Cakes

Christmas Sugar Cookies 2023

 

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour
  • Sugar sprinkles (red and green) for decorating

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars:
    • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients:
    • Blend in the vegetable oil, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and a pinch of salt.
  5. Mix the Dough:
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition, until a soft cookie dough forms.
  6. Chill the Dough:
    • Divide the dough into two portions, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilled dough is easier to handle and results in better-shaped cookies.
  7. Roll and Cut:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) again. On a floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use Christmas-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
  8. Decorate with Sprinkles:
    • Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle the cookies with red and green sugar sprinkles for a festive touch.
  9. Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Be cautious not to overbake for a soft and chewy texture.
  10. Cool:
    • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
  11. Repeat with Remaining Dough:
    • Repeat the rolling, cutting, and baking process with the remaining portion of chilled dough.
  12. Store:
    • Once completely cooled, store the Christmas sugar cookies in an airtight container. They can be stored for several days.
  13. Optional Icing:
    • If desired, you can also ice the cookies with royal icing or a simple powdered sugar glaze for added decoration.
  14. Enjoy:
    • Enjoy these delightful Christmas sugar cookies with a festive cup of cocoa or as a sweet treat during holiday gatherings.

Feel free to get creative with the cookie shapes and decorations to make these Christmas sugar cookies uniquely yours! 🎄🍪✨

Popular Questions and Answers:

Here are some potential questions and answers that might arise regarding the Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies:

 

  1. Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
    • Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
  2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
    • While butter is recommended for the best flavor, you can use margarine as a substitute. Keep in mind that it may affect the texture and taste slightly.
  3. How long should I chill the cookie dough?
    • Chilling the dough for at least 1 hour is recommended. This helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and resulting in better-shaped cookies.
  4. Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight?
    • Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature for a bit before rolling and cutting.
  5. How thick should I roll out the dough?
    • Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness when rolling out the dough. Thicker cookies will be softer, while thinner cookies may be crisper.
  6. Can I use different cookie cutters?
    • Yes, feel free to use various cookie cutters to create different shapes. Holiday-themed cutters or personal favorites add a festive touch.
  7. Can I skip the cream of tartar?
    • Cream of tartar contributes to the texture of the cookies. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with baking powder, but the texture may vary slightly.
  8. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
    • Ensure the dough is well-chilled before baking. If the cookies spread too much, you can also try adding a bit more flour to the dough.
  9. Can I use natural food coloring for the sprinkles?
    • Absolutely! Natural food coloring is a great option for creating festive sprinkles without artificial colors.
  10. How do I store decorated cookies with icing?
    • If using royal icing or a glaze, let it fully set before storing the cookies. Once set, store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
  11. Can I use this recipe for gingerbread cookies?
    • While this recipe is specifically for sugar cookies, you can modify it slightly to add ginger and spices for a gingerbread flavor.
  12. Can I double the recipe?
    • Yes, you can double or even triple the recipe to make a larger batch of Christmas sugar cookies for sharing during the holidays.
  13. How far in advance can I make the cookies for Christmas?
    • You can make these cookies a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for several days.
  14. Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
    • Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Adjustments may be needed, so follow the recommendations on the gluten-free flour packaging.
  15. What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
    • Store leftover Christmas sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Placing a slice of bread in the container can help keep them soft.

Feel free to adapt these answers based on your preferences and enjoy baking and sharing these Christmas sugar cookies! 🎄🍪✨

Here are some helpful tips to make your Christmas Sugar Cookies even more delightful:

  1. Chill the Dough Thoroughly:
    • Ensure the cookie dough is properly chilled before rolling and cutting. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
  2. Use Quality Ingredients:
    • Use high-quality butter, pure vanilla extract, and fresh eggs for the best flavor. Quality ingredients can significantly impact the taste of your cookies.
  3. Roll Dough Evenly:
    • Roll out the cookie dough to an even thickness to ensure consistent baking. An uneven thickness can result in cookies that bake unevenly.
  4. Invest in Festive Cookie Cutters:
    • Use a variety of Christmas-themed cookie cutters to create festive shapes. The more diverse the shapes, the more visually appealing your cookie platter will be.
  5. Add Flavor to the Icing:
    • Consider adding a hint of almond or peppermint extract to your icing for an extra layer of flavor that complements the cookies.
  6. Decorate with Detail:
    • Take your time with decorating. Use different colors of icing, edible glitter, and a variety of sprinkles to add detail and make each cookie unique.
  7. Try Royal Icing:
    • Consider using royal icing for a smooth and glossy finish. It’s great for intricate designs and provides a professional look.
  8. Layer Colors:
    • When using multiple colors of icing, allow each layer to dry before adding another. This prevents colors from bleeding into each other and maintains clean lines.
  9. Create Texture:
    • Experiment with different textures by adding sanding sugar, crushed candies, or finely chopped nuts to the tops of your cookies before baking.
  10. Add Zest or Citrus Flavor:
    • Incorporate citrus zest (lemon or orange) into the cookie dough for a refreshing twist. This adds a bright flavor that contrasts well with sweet icing.
  11. Avoid Over-Baking:
    • Watch the cookies closely while baking to avoid over-baking. They should be just set and have a soft texture. Over-baking can result in a dry cookie.
  12. Mix Sprinkle Colors:
    • Combine red and green sprinkles for a colorful mix that adds extra vibrancy to your Christmas sugar cookies.
  13. Create a Cookie Decorating Station:
    • Set up a decorating station with various icings, sprinkles, and decorations. This allows everyone to get creative and personalize their own cookies.
  14. Add a Hint of Spice:
    • Consider adding a touch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a subtle spiced flavor that complements the season.
  15. Experiment with Edible Glitter:
    • For a touch of magic, consider using edible glitter to make your Christmas sugar cookies sparkle. It adds a festive and whimsical element.

Enjoy the festive baking, and may your Christmas Sugar Cookies bring joy to all who enjoy them! 🎄🍪✨

 

Here are some secrets to help you create the perfect Christmas Sugar Cookies:

  1. Softened Butter, Not Melted:
    • Ensure your butter is softened, not melted. Softened butter helps create a tender cookie texture without being greasy.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar Thoroughly:
    • Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy creates air pockets in the dough, resulting in a lighter and more tender cookie.
  3. Chill the Dough Twice:
    • After mixing the dough, chill it in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting. Once cut into shapes, chill the cookies again before baking. This helps maintain their shape and prevents spreading.
  4. Roll Dough on Parchment Paper:
    • Roll out the cookie dough between two sheets of parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures easy transfer of cut-out shapes to the baking sheet.
  5. Use High-Quality Vanilla Extract:
    • Invest in good-quality vanilla extract for a rich and flavorful taste. Pure vanilla extract tends to provide a more authentic flavor.
  6. Don’t Overmix the Dough:
    • Overmixing the cookie dough can lead to a tough texture. Mix until just combined to maintain a tender cookie.
  7. Add Citrus Zest for Freshness:
    • Incorporate citrus zest (lemon or orange) into the dough for a hint of freshness that balances the sweetness.
  8. Quality Ingredients for Icing:
    • Use high-quality ingredients for your icing, especially if you’re using royal icing. Fresh egg whites and pure confectioners’ sugar contribute to a smooth and glossy finish.
  9. Allow Cookies to Cool Completely:
    • Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set without breaking.
  10. Use Gel Food Coloring for Vibrant Icing:
    • Gel food coloring provides more vibrant colors in icing without affecting the consistency. It’s also easier to control the intensity of the color.
  11. Thin Icing Gradually:
    • When thinning royal icing, add liquid gradually. It’s easier to thin it more if needed than to thicken it.
  12. Add Corn Syrup for Shine:
    • For extra shine in your icing, add a small amount of light corn syrup. This gives the cookies a professional and polished appearance.
  13. Decorate in Layers:
    • Allow each layer of icing to dry before adding the next layer or additional decorations. This prevents colors from bleeding and maintains clean lines.
  14. Use Piping Bags for Precision:
    • Invest in piping bags for more precise icing application. They allow for intricate designs and details.
  15. Experiment with Flavor Extracts:
    • Add a drop of almond, peppermint, or other flavored extracts to your icing for an extra layer of flavor.

With these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect Christmas Sugar Cookies that not only look stunning but also taste delightful! 🎄🍪✨