Every holiday season, I come back to these Holiday Sugar Cookies. They’re soft in the center, lightly crisp on the edges, and perfect for decorating with icing and sprinkles. Baking these cookies feels festive and cozy, and they always bring smiles—especially when shared with family and friends.
Quick Facts
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cooking Time: 8–10 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Serving Size: 24 cookies
Why You’ll Love These Holiday Sugar Cookies
These cookies are simple, classic, and incredibly versatile. I love that they hold their shape for cut-out designs while staying soft and buttery. They’re not overly sweet, which makes them perfect for icing and decorations. Plus, they’re fun to make with kids and great for gifting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup sugar
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1 egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Optional: icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar
How I Make My Holiday Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Make the Dough
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Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
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In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Mix in egg and vanilla.
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Slowly add dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Roll & Cut
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Roll dough on a lightly floured surface.
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Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes.
Step 3: Bake
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Place cookies on a lined baking sheet.
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
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Cool completely before decorating.
Soft, buttery, and ready to decorate!
Serving Suggestions
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Decorate with royal icing or buttercream frosting.
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Sprinkle with festive colored sugar.
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Serve with hot cocoa or milk.
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Package as edible holiday gifts.
Tips for Customization
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Flavor twist: Add almond or lemon extract.
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Colorful dough: Mix in food coloring before rolling.
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Healthier swap: Use half whole wheat flour.
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Make ahead: Chill dough up to 2 days.
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Freeze: Dough or baked cookies freeze well.
Nutritional Info (Approx. per cookie)
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Calories: 120–140
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Carbs: 18–20g
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Fat: 6–7g
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Protein: 2g
FAQs
1. Why do my cookies spread too much?
The butter may be too soft—chill the dough before baking.
2. Can I freeze sugar cookie dough?
Yes, freeze for up to 2 months.
3. How do I keep cookies soft?
Store in an airtight container once cooled.
4. When should I decorate them?
Decorate after cookies are completely cooled.
Final Bite
These Holiday Sugar Cookies are a timeless classic that brings warmth and joy to any celebration. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and always delicious. Once you bake a batch, they’ll become a holiday tradition in your kitchen too.
