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Christmas Sugar Cookies: Easy Recipe for Holiday Gifts & Tea Parties

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These classic Christmas Sugar Cookies are crisp on the edges, tender in the center, and perfect for holiday gifts or festive tea parties. Simple pantry ingredients and easy decorating make them a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • Assorted colored sprinkles
  • Royal icing (1 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract)
  • Food coloring (gel-based)
  • Candy pearls or edible glitter (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until just combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low until a soft dough forms. If dough is sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
  5. Turn dough onto plastic wrap, flatten into a disk, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters.
  8. Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are just golden.
  9. Cool cookies on the sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Mix royal icing by combining powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Tint with gel food coloring as desired.
  11. Decorate cooled cookies with icing, sprinkles, and candy pearls. Let icing set before serving or storing.

Notes

Chill dough for best results and sharp shapes. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 baking blend. Store cookies with a slice of bread to keep them soft. Decorate only after cookies are fully cooled. Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas cookies, sugar cookies, holiday baking, tea party, easy cookies, festive dessert, gift cookies, royal icing, decorated cookies

Find it online: https://avabake.com/christmas-sugar-cookies-easy-recipe-for-holiday-gifts-and-tea-parties/