Oh my goodness, I can’t tell you how much I love baking Christmas sugar cookies decorated with icing and sprinkles! It’s like the ultimate holiday tradition, bringing so much joy and warmth into my kitchen. There’s something magical about gathering around the table with family and friends, rolling out the dough, and getting creative with all those colorful decorations. Trust me, it’s not just about the cookies; it’s about the laughter, the memories, and the sweet aroma that fills the air. And when you finally take that first bite? Pure bliss! So, let’s dive into this delightful journey together and make some unforgettable holiday treats that will bring smiles to everyone’s faces! You’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
For these delightful Christmas sugar cookies decorated, you’ll need the following ingredients. Make sure to measure carefully for the best results!
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (let it sit at room temperature for a bit!)
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 to 4 tablespoons buttermilk (add a little at a time until you reach the right consistency)
- Icing for decoration (you can use store-bought or homemade!)
- Sprinkles for decoration (get creative with colors and shapes!)
Trust me, having all your ingredients ready before you start makes the process so much smoother and way more fun!
How to Prepare Christmas Sugar Cookies Decorated
Preparing the Dough
Alright, let’s get started on that scrumptious dough! First, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything is evenly mixed. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is super important because it adds that lovely texture to your cookies! Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
Now, here’s where the magic happens! Gradually blend in the dry ingredients you mixed earlier. If the dough feels a bit too dry, don’t hesitate to add in your buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach that perfect consistency. You want it to be soft but not sticky—so keep an eye on it!
Cutting and Baking the Cookies
Once your dough is ready, it’s time for some fun! Lightly flour your countertop and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create festive shapes—think stars, trees, or gingerbread men! Place the cut-out cookies on ungreased baking sheets, making sure to leave a little space between them since they’ll spread out a bit while baking.
Next, pop those trays into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges just start to turn a very light golden brown. Oh, the smell that fills the kitchen during this time is heavenly! Once baked, let them cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorating the Cookies
Now comes the best part—decorating! Make sure your cookies are completely cool before you start icing, or else you’ll end up with a gooey mess. I like to lay out all my cookies on a clean surface and get my icing ready. If you’re using store-bought icing, just follow the instructions for the best results. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can whip up your own icing at home!
Once your icing is ready, go wild with creativity! Pipe it onto the cookies and don’t forget to sprinkle on those colorful sprinkles while the icing is still wet to make sure they stick. Each cookie becomes a little piece of art, and trust me, your friends and family will be so impressed with your creations!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So much fun to make with family and friends—perfect for holiday bonding!
- Versatile for any occasion—change the shapes and colors for birthdays, parties, or just because!
- Ideal for gifting—everyone loves a beautifully decorated cookie!
- Easy to customize—experiment with different icings and sprinkles!
- These cookies fill your kitchen with the most delightful holiday aroma!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure those Christmas sugar cookies decorated turn out perfectly! First things first—if your dough is too sticky, don’t panic! Just sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface and your rolling pin. It’ll help keep everything manageable. Remember to chill your dough for about 30 minutes if it feels too soft; it makes rolling and cutting a breeze!
When it comes to decorations, think outside the box! You can mix and match sprinkles to create fun patterns or even use edible glitter for that festive sparkle. Just make sure to add your sprinkles while the icing is wet so they stick nicely.
And here’s a little secret: if your cookies spread too much in the oven, it might be because your butter was too warm. So, keep that butter softened but not melted! Following these tips will help you bake up a batch of cookies that not only look amazing but taste incredible too!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to nutrition, it’s important to keep in mind that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I can give you a general idea, these numbers should be viewed as estimates. For each delicious Christmas sugar cookie decorated, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
So, while you enjoy these delightful treats, just remember that indulging in a few Christmas sugar cookies decorated is all part of the festive fun! Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making these delightful Christmas sugar cookies decorated? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up:
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can, but I highly recommend using unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture. Margarine may change the consistency a bit, so keep that in mind!
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
No worries! Just sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface and rolling pin. If it’s really sticky, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can also help immensely!
How can I store my decorated cookies?
Once your cookies are fully decorated and the icing has set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to a week!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling it out.
What’s the best way to achieve vibrant icing colors?
Using gel food coloring gives you the brightest colors without altering the icing’s consistency. Just a little goes a long way, so start small and mix until you reach your desired shade!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked and decorated your beautiful Christmas sugar cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and delicious! To store them, simply place your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay nice and tasty for up to a week—perfect for snacking throughout the holiday season!
If you’ve decorated them with icing, make sure the icing has fully set before stacking them in layers to avoid any smudging. If you find yourself with leftover cookies (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), you can also freeze them! Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature—no reheating needed! It’s like having a little taste of Christmas whenever you want!
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookies Decorated: 5 Tips for Blissful Baking
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas sugar cookies decorated with icing and sprinkles.
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 white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 to 4 tablespoons buttermilk
- Icing for decoration
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in egg and vanilla.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Add buttermilk, if needed, for consistency.
- Roll out dough and cut into desired shapes.
- Place cookies on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Let cool and decorate with icing and sprinkles.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature.
- Chill dough for easier handling if sticky.
- Use different cookie cutters for variety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: christmas sugar cookies decorated
