The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. My favorite treat? These delightful Christmas sugar cookies frosted! They’re not just cookies; they’re little bites of joy that bring everyone together. Every December, my family and I crank up the holiday tunes and gather in the kitchen to bake these festive delights. I can still picture my kids giggling as they sprinkle colorful toppings over the frosting, their faces lighting up with pure joy. The soft, sweet cookies topped with vibrant frosting become a canvas for our creativity, and trust me, nothing beats the taste of a warm cookie fresh from the oven. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and neighbors, making them a staple in our holiday traditions. I can’t wait for you to try them, and I promise they’ll quickly become part of your holiday festivities, too!
Ingredients List
Let’s gather everything you need for these scrumptious Christmas sugar cookies frosted! You’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cookie dough, creating that perfect soft texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the cookies and helps achieve a delightful golden color.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Make sure it’s nice and soft for easy creaming with the sugar.
- 1 large egg: This binds everything together and adds richness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla brings out the sweetness and enhances flavor.
For the frosting, you’ll need:
- 2 cups powdered sugar: This is essential for a sweet, creamy frosting.
- 2 tbsp milk: Just enough to achieve that perfect spreadable consistency.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A little extra flavor for your frosting!
How to Prepare Christmas Sugar Cookies Frosted
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because starting with a hot oven helps the cookies rise perfectly, giving them that soft, fluffy texture we all love. While the oven heats up, grab a mixing bowl and set it on your counter. Trust me, having everything ready to go makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable!
Mixing the Dough
Now, let’s get to the fun part! In your mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. I usually mix it for about 2-3 minutes. You want it to be airy, almost like a cloud! Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until it’s all well combined. Then, gradually add the all-purpose flour. I like to do this in batches, mixing just until a dough forms. You don’t want to overmix it; we’re aiming for that tender cookie texture!
Baking the Cookies
Once your dough is ready, roll it into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie because they’ll spread a bit while baking. Pop them in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden, but the centers still look a bit soft. They’ll firm up as they cool!
Making the Frosting
While the cookies cool, it’s time to whip up the frosting. In a clean mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. You want it spreadable but not too runny—think of it as the perfect topping to slather on your cookies! If it’s too thick, just add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time.
Decorating Tips
Now for the best part—decorating! Once your cookies are completely cool, grab a knife or a spatula and spread that luscious frosting on each cookie. For a festive touch, don’t forget to sprinkle some colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on top. You can also use holiday-themed decorations like candy canes or chocolate chips for added fun. Let your creativity shine, and remember, there are no rules in cookie decorating!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: These cookies come together quickly, so you can enjoy holiday baking without the stress!
- Festive Appearance: The colorful frosting and sprinkles make them a beautiful addition to any holiday spread.
- Delicious Flavor: The soft, buttery cookies paired with sweet frosting are a treat everyone will love.
- Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch to bring cheer to friends, family, or holiday parties!
Equipment List
You’ll need a few essential tools to make these Christmas sugar cookies frosted come to life:
- Baking Sheet: This is where your cookies will bake to golden perfection.
- Mixing Bowl: A sturdy bowl for creaming the butter and sugar and mixing your dough.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas sugar cookies frosted turn out perfectly every time, here are some tried-and-true tips! First, make sure your butter is at room temperature; this makes it easier to cream with the sugar and creates a better texture. If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. Keep an eye on the baking time—every oven is different, so set a timer but check a minute or two early. Lastly, for a stunning finish, let the frosting set for a bit before stacking the cookies; this prevents them from sticking together!
Nutritional Information Section
Keep in mind that nutritional values for these Christmas sugar cookies frosted can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I can’t provide precise nutrition information, here’s a general breakdown: each cookie has approximately 150 calories, with 22g of carbohydrates and 1g of protein. Enjoy responsibly!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of flour?
It’s best to stick with all-purpose flour for these Christmas sugar cookies frosted, as it provides the right texture and structure. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends if needed!
Q2: How can I store leftover cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, try freezing them! Just make sure the frosting is fully set before stacking.
Q3: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a bit before rolling it into balls.
Q4: What if my frosting is too thick?
If your frosting is too thick, simply add a splash more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you achieve that smooth, spreadable consistency!
Q5: Can I use different flavors for the frosting?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different extracts like almond or peppermint for a fun twist on the classic frosting flavor!
For more festive ideas, check out our Pinterest page!
Christmas Sugar Cookies Frosted
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Frosting
- 2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
- Gradually add the flour and mix until a dough forms. Roll into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool.
- For the frosting, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Frost the cooled cookies.