Bright, buttery, and quick to make, these Christmas sugar cookies bring festive sparkle to any holiday spread. They need no chilling, are formed by hand, and get their holiday charm from colored sugar. Read on for an easy, reliable recipe that yields soft, tasty cookies every time.
Why this Christmas sugar cookie recipe works for busy holidays
This version of sugar cookies skips the long chill time. That means you can mix, shape, and bake in under an hour. The dough stays tender and spreads minimally, giving you puffed, golden edges and soft centers.
Perfect for last-minute baking, these cookies are ideal for cookie swaps, classroom treats, or a quick tray for guests.
Ingredients you need for festive sugar cookies
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Colored sanding sugar or sprinkles for rolling and decorating
Quick prep and timing for your baking session
- Prep time: about 20 minutes
- Cook time: 9–11 minutes per batch
- Total time: roughly 30 minutes
- Yield: about 30 cookies, depending on size
Step-by-step: How to make soft Christmas sugar cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and slightly fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix until smooth.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients and stir on low speed until no dry flour remains.
- Portion the dough into roughly 1-inch balls. A small cookie scoop works well.
- Roll each ball in colored sanding sugar to coat all sides.
- Arrange cookies on the prepared pans, leaving about 2 inches between each.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges turn light golden and the tops are slightly puffed.
- Cool cookies on the pan for 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro tips for consistent results
- Use room-temperature butter and egg for even mixing.
- Do not overbake; cookies continue to set after coming out of the oven.
- For uniform size, use a 1-tablespoon scoop or small cookie scoop.
- If dough feels sticky, chill briefly for 10–15 minutes, but chilling is not required.
Simple decorating tips to boost holiday flair
These cookies take well to quick decorations. The colored sugar gives an instant festive look, but try these upgrades.
- Drizzle a thin royal icing line for a polished finish.
- Sandwich two cookies with jam or frosting for a filled treat.
- Use small star or tree cookie cutters and decorate edges with sprinkles.
- Mix red, green, and white sanding sugar for a classic palette.
How to store and share your cookies
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve decorations.
- Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- For gifting, arrange cookies in a festive box and add a ribbon.
Other holiday cookie ideas to try
- Cherry shortbread rounds — buttery shortbread dotted with bright maraschino cherries.
- Cranberry-pistachio shortbread — nutty, colorful bites with dried cranberries and chopped pistachios.
- Striped tree cookies — use colored sugars and frosting to create tree-shaped treats.
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Health advocate and wellness researcher, Dr. Monroe brings clarity to confusing health trends with science-backed advice. Her mission is to help readers live vibrantly, from the inside out.