Description
Soft, buttery Christmas sugar cookies that hold their shape perfectly for decorating. No chilling required and ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for beginners and holiday bakers alike.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp aluminum-free baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and position the rack in the center.
2. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy, then mix in egg and vanilla until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients in thirds, mixing until fully incorporated.
5. Divide dough in half and roll each portion on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
6. Cut shapes with cookie cutters and transfer to a parchment- or silicone-lined baking sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart.
7. Bake for 10 minutes, or until edges are just turning golden.
8. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before decorating.
Notes
Ensure butter is softened but not melted to avoid sticky dough.
Roll dough on parchment or a silicone mat for easier transfer.
Dough should be smooth, not crumbly; if needed, add 1/2 tablespoon of water or milk.
Avoid overmixing and overbaking to maintain soft texture.
Larger cookies may need slightly longer baking.
Let frosting harden before storing decorated cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Christmas Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 96
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 20