Christmas Sugar Cookies Decorated: 7 Tips for Perfection

Name: Christmas Sugar Cookies Decorated: 7 Tips for Perfection
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 3 to 4 cups confectioners’ sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; Food coloring; Sprinkles

19 listopada, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh, the magic of the holiday season! There’s something truly special about filling your home with the warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies. Christmas sugar cookies decorated with icing and sprinkles are my absolute favorite way to spread joy during this time of year. Not only do they look beautiful, but they taste delicious too! I love gathering friends and family around the table for a fun decorating session—it’s a tradition that never gets old. Each cookie becomes a little canvas, bursting with color and creativity. Trust me, these delightful treats will bring a smile to everyone’s face and are perfect for sharing with loved ones or leaving out for Santa!

Ingredients List

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 to 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons milk
Food coloring (your choice for festive flair!)
Sprinkles (because what’s a cookie without a little sparkle?)

How to Prepare Christmas Sugar Cookies Decorated

Prepping the Dough

First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). This step is super important because you want your cookies to bake evenly and come out just right! While the oven is warming up, grab a mixing bowl and combine 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Give it a good whisk to blend everything together—that way, your cookies will have the perfect texture. Set this bowl aside for now; we’ll get back to it shortly!

Mixing Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, let’s cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This part is so satisfying! Then, crack in 1 egg and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract along with 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract. Beat everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, and you’ll know you’re on the right track!

Combining Ingredients

Now comes the fun part—bringing it all together! Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your wet ingredients. I like to do this in batches, mixing until just combined to avoid any flour explosions! You want a soft, slightly sticky dough that’s easy to work with. If it seems a bit too dry, don’t be afraid to add a tiny splash of milk—it can make all the difference!

Shaping and Baking

Once your dough is ready, it’s time to shape those cookies! Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give them a little space because they’ll spread out while baking. Next, flatten each ball gently with the bottom of a glass—this is my favorite part! Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges start to turn golden. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!

Decorating the Cookies

Once your cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to unleash your inner artist! In a small bowl, mix 3 to 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk and a few drops of food coloring until you reach your desired consistency. You want it thick enough to hold its shape but not so thick that it won’t spread. Now, take a piping bag or simply a zip-lock bag with the corner snipped off, and pipe your icing onto the cookies. Don’t forget to sprinkle on those colorful sprinkles—because what’s a decorated cookie without a little sparkle? Let the icing dry completely before stacking them up or sharing with friends!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying these delightful Christmas sugar cookies decorated with icing and sprinkles, it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s the estimated nutritional data per cookie:

Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Sugar: 10g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. So, enjoy these cookies guilt-free, knowing they’re a festive treat to share with friends and family!

Tips for Success

To make sure your Christmas sugar cookies decorated with icing and sprinkles turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got some fantastic tips to share! Trust me, these little secrets will elevate your cookie game!

Chill the Dough: If you have the time, chilling your dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much. It also makes the dough easier to handle!
Don’t Overmix: When combining your dry and wet ingredients, mix just until they come together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and tender!
Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also helps the cookies bake evenly. You’ll love how easy cleanup is!
Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Every oven is a little different, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the suggested time. They’re done when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look a bit soft—they’ll firm up as they cool!
Icing Consistency: When making your icing, aim for a consistency that can hold its shape but is still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a touch more milk until you reach the right texture. If it’s too thin, a little more confectioners’ sugar will fix that!
Let Icing Dry Completely: After decorating, give your cookies plenty of time to let the icing dry fully before stacking or storing them. This will keep your decorations looking beautiful and intact!
Experiment with Colors: Don’t be shy with your food coloring! Mixing different colors can make your cookies look super festive and fun. Get creative with your designs!

With these tips, you’re all set to create a batch of cookies that are not only delicious but also visually stunning. Happy baking!

Variations

If you’re like me and love to mix things up in the kitchen, you’re in for a treat! These Christmas sugar cookies decorated with icing and sprinkles are so versatile, and you can easily customize them to suit your taste or the occasion. Here are some fun ideas to get your creativity flowing:

Different Extracts: Switch it up by using different extracts! Swap out the almond extract for peppermint for a refreshing twist, or use coconut extract for a tropical vibe.
Flavor Additions: Want to add some zing? Try incorporating a teaspoon of finely grated lemon or orange zest into your dough for a burst of citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness!
Colorful Icing: Get creative with your icing colors! Instead of the classic white, try using pastels or vibrant shades to match your holiday decor or theme. You can even mix colors to create swirls!
Cookie Cutters: Change the shape of your cookies by using fun cookie cutters. Stars, trees, and gingerbread men are perfect for the holiday season. Just make sure to adjust baking times slightly if the sizes vary!
Holiday Sprinkles: Use an assortment of festive sprinkles to really make your cookies pop! Think edible glitter, themed shapes, or even drizzles of chocolate on top of the icing for an extra indulgent touch.
Stuffed Cookies: Feeling adventurous? Try stuffing your cookies with mini chocolate chips or even a dollop of jam before baking for a delicious surprise in each bite!
Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it has a binding agent to keep the cookies together!

With these variations, you can easily make these Christmas sugar cookies your own. So go ahead, get creative, and have fun in the kitchen—each batch can be a new festive masterpiece!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve baked and decorated your beautiful Christmas sugar cookies, it’s important to store them properly so they stay fresh and delicious! Here’s how to keep your festive treats in tip-top shape:

Storing Cookies: Place your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them soft and chewy! You can layer them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking, especially if they’re decorated with icing.
Storage Duration: These cookies are best enjoyed within a week, but they can last for up to 10 days if stored properly. After that, they might start to lose their freshness, but trust me, they’ll likely disappear long before that!
Freezing Cookies: Want to save some for later? You can freeze your cookies! Just make sure they’re completely cooled and the icing is dry. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months!
Reheating Cookies: If you prefer your cookies warm, you can gently reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or they can become tough! Alternatively, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm.

By following these simple storage and reheating instructions, you can enjoy your Christmas sugar cookies decorated with icing and sprinkles for days to come—or even longer if you freeze them! Happy munching!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to whip up—perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
Customizable decorations that let your creativity shine.
Fun for the whole family—everyone can get involved in decorating!
Deliciously soft and chewy, making them irresistible to eat.
Beautifully festive, adding a cheerful touch to any holiday gathering.
Great for gifting—share your creations with friends and neighbors!
Perfect for creating lasting memories in the kitchen with loved ones.
Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Guaranteed to bring smiles and holiday cheer to all who taste them!

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O mnie

Cześć, nazywam się Julia, jestem sercem Vihaad Rrzepisy i pasjonatką dobrej kuchni. Moja miłość do gotowania zaczęła się w dzieciństwie, inspirowana pysznymi posiłkami mojej babci. Dziś dzielę się smacznymi przepisami, które łączą ludzi poprzez wspólne delektowanie się jedzeniem.