Christmas is around the corner, and that means it’s time to bring the warmth of the holiday spirit into your kitchen with festive treats. One of the most delightful ways to get into the holiday mood is by baking Christmas sugar cookies. These cookies are a classic holiday favorite and are perfect for sharing with loved ones. You can recreate the indulgent experience of Crumbl cookies right in the comfort of your home. Let’s dive into the enchanting world of Christmas sugar cookies!
Why We Love This Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
Christmas sugar cookies are not just any ordinary cookies; they are a canvas for creativity and joy. What makes these cookies special is their soft and chewy texture combined with a burst of festive colors from sprinkles. Whether you are making them for a holiday gathering, to gift to friends, or simply for your family to enjoy, these cookies never disappoint. Their buttery flavor paired with a hint of vanilla and almond extract creates a delightful taste that evokes nostalgia.
These cookies are incredibly versatile, meaning you can decorate them however you like. With the vibrant Christmas jimmies left over from your decorating session, there’s no end to the festive cheer! So, let’s whip up this fantastic Crumbl copycat recipe that brings all the cheer of the holidays right to your table.
Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookies
To create your Christmas sugar cookies that embody the spirit of the season, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2¼ cups (270 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp (4 g) baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened (68-72°F)
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
- ⅓ cup (54 g) Christmas jimmies sprinkles
- 10 oz (283 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened (68-72°F)
- 13 Tbsp (184 g) salted butter, softened (68-72°F)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 1¼ cups (150 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) heavy cream, very cold
- 2 Tbsp (24 g) Christmas sprinkles for decoration (jimmies, nonpareils, trees, etc.)
These ingredients are easy to find and will set the stage for a delightful cookie experience that is sure to impress your family and friends.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies
Now that you have everything set, let’s walk through the process of creating these delightful Christmas sugar cookies. The following steps will ensure your cookies turn out perfectly each time.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Setting this mixture aside for later will ensure your dry ingredients are well combined.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a hand mixer), beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Remember to scrape down the bowl occasionally to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
- Add the room temperature egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the mixture. Beat on medium-low speed until combined for about 30 seconds.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture in two parts. Mix on low speed until just combined. Take care not to overmix; the dough should remain soft.
- Gently fold in the Christmas jimmies sprinkles using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough, aiming for 48-50 g for each scoop. Roll these portions into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Slightly flatten each dough ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass, keeping the cookies at least ½-inch thick. This will help them bake evenly.
- Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the tops look soft and no longer glossy. Avoid letting them brown as this might alter their delightful texture.
- Once they come out of the oven, immediately shape them into perfect circles. Use a cookie cutter or glass larger than the cookies and gently rotate it around each to bring in the edges.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or a hand mixer), beat the cream cheese and salted butter on low speed until smooth and creamy, taking about 1-2 minutes. Make sure to scrape the bowl down as needed.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing on low until combined.
- Gradually add in the sifted powdered sugar in three parts, mixing on low speed until just combined for about 10-15 seconds each. Scraping the bowl down again will ensure a lump-free frosting.
- Finally, slowly drizzle in the very cold heavy cream while whisking on low speed until stiff peaks form, which should take about 1-1.5 minutes. Be careful not to overwhip the heavy cream, as this can lead to a greasy frosting.
- Using a #2A or #1A piping tip, pipe the frosting in a spiral pattern on top of the cooled cookies, starting from the center and working your way outward. Alternatively, you can use a spatula to spread it for a more rustic look.
- Just before serving, sprinkle the cookies with your chosen Christmas sprinkles, but remember—less is more for a perfectly decorated treat!
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookies
Once your Christmas sugar cookies are complete, it’s time to share and enjoy them! These cookies are best served at room temperature, making them perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply as a sweet treat after dinner.
To create an inviting presentation, arrange your cookies on a festive platter. You can also display them in decorative cookie jars or boxes for gift-giving. Pairing these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa enhances the experience. When hosting a gathering, consider serving them alongside other holiday treats for a delightful dessert spread that will please guests of all ages. Everyone will appreciate the effort you’ve put into these charming cookies!
Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smooth, well-combined dough and frosting.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix just until combined to maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Chill Your Dough (Optional): If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking. This helps to prevent spreading.
- Uniform Cookie Size: To achieve even baking, use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes. This ensures that all cookies bake at the same rate.
- Adjust Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking to avoid over-baking.
- Sprinkle Sparingly: When decorating, a light sprinkle will do! Too many sprinkles can overpower the enjoyment of the cookies underneath.
- Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also layer them between sheets of parchment paper to avoid sticking.
How to Store Christmas Sugar Cookies
Storing your Christmas sugar cookies is simple and straightforward. Allow the cookies to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. This will keep the cookies soft and preserve their freshness.
If you plan to make the cookies ahead of time, you can store them at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, simply take them out of the freezer and let them come to room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds for a warm treat.
Variations of Christmas Sugar Cookies
One of the delightful aspects of Christmas sugar cookies is their versatility. Here are some fun variations you can try to get creative and mix things up:
- Flavor Variations: Swap out the vanilla extract for different extracts like peppermint or coconut to create unique flavor profiles.
- Colorful Frosting: Instead of traditional white frosting, use food coloring to make festive green, red, or even blue frosting to match your holiday theme.
- Add-ins: Incorporate chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit into the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Different Sprinkles: Mix it up with various holiday-themed sprinkles! Use mini candy canes, red and green nonpareils, or even edible glitter for a touch of sparkle.
- Cookie Sandwiches: For a fun twist, create cookie sandwiches by adding frosting or filling between two cookies, making a delightful treat that is sure to impress.
- Cut-out Cookies: Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes such as stars, trees, and snowflakes. This adds a creative touch and allows for decorating with icing.
These fun variations will inspire you to experiment and make the recipe your own!
FAQ about Christmas Sugar Cookies
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping and baking.
Why did my cookies spread out too much?
If your cookies spread too much during baking, it could be due to the butter being too warm. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Also, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help control spreading.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, it might change the texture and flavor slightly. For the best results, stick with unsalted butter for a rich flavor.
What should I do if my frosting is too runny?
If your frosting is too runny, try adding more sifted powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency. On the other hand, if it’s too thick, adding a little more heavy cream can help.
Are these cookies suitable for mailing?
Yes, Christmas sugar cookies hold up well for mailing. Just be sure to package them carefully using bubble wrap or tissue paper to prevent breaking during transit.
Christmas Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.25 tsp salt
Cookie Base
- 0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened 68-72°F
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 0.25 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 0.33 cup Christmas jimmies sprinkles
Frosting Ingredients
- 10 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened 68-72°F
- 13 Tbsp salted butter, softened 68-72°F
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.125 tsp salt
- 1.25 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 0.33 cup heavy cream, very cold
- 2 Tbsp Christmas sprinkles for decoration (jimmies, nonpareils, trees, etc.)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat until combined.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the Christmas jimmies sprinkles with a spatula.
Baking
- Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough, rolling each portion into balls.
- Slightly flatten each ball with fingers or glass, keeping them at least ½-inch thick.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes or until edges are set and tops are soft.
- Immediately shape cookies into perfect circles with a larger cutter.
- Cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
- In a stand mixer, beat cream cheese and salted butter on low until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and salt, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add sifted powdered sugar in three parts, mixing after each addition.
- Drizzle in cold heavy cream while whisking on low until stiff peaks form.
- Pipe or spread frosting on cooled cookies and sprinkle with chosen decorations.
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