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Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures that the cookies don’t stick and helps them bake evenly.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set this mixture aside for now.
- Tip: Sifting the dry ingredients ensures that everything is evenly distributed, which will result in lighter, fluffier cookies.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- The key to perfect sugar cookies is to cream the butter and sugar well. This step helps create the cookies’ soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
4. Add the Egg and Extracts
Once the butter and sugar are creamed, beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). Continue mixing until everything is fully combined.
- Tip: The addition of almond extract gives these cookies a subtle, delicious flavor that adds to their old-fashioned charm, but it’s optional if you prefer to keep them simple.
5. Gradually Add the Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix the dough.
- If the dough seems too soft or sticky, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle when rolling it out.
6. Roll the Dough and Cut into Shapes
Once your dough is ready, dust a clean surface with a little flour and roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick using a rolling pin. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes like Christmas trees, snowflakes, stars, gingerbread men, or even circles for classic sugar cookies.
- Tip: If the dough gets too soft while rolling, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up. It’ll be much easier to cut.
7. Coat the Cookies in Sugar
Before placing the cut-out cookie shapes on the prepared baking sheets, dip each one lightly in the extra granulated sugar. This adds a slight crunch and shimmer to the finished cookies.
- You can also add colored sugar or sprinkles to the cookies at this stage if you want them to have a bit of extra holiday sparkle.
8. Bake the Cookies
Place the sugar-coated cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just starting to turn golden. The center should still look slightly soft but set.
- Tip: Keep a close eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking, as they can go from perfectly golden to overdone very quickly.
9. Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking while they’re still warm.
- Tip: Let the cookies cool completely before decorating with icing or sprinkles to ensure the decorations stick properly.
10. Decorate and Enjoy!
Once the cookies are cool, feel free to get creative with decorating! You can use royal icing or glaze icing to pipe festive designs, or simply dust the cookies with extra colored sugar for a simple touch of sparkle.
- Fun decorating ideas: Add little candy cane pieces to Christmas tree shapes, create snowflake designs with icing, or top stars with mini candies for a festive effect.
Tips for Perfect Old-Fashioned Christmas Sugar Cookies
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour before rolling it out. Chilling makes it easier to work with and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Don’t Overbake: Sugar cookies are meant to be soft and tender. Bake them until the edges are just golden; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Customize the Flavor: If you prefer a stronger vanilla flavor, you can increase the amount of vanilla extract. You can also experiment with adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to give the cookies a warm, spicy kick.
- Decorate with Royal Icing: If you want to get a bit fancier with your decorations, royal icing works wonderfully for detailed piping and for creating that crisp, shiny finish on your cookies.
- Make-Ahead Option: The dough can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months if you want to get a head start on holiday baking.
Why You’ll Love Old-Fashioned Christmas Sugar Cookies
Old-Fashioned Christmas Sugar Cookies are everything you love about the holidays, wrapped up in a simple yet irresistible treat. Here’s why these cookies stand the test of time:
- Nostalgic Flavor: There’s something comforting and familiar about sugar cookies—they taste like childhood holidays, family gatherings, and the warmth of the season.
- Customizable: These cookies can be made in any shape you like and decorated to fit your personal style. From simple sprinkles to intricate designs, the possibilities are endless.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or neighbors, these cookies make the perfect gift. Package them up in festive tins or boxes, and they’ll make a wonderful homemade gift for loved ones.
- Fun for the Whole Family: Decorating sugar cookies is a fun tradition that everyone can get involved in. It’s a great way to make memories with your kids, grandkids, or friends while creating something delicious.
Final Thoughts
These Old-Fashioned Christmas Sugar Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a holiday tradition that brings people together. Whether you’re rolling out dough, cutting out festive shapes, or decorating the cookies with love and care, these simple sugar cookies are sure to create lasting memories. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, buttery flavor, and festive charm, they’re the perfect way to spread holiday cheer.
So, grab your rolling pin, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these delicious Christmas Sugar Cookies—your holiday season just got a little sweeter!
Enjoy! 🍪🎄
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