Holiday Sugar Cookies

Name: Holiday Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 1 h 9 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp almond extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for DIY Colored Sugar); Gel or paste food coloring

By:

Sarah

Published:

November 16, 2025

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These Holiday Sugar Cookies and DIY Colored Sugar are more than just sweet treats; they’re a festive celebration in edible form! Imagine gathering with family and friends, flour dusting the counter, laughter echoing throughout the kitchen as you bake together. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking to create fun memories, this recipe welcomes all levels. The cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, making them the ideal canvas for colorful decorations. Plus, creating your own colored sugar adds a personal touch that everyone will enjoy. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this joyful cooking adventure that’s sure to bring smiles to faces young and old alike!

Why This Recipe Works

When it comes to baking the perfect sugar cookie, balance is everything. The combination of butter and sugar creates a rich flavor, while the right amount of baking powder ensures a light and airy texture. It’s amazing how a simple ingredient can affect the outcome. A hint of baking powder gives your cookies that slight rise, providing the perfect bite.

Chilling the dough cannot be overlooked. This step may seem tedious, but it helps in shaping the cookies just right. Chilled dough does not spread too much while baking, which means your cute shapes will stay intact. After all, who wants a perfectly festive cookie turned into a blob?

Why You’ll Love This Holiday Sugar Cookies and DIY Colored Sugar

You’re going to love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy to make! You can customize these cookies for any festive occasion, whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or a birthday party. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to involve the kids. Decorating cookies is not just fun; it’s a wonderful activity that brings everyone together. Just imagine little hands sprinkling colored sugar everywhere, giggles filling the air!

These cookies also make for perfect gifts. They showcase not only baking skills but also creativity with the DIY colored sugar. Friends and family will appreciate the personal touch, and when they bite into these sweet treats, they’ll taste the love that went into making them.

Ingredients for Holiday Sugar Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking powder

For DIY Colored Sugar:
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– Gel or paste food coloring

Making DIY Colored Sugar

Creating Colored Sugar Mixture

To start, grab your 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and place it in a small bowl. Add 1-2 drops of your chosen gel food coloring and stir well until the sugar takes on an even color. Next, spread this colored sugar onto a paper towel to dry. Make sure to use the back of a spoon to break up any lumps before you store it in a jar. This simple step adds a beautiful flair to any cookie without much effort!

Crafting the Holiday Sugar Cookies

Creaming Butter and Sugar

First things first! In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Keep mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy. This might take a couple of minutes, but it’s worth it!

Adding Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the wet ingredients. Beat in the egg along with both the vanilla and almond extracts. This combination is what makes your cookies irresistible.

Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps create an even blend. You don’t want any lumps of flour ruining your dough!

Combining Ingredients

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to your butter and sugar mixture. Keep stirring until a cohesive dough forms. This dough is going to be your canvas for holiday magic!

Chilling the Dough

Take the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a ball, then divide it in half and flatten each piece into a disk. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the best results, letting it cool overnight is even better. This is where those perfectly shaped cookies begin!

Rolling and Cutting Out Cookies

Next, preheat your oven to 350°F. Roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and the fun begins!

Baking Instructions

Now, place your adorable cookie shapes on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 7-9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Making the Cookie Frosting

In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup water with 1/8 cup of meringue powder. Gradually beat in 2 1/2 cups of confectioner’s sugar until the mixture is glossy and smooth. You can adjust the sugar for your desired thickness.

Decorating Cookies

Transfer your frosting into a zip-lock bag, snipping off a small corner to pipe. Decorate each cookie one at a time, adding those beautiful DIY colored sugars while the frosting is still wet. The results will look stunning!

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of cocoa or a steaming mug of holiday spiced tea. Not only do they make a delicious snack, but they’re also perfect for holiday gatherings or cookie swaps. You could even pack them in a box as a thoughtful gift for friends and family!

Tips for Success

To ensure success, make sure your butter is at room temperature for even creaming. Skipping the chilling step can lead to cookies that spread too much, so do not skip it! Feel free to experiment with different colors and shapes for unique presentations to impress everyone.

Variations

For a fun twist, consider using different extracts like lemon or peppermint to infuse unique flavors. Adding sprinkles or edible glitter can bring extra festive flair to your cookies. You can also make sandwich cookies by placing jam or extra frosting between two cookies for an indulgent treat.

Storage Tips

Your cookies can stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Alternatively, if you want to prepare ahead, freeze unbaked dough for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it before rolling out!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A1: Margarine can be a substitute, but it may change the flavor and texture a bit.

Q2: How can I make my colored sugar more vibrant?
A2: To achieve more vibrant colors, try adding more drops of gel food coloring or combining different colors.

Q3: What should I do if the dough is too crumbly?
A3: If your dough is crumbling, add small amounts of water, one teaspoon at a time, until it holds together nicely.

Q4: Can I use cookie cutters for complex shapes?
A4: Absolutely! Just be sure to chill the dough longer for complex shapes, to ensure they hold their form.

Q5: How do I prevent cookies from spreading during baking?
A5: Make sure your dough is well-chilled before baking, and use a baking mat or parchment paper for best results.

These Holiday Sugar Cookies aren’t just satisfying to bake; they create an atmosphere of joy, laughter, and connection. With every step, from kneading to decorating, you’ll churn up memories that last long after the cookies are gone. So, embrace the festivities, share these treats, and watch your kitchen become a place of warmth and happiness!