Get ready to become your neighborhood’s most celebrated holiday baker with these irresistible Christmas sugar cookie recipes.
From classic frosted cutouts to innovative flavored variations, these treats will have everyone wondering about your baking secrets.
We’ve gathered ten foolproof recipes that combine traditional holiday charm with unique twists.
You’ll discover everything from vanilla bean sugar cookies dipped in chocolate to cream cheese-frosted snowflakes and even some gluten-free options that taste just as incredible as their traditional counterparts.
Get your mixing bowls ready – it’s time to create some holiday magic.
Frosted Sugar Cookies
These classic Frosted Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, from holiday celebrations to casual weekend baking.
With their soft, buttery center and sweet, creamy frosting on top, these cookies will become your go-to recipe when you want to impress friends and family.
Ingredients:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup softened butter
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ⅓ cup softened butter
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• Food coloring (optional)
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in eggs and vanilla.
Mix dry ingredients separately, then gradually combine with wet ingredients. Chill dough for 1 hour.
Roll out on floured surface, cut shapes, and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
Cool completely before frosting. Mix frosting ingredients until smooth and spread over cookies.
Pro tip:
Keep your cookie dough cold between batches for cleaner cuts and better shape retention.
If your frosting becomes too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Decorated Sugar Cookies
These classic decorated sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday celebrations to weekend baking with family.
With their soft, buttery texture and sweet royal icing decorations, these cookies will become your go-to recipe for creating beautiful and delicious treats that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Royal icing (1 pound powdered sugar, 3 egg whites, ½ teaspoon cream of tartar)
• Food coloring (optional)
Mix your dry ingredients in one bowl. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in eggs and vanilla.
Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Chill for 1 hour, then roll out and cut shapes.
Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until edges are slightly golden. Once cooled, decorate with royal icing.
For best results, keep your dough cold between batches and work on a well-floured surface.
Your cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze undecorated cookies for up to three months.
Lemon Sugar Cookies
Brighten up your day with these delightfully zesty lemon sugar cookies!
These soft, chewy treats offer the perfect balance of sweet and citrus flavors, making them an irresistible addition to any cookie jar.
The subtle crunch of sugar coating and burst of fresh lemon will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients:
• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Extra sugar for rolling
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix dry ingredients in one bowl.
In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in eggs, lemon zest, juice, and vanilla.
Gradually blend in dry ingredients. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat in sugar, and place on lined baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
For the best results, don’t overbake these cookies – they should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven.
They’ll continue to set as they cool. Always use fresh lemon zest rather than bottled alternatives for the most vibrant flavor.
Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
These irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Cookies combine the comforting warmth of cinnamon with a perfectly soft, chewy texture.
They’re rolled in a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating that creates a delightful crackly exterior while maintaining a tender center. Perfect for holiday gatherings or afternoon treats with coffee!
Ingredients:
• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For coating:
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Mix your dry ingredients in one bowl.
In another, cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in eggs and vanilla.
Gradually blend in dry ingredients. Shape dough into 1-inch balls, roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture, and place on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
For best results, chill your dough for 30 minutes before shaping – this prevents excessive spreading during baking.
Don’t overbake; the cookies should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven, as they’ll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet.
Chocolate Sugar Cookies
These soft, chewy chocolate sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion.
With their rich cocoa flavor and sparkly sugar coating, they’ll become your new favorite treat to bake. The best part?
They’re incredibly easy to make and maintain their freshness for days when stored properly.
Ingredients:
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Extra sugar for rolling
Mix your dry ingredients in one bowl. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in eggs and vanilla.
Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until you form a soft dough.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat in sugar, and place on lined baking sheets. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
For best results, don’t overbake these cookies – they’ll continue to set as they cool.
Keep them stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
You can also freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months and bake them straight from frozen.
Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
These soft, buttery sugar cookies coated in colorful sprinkles are perfect for any occasion.
They offer the perfect balance of sweetness with a delightfully chewy center and slightly crisp edges.
Whether you’re baking for a party or just craving something sweet, these cookies never disappoint.
Ingredients:
• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup softened butter
• 1½ cups white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup rainbow sprinkles
• ¼ teaspoon salt
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and cream butter and sugar in another.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients until well blended. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat in sprinkles, and place on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro tip:
For the best texture, don’t overbake these cookies. They might look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven, but they’ll continue to set as they cool.
Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
Almond Sugar Cookies
These soft and chewy Almond Sugar Cookies offer the perfect blend of sweet vanilla and nutty almond flavors.
With their slightly crisp edges and tender centers, they make an ideal treat for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to afternoon tea.
Ingredients:
• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup sliced almonds for topping
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in eggs and extracts.
Mix dry ingredients separately, then gradually blend into the wet mixture.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls, place on lined baking sheets, and press sliced almonds on top.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro tip:
For the best texture, don’t overbake these cookies. They should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven, as they’ll continue to set while cooling.
Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
Spiced Sugar Cookies
Treat yourself to these irresistible Spiced Sugar Cookies that combine classic sweetness with warm, aromatic spices.
These cookies offer the perfect balance of crispy edges and soft centers, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or simple afternoon treats.
Ingredients:
• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ginger
• 1 cup softened butter
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Extra sugar for rolling
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Mix your dry ingredients in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in egg and vanilla.
Gradually blend in dry ingredients until well combined. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat with sugar, and place on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on wire racks.
Pro tip:
Don’t overbake these cookies – they’ll continue to set as they cool.
For the best texture, remove them from the oven when they’re still slightly soft in the center. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
Brown Sugar Cookies
Brown Sugar Cookies are the perfect blend of warm, caramel-like sweetness and buttery goodness.
These chewy cookies have crisp edges and soft centers, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Their rich molasses notes from the brown sugar create a deeper, more complex flavor than traditional sugar cookies.
Ingredients:
• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup softened butter
• 1½ cups packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Additional brown sugar for rolling
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Mix flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
Beat in eggs and vanilla. Gradually stir in dry ingredients until well combined.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat in brown sugar, and place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
For the best results, chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
Don’t overbake – the cookies will continue to set as they cool. Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness for up to a week.
Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies
These soft and chewy gluten-free sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply craving something sweet, these cookies offer the classic taste you love without the gluten.
They’re ideal for decorating with frosting or enjoying plain.
Ingredients:
• 2½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum (if your flour blend doesn’t include it)
Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in eggs and vanilla.
Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then gradually mix them into the wet ingredients.
Chill dough for 1 hour. Roll out to ¼-inch thickness, cut shapes, and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely before decorating.
For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
If your cookies spread too much while baking, try chilling the cut shapes for 15 minutes before putting them in the oven. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the key ingredient that makes sugar cookies soft and chewy instead of crispy?
Adding cream cheese to your sugar cookie dough creates a softer, chewier texture. Replace 1/4 cup of butter with cream cheese for the perfect consistency.
How can you prevent your sugar cookie decorations from bleeding or running?
Let your base layer of icing dry completely for 4-6 hours before adding additional colors. Use thicker consistency royal icing for detailed designs.
What’s the secret to getting sugar cookies to keep their shape while baking?
Chill your cut-out dough shapes in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading and maintains crisp edges during baking.
How long should you let sugar cookies cool before decorating them?
Allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. Decorating warm cookies will cause icing to melt and designs to blur.
What’s the best way to store decorated sugar cookies to maintain freshness?
Store your decorated cookies in an airtight container with wax paper between layers. Keep at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Final Thoughts
These ten sugar cookie recipes offer something for everyone, from classic vanilla to innovative peppermint swirl variations.
Remember to chill your dough properly, use quality ingredients, and follow the measuring instructions precisely for the best results.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different decorating techniques once you’ve mastered the basics.
Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange or family gathering, you’ll find these recipes reliable and delicious.
Keep your cookies fresh in an airtight container, and they’ll stay perfect for up to a week.
