Christmas Sugar Cookies

These Christmas Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating with festive colors, sprinkles, or icing! Whether you enjoy a simple sprinkle of sugar or a detailed design, these cookies will bring a touch of sweetness and holiday cheer to your celebrations. A true classic, ideal for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with loved ones!

Ingredients:

For the Sugar Cookies:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract (optional)
• 1/4 cup milk (if needed, to adjust dough consistency)

For Decorating (optional):

• Colored sanding sugar or sprinkles
• Royal icing or buttercream frosting
• Food coloring (for icing)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Sugar Cookie Dough:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
   • In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until well combined.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth, workable consistency.
3. Chill the Dough:
   • Divide the dough in half and wrap each portion in plastic wrap.
   • Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
4. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
   • Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes like stars, trees, reindeer, or simple circles.
5. Bake the Cookies:
   • Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each.
   • Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should be firm to the touch.
   • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Decorate the Cookies (optional):
   • Once the cookies have cooled, decorate them with royal icing or buttercream frosting. You can use food coloring to tint the icing and pipe festive designs, such as snowflakes, holly leaves, or simple lines and dots.
   • If you prefer a simpler decoration, sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar or festive sprinkles while they are still warm from the oven.
7. Let the Icing Set:
   • Allow the icing or frosting to set for about 30 minutes to an hour before serving or storing the cookies.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
   • These sugar cookies are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them at holiday gatherings, gift them to friends and family, or enjoy them with a warm mug of cocoa.

Tips for Success:

• Thick Dough: If the dough seems too soft or sticky, chill it for a little longer. Cold dough is easier to handle and roll out.
• Decorating Tips: Use different piping tips to create varied textures in your icing designs. A simple outline with sugar or sprinkles can make a big impact.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

These Christmas Sugar Cookies are a festive and fun treat that will bring holiday cheer to everyone who enjoys them. Whether you keep the decorations simple or go all out with intricate designs, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!