends!
Holiday Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Bring to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Sprinkles, for decoration Use colorful sprinkles for a festive touch
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, allowing the flavors to mingle.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball gently with the bottom of a glass, and sprinkle generously with festive sprinkles.
Baking
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges turn golden.
- Let cool on wire racks to perfect those soft, chewy centers.
