Christmas Sugar Cookies with Easy Icing Recipe

If you’re searching for a festive treat that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds, you’re in for a real treat with this Christmas Sugar Cookies with Easy Icing Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies turn out—soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, with that smooth, glossy icing that makes decorating so much fun. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or making holiday cookies for the first time, this recipe is made to guide you through each step, so you get gorgeous, delicious results every time!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Christmas Sugar Cookies with Easy Icing Recipe comes down to simple ingredients that you probably already have. I’ve found that using quality butter and a pinch of almond extract really lifts these cookies beyond your average sugar cookie. Plus, the icing ingredients come together quickly for that classic, sweet glaze.

• All-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon and level for accurate measurement; this keeps the dough from becoming too dry or too sticky.
• Baking powder: Helps give the cookies a slight lift without puffing them up too much.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances flavor without being noticeable.
• Unsalted butter: Room temperature is key—too warm and the dough gets gummy; too cold and it won’t mix well.
• Granulated sugar: For that classic sweetness and tender crumb.
• Egg: Room temperature egg helps the dough come together smoothly and bind well.
• Pure vanilla extract: A must-have for warm, familiar flavor notes.
• Almond extract (optional): I swear by adding at least 1/4 teaspoon—it’s subtle but elevates the dough flavor beautifully.
• Confectioners’ sugar: For the icing’s smooth and delicate sweetness.
• Light corn syrup: Adds beautiful shine and helps the icing set up just right.
• Water: Room temperature to help stir the icing to perfect consistency.
• Pinch of salt in icing: Balances the sweetness for a more nuanced flavor.
• Gel food coloring & sprinkles (optional): For fun, personalizing your cookie decorations.

Variations

I love that this recipe is a canvas for your favorite flavors and decorations. Over the years, I’ve experimented with a few variations that turned out so wonderfully—I highly encourage you to try your own tweaks!

• Extract swaps: Instead of almond, try maple or peppermint extract for a festive twist—I once made peppermint during a snowy December, and my family went crazy for it!
• Spiced sugar cookies: Adding a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon to the dry ingredients gives the cookies a warm, cozy vibe perfect for chilly evenings.
• Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and increase chilling time slightly; I found this helps maintain structure.
• Diet-friendly icing: Swap corn syrup for honey or maple syrup for a less processed option, just know the icing won’t be quite the same glossy finish.

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies with Easy Icing Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Cookie Dough

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl—this keeps things evenly distributed. In a separate large bowl, beat your softened butter and sugar on high speed until it’s smooth and creamy. I usually mix for about 3 minutes to get that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Then, add the egg along with vanilla and almond extract (if using) and mix again. Scrape down the bowl sides so everything blends evenly before adding in your dry ingredients slowly on low speed. You’ll notice the dough will be soft—if it’s too sticky to roll, gently add a tablespoon more flour. This step is key so the dough doesn’t stick as you roll it out.

Step 2: Roll, Chill, and Cut

Divide your dough in two—this makes rolling way easier. Roll each portion out between two lightly floured sheets of parchment paper to a consistent 1/4-inch thickness. This thickness keeps the cookies tender but sturdy enough for decorating. Here’s a little trick: stacking the rolled-out doughs with parchment in between and wrapping them before chilling helps keep shapes crisp and dough manageable. Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, or up to 2 days if you want to break up your baking sessions.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C), and line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. Cut out shapes using your favorite cookie cutters, re-rolling scraps as needed—which surprisingly yields tons of cookies. Place cookies generously apart on the trays so they have room to bake evenly. Baking for 11–12 minutes, I recommend rotating sheets halfway if your oven has hot spots to avoid uneven browning. Let them cool slightly on the sheet, then transfer to racks to cool completely before icing. Cooling fully is crucial to avoid icing meltdown.

Step 4: Mix Up Your Easy Icing

Use a fork to stir confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, corn syrup, water, and a tiny pinch of salt. At first, the icing will be thick and tough to mix—which is totally normal! Switch to a whisk and slowly add a bit more water until your icing looks like a ribbon that holds its shape for a few seconds when drizzled back into the bowl. This consistency means it’s perfect for piping or dipping. I like to divide the icing into smaller bowls for coloring—it makes decorating with multiple colors much less stressful.

Step 5: Decorate and Let Your Creativity Shine

Outline your cookie shapes first with a piping bag or squeeze bottle fitted with a small tip, then fill them in. Don’t be shy to get playful here—adding sprinkles right after icing ensures they stick beautifully. If you’re in a hurry, you can dig in before icing fully sets, but for best results, let them sit out (or slightly chilled) for about 24 hours. That way, the icing will harden with a lovely sheen and hold up perfectly for gifting or stacking.

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookies with Easy Icing Recipe

Garnishes

I tend to stick with classic sprinkles and edible glitter when decorating these cookies—they instantly add that festive sparkle and make them feel extra special. If you’re feeling crafty, crushed peppermint or tiny silver dragees also add a pretty touch without overpowering the sweet icing.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with classic holiday drinks like hot cocoa, mulled cider, or even a smooth eggnog. I’ve also found they’re a hit alongside fruit and nut platters, adding a sweet contrast to savory bites during holiday parties.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I love arranging these cookies in colorful tins or mason jars tied with ribbon. Another idea I tried was layering them between sheets of parchment in a decorative box with some cinnamon sticks for aroma—it made a fantastic edible gift that friends could savor over time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the icing has dried completely, I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about five days that way, which is perfect for keeping a little stash for yourself or sharing with neighbors. If you stash them in the fridge, they can last up to 10 days, but they tend to lose a bit of their soft texture.

Freezing

Freezing is a game-changer for holiday cookies. Once the icing is set, layer the cookies between parchment sheets inside a freezer-safe container. They’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to three months. I’ve also frozen the dough itself—flatten discs, wrap tightly, and thaw in the fridge before rolling. Saves so much time during the holidays!

Reheating

These cookies are best eaten at room temperature. If they’ve chilled in the fridge or freezer, just let them sit out for about 30 minutes to an hour before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the icing and make cookies crumbly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Christmas Sugar Cookies with Easy Icing Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s the one I turn to every year because it’s reliable, fun to decorate, and loved by all ages. I remember the first time I made these with my kids, and how their eyes lit up decorating each cookie like tiny works of art. If you give them a try, I truly believe you’ll enjoy the process and the tasty results just as much. Happy baking, and here’s to making sweet holiday memories!

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