As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s something enchanting about the scent of freshly baked sugar cookies wafting through the house. It sparks memories of joyful holiday gatherings filled with laughter, warmth, and the delightful crunch of cookie cutters tapping against the countertop. This classic cutout sugar cookie recipe is your ticket to creating irresistibly sweet, buttery treats perfect for any festive occasion. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a cheerful cookie-decorating party with friends, these cookies are not just a treat; they’re a way to make cherished memories. With their perfectly soft centers and sturdy edges, these cookies hold up beautifully for decorating with a glossy royal icing that hardens to a flawless finish. Let’s dive into the world of holiday baking and bring some joy to your kitchen!
Why will you love these Frosted Holiday Sugar Cookies?
Sweet anticipation: There’s nothing quite like the aroma of cookies baking, filling your home with warmth and festive cheer.
Versatile shapes: Cut them into festive designs for every occasion—think snowflakes, stars, and hearts!
Perfect for sharing: These cookies are a hit at gatherings, ensuring everyone’s sweet tooth is satisfied.
Easy to decorate: The royal icing sets beautifully, giving you a blank canvas for creative designs.
Memorable moments: Baking these cookies is an experience that brings families and friends together, creating cherished memories.
Get ready to elevate your holiday celebrations with these delightful treats!
Frosted Holiday Sugar Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and stability; for gluten-free cookies, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Baking Soda – Leavening agent that helps cookies rise; necessary for texture.
- Cream of Tartar – Reacts with baking soda to enhance cookie texture; can be substituted with lemon juice in a pinch.
- Kosher Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; table salt can be used as a substitute.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and flavor; ensure it’s at room temperature for easier creaming.
- Confectioners Sugar – Sweetens cookies and helps create a smooth texture in royal icing; granulated sugar is not a direct substitute.
- Vanilla Extract – Provides depth of flavor; can be substituted with almond extract for a different taste.
- Eggs – Binds ingredients together; a chia or flaxseed egg can be substituted for a vegan option.
For the Royal Icing
- Egg Whites – Essential for achieving the right texture in royal icing; powdered egg whites can be used if fresh isn’t available.
- Confectioners Sugar – Gives royal icing its sweetness and smoothness; adding more can help thicken if needed.
- Cream of Tartar – Stabilizes the icing and helps maintain its shape; without it, your icing may not hold its form.
Get ready to impress your loved ones with these frosted holiday sugar cookies that are sure to become a staple in your holiday baking tradition!
How to Make Frosted Holiday Sugar Cookies
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Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and kosher salt. In a separate bowl, cream the unsalted butter and confectioners’ sugar until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract and eggs until well blended.
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the creamed mixture and mix until just combined. Divide the dough into two halves, flatten them into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up.
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Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛-inch thickness between two sheets of parchment paper. After that, chill the rolled dough for an additional 20 minutes before using cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
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Bake Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the cutout cookies on the sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between them. Bake for 8-13 minutes, or until the edges are golden; then allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
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Make Royal Icing: In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with confectioners’ sugar and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. If desired, divide the icing to add food coloring for different designs.
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Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, pipe the royal icing onto the cookies in your favorite designs. Allow the icing to set for at least 2 hours before serving to ensure it hardens properly.
Optional: Dust with edible glitter for a festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Frosted Holiday Sugar Cookies
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming; this helps create a light and fluffy dough.
- Chill, Chill, Chill: Do not skip chilling the dough! It prevents spreading during baking, ensuring your cookies hold their shape beautifully.
- Icing Consistency: Achieve the right royal icing consistency—thicker for outlines and thinner for flooding. Adjust with water or powdered sugar as needed.
- Test Bake: For perfect cookies, test bake a couple to check timing; all ovens vary slightly, so keep an eye on that golden edge!
- Decorative Touch: Get creative with decorating—try themed sprinkles or edible glitter for extra flair on your frosted holiday sugar cookies.
Make Ahead Options
These Frosted Holiday Sugar Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the busy holiday season! You can make the cookie dough up to 48 hours in advance; simply prepare it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to roll it out. If you prefer, you can also freeze the unbaked cutouts for up to 3 months—just place the cut cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply add a minute or two to the baking time. For the royal icing, prepare it a day ahead and store it in an airtight container (remember to cover the surface with plastic wrap to avoid crusting). With these prep-ahead tips, you can enjoy stress-free baking!
What to Serve with Classic Cutout Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing?
As you indulge in these delightful, sugary masterpieces, why not complement them with some perfect pairings that will elevate your holiday baking experience?
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Rich Hot Cocoa: This velvety drink with whipped cream adds a dash of warmth to your cookie enjoyment, enhancing the sweetness.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream on the side creates a delightful contrast with the crunchy icing, providing a tropical sweetness.
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Festive Fruit Platter: Fresh seasonal fruits like oranges and pomegranates add a refreshing burst of acidity that balances the holiday sweetness.
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Nutty Coffee: The rich, nutty flavors of coffee pair beautifully with sugar cookies, making it the perfect pick-me-up for a cozy gathering or solo treat.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream makes for a lovely topping that pairs beautifully with the cookies, enhancing their texture and taste.
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Sparkling Cranberry Juice: This bubbly drink adds a fun, festive vibe to your cookie camaraderie, offering a fruity twist to each bite.
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Gingery Tea: A warm cup of ginger tea brings a spicy warmth that cuts through the sweetness, creating a balanced and soothing sipping experience.
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Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Serve a warm chocolate sauce for a fun and interactive way to enjoy your cookies, allowing for indulgent bites that will impress your guests.
Frosted Holiday Sugar Cookies Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and make this recipe your own! Each suggestion below adds a delicious twist.
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Almond Extract: Swap vanilla for almond extract to infuse a delightful nutty flavor into your cookies.
Imagine the warmth of nostalgia wrapped in each bite, reminiscent of family gatherings. -
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies for an indulgent touch.
This sweet enhancement balances the vanilla sweetness beautifully, inviting chocolate lovers to indulge. -
Sprinkle Variety: Use different colored sprinkles based on holidays, like red and green for Christmas or pastel for Easter.
Your cookies can visually reflect the celebration, making them even more festive and fun to share! -
Spiced Sugar Cookies: Add ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced twist that evokes holiday spirit.
These comforting spices create a cherished aroma as they bake, wrapping you in a cozy embrace. -
Lemon Zest: Incorporate lemon zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus zing that brightens the flavor profile.
This zesty addition will make your cookies pop with flavor and refresh the palate beautifully! -
Nutty Addition: Stir in finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, into the dough for added crunch and flavor.
The unexpected texture enhances the classic soft cookie and gives each bite a delightful surprise! -
Coconut Flake: Fold unsweetened shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical twist on the classic cookie.
Each bite transports you to a sunny paradise, perfect for adding a unique flair to your holiday spread! -
Colorful Icing: Divide your royal icing into different bowls and tint each with a vibrant food color for a colorful decorating session.
This playful approach allows everyone to get artistic, transforming plain cookies into a delightful canvas!
How to Store and Freeze Frosted Holiday Sugar Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their freshness and softness.
Fridge: If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate your cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks to prevent melting icing and maintain flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies, placing them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Decorate after thawing for best results.
Reheating: To enjoy your cookies warm, reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye to ensure they don’t overbake.
Frosted Holiday Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right flour for sugar cookies?
Absolutely! All-purpose flour is your best bet for these sugar cookies as it provides the perfect structure and stability. If you’re gluten-free, simply substitute with a gluten-free flour blend; just ensure you select one that works for baking, as some might yield different textures.
What’s the best way to store frosted sugar cookies?
Storing your frosted holiday sugar cookies is easy! Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and soft. If your kitchen is warm, I suggest refrigerating them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks to prevent the frosting from melting and ensure they maintain their delicious flavor.
Can I freeze decorated sugar cookies?
Absolutely! For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies by placing them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Once you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the cookies completely before decorating. This keeps the icing from getting soggy and ensures a beautiful finish.
What if my royal icing is too runny?
If your royal icing isn’t holding its shape because it’s too runny, don’t worry! Add more confectioners’ sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the thicker consistency you desire. On the other hand, if it’s too thick, add just a drop of water to loosen it up, mixing thoroughly until the desired consistency is reached.
How can I make these cookies pet-friendly?
While these frosted holiday sugar cookies are delicious for us two-legged folks, they shouldn’t be shared with pets due to the sugar and egg content. If you’d like to create a treat for your furry friends, consider making dog treats with safe, pet-friendly ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and pumpkin. Always check with your vet first!
What’s the best way to prevent spreading when baking cookies?
Chilling your cookie dough is key! After preparing your dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it for at least 2 hours. This step ensures that your frosted holiday sugar cookies hold their shape beautifully during baking. If you find your cookies still spread, try chilling the cut-out shapes for an additional 20 minutes before baking.
Frosted Holiday Sugar Cookies That Wow Every Celebration
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and kosher salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the unsalted butter and confectioners' sugar until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract and eggs until well blended.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the creamed mixture and mix until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two halves, flatten them into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛-inch thickness between two sheets of parchment paper. Chill the rolled dough for an additional 20 minutes before cutting shapes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Place cutout cookies on sheets and bake for 8-13 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on a wire rack.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with confectioners' sugar and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Divide icing to add food coloring if desired.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, pipe the royal icing onto the cookies. Allow to set for at least 2 hours before serving.