Name: Christmas Sugar Cookie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon fine salt; 1 cup unsalted butter softened; 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional; 2 tablespoons milk; 3 tablespoons red sanding sugar; 3 tablespoons green sanding sugar

Buttery, tender, and sparkling with red and green sugar, these Christmas Sugar Cookies are the kind of treat that disappears from the cookie plate first. They have delicately crisp edges, soft centers, and that nostalgic vanilla-butter flavor that tastes like every cozy holiday memory rolled into one bite.

This recipe is simple enough for a weekday baking session yet special enough to share at cookie exchanges, school parties, and Christmas Eve dessert tables. The dough is easy to work with, the ingredients are pantry staples, and the colorful sugar on top adds instant festive flair without any complicated decorating.

These Christmas Sugar Cookies deliver everything you want from a classic holiday cookie: a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, just the right amount of sweetness, and a gentle hint of vanilla and almond that makes them feel a little extra special. They hold their shape beautifully as they bake, so you get perfectly round, pretty cookies every time.

The dough also chills and freezes wonderfully, which means you can prep ahead for busy December days. Bake a batch now, freeze some dough balls for later, and you’ll be ready for last-minute parties, guests, or a cozy night in with hot chocolate and a plate of warm cookies.

What Makes These Christmas Sugar Cookies So Soft and Flavorful?

The secret to the soft, tender texture is the combination of room-temperature butter, a touch of milk, and just enough flour to create a dough that’s supple but not sticky. Creaming the butter and sugar properly adds air, which helps the cookies bake up light instead of dense.

For flavor, these cookies lean on vanilla extract with a hint of almond extract. The almond doesn’t make the cookies taste like almond candy; it simply boosts that classic bakery-style sugar cookie flavor. A generous sprinkle of red and green sanding sugar adds sparkle, subtle crunch, and instant Christmas cheer.

Before you start mixing the dough, it helps to know what each ingredient is doing in your cookies. This isn’t just a list—it’s your roadmap to perfect Christmas Sugar Cookies every single time.

All-purpose flour

Flour provides the structure of the cookies. Using all-purpose flour keeps them tender but sturdy enough to hold their shape and the fork marks on top.

Baking powder

Baking powder gives the cookies a gentle lift so they puff slightly instead of spreading too flat. It helps create that soft, cakey middle.

Fine salt

Salt is essential for balancing sweetness. Even in dessert recipes, a bit of salt sharpens the flavors and keeps the cookies from tasting one-note.

Unsalted butter, softened

Butter is responsible for richness, flavor, and tenderness. Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level, and softening it makes it easy to cream with the sugar.

Granulated sugar

Sugar sweetens the dough and helps create lightly crisp edges. It also creams with the butter to trap air, giving the cookies a softer texture.

Large egg

The egg binds the dough and adds moisture and richness. It also contributes to the cookies’ beautiful golden color.

Vanilla extract

Vanilla is the backbone of classic sugar cookie flavor. A good-quality vanilla makes a big difference in the aroma and taste of these cookies.

Almond extract (optional but recommended)

A small amount of almond extract deepens the flavor and gives the cookies that nostalgic bakery-style taste associated with holiday cookies.

Milk

A splash of milk softens the dough slightly and keeps the baked cookies tender without making them crumbly or dry.

Red sanding sugar

Red sanding sugar adds sparkle, color, and a bit of crunch on top. It instantly makes the cookies look festive and Christmas-ready.

Green sanding sugar

Green sanding sugar pairs with the red to create a classic holiday color combo. The contrast against the pale cookie is eye-catching on any dessert platter.

This Christmas Sugar Cookie recipe comes together in a few simple steps. Take your time with the creaming and measuring, and you’ll be rewarded with bakery-worthy cookies.

Step 1: Prep your baking equipment

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats so the cookies bake evenly and release easily. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to give it time to come fully up to temperature.

Step 2: Combine the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine salt. This distributes the leavening evenly so you don’t end up with cookies that rise unevenly or have bitter pockets.

Step 3: Cream the butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light, creamy, and slightly fluffy. This step usually takes 2–3 minutes with a hand mixer. Proper creaming helps your cookies bake up soft rather than dense.

Step 4: Add the egg and flavorings

Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the vanilla extract and almond extract and mix again. The dough should smell deeply fragrant at this point.

Step 5: Add the dry ingredients and milk

With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in two additions, alternating with the milk. Mix just until the dough comes together and no streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing so the cookies stay tender.

Step 6: Shape the cookies

Scoop tablespoon-size portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls between your palms. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use the tines of a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern on the top of each dough ball, flattening them slightly.

Step 7: Add the festive sugar

Sprinkle the tops generously with red and green sanding sugar. You can mix the colors on each cookie or alternate colors across the tray for a fun pattern.

Step 8: Bake to soft perfection

Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges look set and just barely golden. The centers should still look soft; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 9: Cool and serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they’re ready to stack on a cookie tray, package for gifting, or enjoy with a mug of something warm.

Serving and Storing Christmas Sugar Cookies

This recipe makes about 30 cookies, which is usually enough to serve 10–12 people if everyone enjoys two or three. They’re ideal for cookie exchanges, office parties, school events, or a cozy movie night at home.

Serve the cookies at room temperature so the texture stays soft and the buttery flavor shines. They’re delicious alongside coffee, hot cocoa, spiced tea, or a cold glass of milk. For an extra festive touch, arrange them on a platter with other holiday treats or use them as a sweet topper for a dessert charcuterie board.

To store, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’re stacking them, you can separate layers with parchment paper to protect the sugar topping. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

You can also freeze the unbaked dough. Roll it into balls, flash-freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough balls sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes, add the fork marks and sugar, and bake as directed, adding an extra minute if needed.

What to Serve With Christmas Sugar Cookies

Hot chocolate or cocoa

A mug of rich hot chocolate or cocoa is the perfect partner for these cookies. The creamy drink highlights the buttery, vanilla flavor and makes every bite feel even cozier.

Holiday coffee or latte

Serve your cookies with a festive coffee drink like a peppermint mocha or gingerbread latte. The warm spices and coffee notes balance the sweetness of the sugar cookies.

Fresh fruit platter

A simple platter of berries, citrus wedges, or sliced apples adds a bright, refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies. It’s an easy way to round out a dessert spread.

Ice cream

Turn dessert into something extra special by serving the cookies with scoops of vanilla, peppermint, or eggnog ice cream. You can even crumble cookies over the top for a holiday sundae.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, this dough is perfect for making ahead. Once mixed, cover the bowl tightly or wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Slightly chilled dough is easier to roll into balls and holds its shape well in the oven. If the dough is very firm from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before scooping.

Do I have to use almond extract?

You don’t have to, but a little almond extract adds that extra something that makes these cookies taste like they came from a bakery. If you prefer, you can leave it out and simply increase the vanilla extract slightly for a purely classic sugar cookie flavor.

Can I decorate these cookies differently?

Absolutely. Instead of sanding sugar, you can frost the cooled cookies with vanilla buttercream and decorate with sprinkles, or dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate. They also pair beautifully on a dessert platter with more elaborate treats like peanut butter M&M cookies for added color and texture.

How do I keep the cookies soft for days?

To keep your Christmas Sugar Cookies soft, avoid overbaking—pull them from the oven when the edges are just set and the centers still look slightly soft. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container and consider adding a small piece of bread or a marshmallow to the container; it will help maintain moisture so the cookies stay tender.

What other holiday desserts go well with these cookies?

These cookies are wonderful alongside cozy holiday desserts like soft gingerbread cake or a slice of spiced moist pumpkin bread. Together they create a dessert table that offers something for everyone—simple sugar cookies for the kids, and warm, spiced bakes for the adults.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this Christmas Sugar Cookie recipe to your holiday dessert or cookie board on Pinterest so you can come back to it any time.

And when you bake a batch, let me know how yours turned out. Did you stick with classic red and green sugar, or try different colors? Did you add the almond extract or keep it all vanilla?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Your questions are always welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter and enjoy the sweetest Christmas season.

Conclusion

Christmas Sugar Cookies are a simple, reliable way to bring a little extra joy to the holidays. With a short list of pantry ingredients and an easy mixing method, you can have trays of soft, sparkling cookies ready for sharing, gifting, or nibbling straight from the cooling rack.

Whether you’re filling tins for neighbors, building a cookie platter, or baking with kids, this recipe is one you’ll come back to year after year. For even more festive desserts and everyday inspiration, follow along on Meals We Share and keep your holiday baking list full of delicious ideas.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sugar Cookie