**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 10 minutes
**Total time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** About 24 cookies
Christmas is a time for warmth, celebration, and delicious treats, and nothing embodies the festive spirit quite like **Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies with Festive Stripes**. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie decorated with vibrant stripes of color, bringing joy to your holiday gatherings. These cookies are not just treats; they tell a story of tradition, love, and the joy of baking together with family.
This festive recipe is cherished by many and can easily become a part of your holiday traditions, whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out. Throughout this article, you’ll learn how to create these wonderfully sweet cookies that are perfect for family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply to enjoy at home with a cup of cocoa. You’ll discover tips and tricks for getting the perfect texture, how to make them look stunning, and even some delightful variations to try!
What Are Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies?
Classic Christmas sugar cookies are a delightful holiday treat that start with a simple dough made from **granulated sugar, butter, eggs, and flour**. This basic dough can be flavored and decorated in countless ways, making it a favorite for both bakers and cookie lovers. The addition of festive stripes often comes from using colored frosting or a colorful glaze, adding vibrancy and holiday cheer.
These cookies typically feature a crispy edge while maintaining a soft and chewy center, making them irresistible. The sweetness of the sugar combined with the richness of the butter creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that evokes nostalgia for many, reminiscent of childhood Christmases spent baking in the kitchen with loved ones.
The flavor is generally vanilla-forward, but it can be adapted by using almond extract or incorporating spices like nutmeg or cinnamon if you’re looking to add a twist. The use of food coloring will make your festive stripes pop, creating visually stunning cookies that are as delicious as they are beautiful.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore these **Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies with Festive Stripes**. First and foremost, they are incredibly delicious. The balance of sweetness and buttery richness creates a treat that everyone will flock to, often disappearing within minutes of being placed on a holiday platter.
These cookies are also versatile. Whether you stick to classic white frosting adorned with red and green stripes or decide to experiment with multiple colors and flavors, the possibilities are endless. You can even make them gluten-free with simple substitutions, ensuring that everyone at your holiday celebration can enjoy a sweet treat.
Another reason to love these cookies is their ease of preparation. With very little equipment necessary—just a mixing bowl, baking sheet, and an oven—you can whip up a batch in no time. They’re perfect for busy parents or anyone pressed for time during the busy holiday season. You can also make the dough ahead of time and freeze it, allowing you to enjoy fresh cookies whenever the mood strikes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients you’ll need to create your classic Christmas sugar cookies, along with their roles in the recipe and suggestions for substitutions:
– **2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour** – The main structure of the cookies. For a gluten-free version, consider using **gluten-free all-purpose flour** blend.
– **1 teaspoon baking powder** – Helps the cookies rise and gives them a soft texture.
– **½ teaspoon baking soda** – Works alongside the baking powder for a soft, chewy cookie.
– **½ teaspoon salt** – Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
– **1 cup granulated sugar** – Sweetens the dough and creates a delightful crispiness.
– **1 cup unsalted butter, softened** – The base of the dough that contributes to its deliciously rich flavor. You can substitute with **coconut oil** for a dairy-free alternative.
– **1 large egg** – Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
– **1 teaspoon vanilla extract** – Provides classic cookie flavor. You can substitute with **almond extract** for a different flavor profile.
– **Food coloring** – For creating festive stripes. You can use gel or liquid coloring depending on your preference.
How to Make Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies
Creating these delightful cookies is easier than you might think! Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure perfect results every time.
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly and helps them achieve the perfect texture.
2. **Prepare Baking Sheets**: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking. This also makes for easy cleanup afterward.
3. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the leavening agents and helps prevent clumping.
4. **Cream Sugar and Butter**: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything properly.
5. **Add Egg and Vanilla**: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the sugar-butter mixture. Continue mixing until fully combined. The dough will start to come together and become smooth.
6. **Incorporate Dry Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful to avoid overmixing, as that can make the cookies tough.
7. **Chill the Dough**: For best results, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps to firm it up and makes it easier to handle when shaping and cutting the cookies.
8. **Prepare for Decorating**: Once the dough is chilled, take it out of the fridge and split it into two or three portions. If you want different colors of stripes, separate the portions accordingly. Add a few drops of food coloring to each portion and knead until the color is evenly distributed.
9. **Roll and Shape**: Roll each portion of dough into long logs, about 1-inch in diameter. Place the logs side by side on a sheet of plastic wrap and carefully press them together, ensuring they stick. You can roll the log in the wrap to create a more uniform shape.
10. **Chill Again**: Place the log in the refrigerator for another 20-30 minutes to firm up.
11. **Slice and Bake**: Once the logs are chilled, remove them from the fridge, and slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds. Place them two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
12. **Cool and Decorate**: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can decorate them with frosting or colored glaze to create your festive stripes.
5 Variations & Substitutions
These Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies are a wonderful base for creativity! Here are five variations and substitutions you can try to put a unique spin on the classic recipe:
**1. Lemon Sugar Cookies**
To add a bright, citrusy flavor to your cookies, replace the vanilla extract with fresh lemon zest and a tablespoon of lemon juice. This will give your cookies a refreshing twist that’s perfect for holiday parties. Ensure to adjust the flour slightly if the dough becomes too wet from the lemon juice.
**2. Chocolate-Dipped Sugar Cookies**
Take your cookies to the next level by dipping them in melted chocolate! Prepare the cookies as directed, and once they have cooled, melt your favorite chocolate (dark, milk, or white) and dip half of each cookie into the chocolate. Allow them to set on wax paper for a gorgeous presentation.
**3. Cinnamon Sugar Cookies**
For a warm and cozy twist, add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients. Additionally, consider rolling the cookies in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking for a delightful sugar crust that complements their sweetness beautifully.
**4. Nut-Free Version**
If you’re baking for nut-sensitive individuals, ensure that all ingredients used, including the food coloring and any toppings, are nut-free. Additionally, adhere to a strict schedule to prevent cross-contamination if any allergies are a concern.
**5. Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies**
Swap out the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder, as this helps replicate the chewy texture that traditional flour provides.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to baking these delicious cookies, a few common pitfalls can lead to undesired results. Here are some mistakes to watch for and how to avoid them:
**Overmixing the Dough**: Be careful not to overmix once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, which is the last thing you want. Mix until just combined to maintain soft and tender cookies.
**Incorrect Temperature**: Ensure butter is softened but not melted before creaming. If it’s too soft or melted, it can lead to cookies that spread too much when baking.
**Not Chilling the Dough**: Skipping the chilling step can lead to cookies that spread excessively, resulting in flat, crispy cookies instead of the chewy, thick ones you desire. Trust the process and chill your dough as instructed.
**Baking Time**: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They can go from perfectly golden to overbaked in a matter of seconds. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just beginning to turn golden, and the centers look slightly underbaked; they will firm up as they cool.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to extending the life and freshness of your Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat them effectively:
– **Room Temperature Storage**: If you plan to eat the cookies within a week, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent them from sticking together.
– **Freezing Cookies**: To extend their life, you can freeze baked cookies for up to three months. Allow the cookies to cool completely after baking, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure to layer parchment between them to avoid sticking.
– **Freezing Cookie Dough**: If you’d like to prepare the dough in advance, you can freeze it in log form. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
– **Reheating**: To enjoy your cookies warm, you can pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
– **Food Safety**: Always label any frozen cookies or dough with the date you made them. Additionally, practice good hygiene during preparation to minimize any foodborne illnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
**1. Can I make sugar cookie dough ahead of time?**
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a week before baking. Alternatively, the dough can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge the night before you plan to bake.
**2. Can I use different shapes for my cookies?**
Yes! While round shapes are classic, you can use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes, from stars to trees or even festive holiday characters. Just make sure to adjust the baking time, as different shapes may require more or less time in the oven.
**3. What should I use for decorating my cookies?**
You can use a simple buttercream frosting, royal icing, or a glaze for topping your cookies. Additionally, edible glitter, candy sprinkles, or colored sugar can add extra flair. Get creative with colors and designs to match the holiday theme!
**4. How do I make my cookies softer?**
For softer cookies, make sure not to overbake them. Once the edges are slightly golden, take them out; they’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet. You can also try adding an extra egg yolk for increased moisture.
**5. What if my cookie dough is too sticky?**
If your dough turns out too sticky to handle after chilling, you can add a small amount of additional flour until it’s workable. Be cautious not to add too much, as this can alter the texture of the finished cookies.
The magic of **Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies with Festive Stripes** lies not only in their vibrant appearance but also in their incredible flavor and the memories they help create. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re a heartfelt expression of love and tradition during the holiday season. So grab your apron, gather your family or friends, and make this recipe a part of your Christmas celebrations.
**Enjoy your baking journey! Remember to share your creations with friends and family – after all, cookies taste best when shared!**
