Description
Soft, buttery Christmas cookies with a tender crumb and festive frosting. These classic sugar cookies are perfect for holiday decorating and will melt in your mouth with every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or milk
- Sprinkles or colored sugar (optional, for decorating)
- Frosting: 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons softened butter, 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with sour cream or milk, and mix until just combined.
- Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Do not overbake to keep them soft.
- Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For frosting, mix powdered sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Add food coloring if desired and spread over cooled cookies. Decorate with sprinkles.
Notes
- Do not overbake—cookies should be pale with lightly golden edges for a soft texture.
- For rolled cookies, chill dough for 30 minutes before cutting shapes.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Great for decorating with kids during the holidays!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American