Christmas Sugar Cookies (Crumbl Copycat)

The Magic of Christmas Sugar Cookies

There’s something truly heartwarming about the smell of Christmas Sugar Cookies baking in the oven. The soft, buttery aroma instantly fills your home with joy and warmth. These cheerful treats are more than just cookies—they’re little bites of holiday magic. Each one is soft, sweet, and topped with colorful sprinkles that sparkle like ornaments on a tree.

Baking Christmas Sugar Cookies is as much about the memories as it is the flavor. Imagine gathering with family, laughing as you decorate each cookie with frosting and festive jimmies. Every bite melts in your mouth, offering a blend of creamy frosting and buttery cookie that feels like Christmas itself.

Whether for a cookie exchange, holiday gift box, or cozy night by the fire, these Christmas Sugar Cookies are a must on your seasonal baking list.

Add a classic holiday touch with these Soft Gingerbread Cookies — warm spice meets chewy sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons these Christmas Sugar Cookies deserve a spot in your kitchen this season:

• Nostalgic Flavor: Buttery and soft, these cookies taste just like the ones from childhood Christmas mornings.
• Easy for Everyone: No fancy equipment or pro skills needed—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
• Festive Fun: Decorating these Christmas Sugar Cookies with sprinkles is half the joy.
• Luscious Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds richness and that bakery-style finish.
• Perfect for Sharing: Pack them in a festive tin or box and gift them to friends, neighbors, or coworkers.

Once you bake a batch, don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than snowflakes on your windowsill.

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies

The best part about baking Christmas Sugar Cookies is how simple and fun the process is. Follow these steps and your kitchen will smell like holiday heaven.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these festive delights:

• 270 g (2¼ cups) all-purpose flour
• 4 g (1 tsp) baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 170 g (1½ sticks / ¾ cup) unsalted butter, softened (68-72°F)
• 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
• 54 g (⅓ cup) Christmas jimmies sprinkles
• 283 g (1¼ bricks / 10 oz) full-fat cream cheese, softened (68-72°F)
• 184 g (13 Tbsp) salted butter, softened (68-72°F)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 150 g (1¼ cups) powdered sugar, sifted
• 80 ml (⅓ cup) heavy cream, very cold
• 24 g (2 Tbsp) Christmas sprinkles (jimmies, nonpareils, trees, etc.)

Unsalted butter gives Christmas Sugar Cookies a rich flavor without being overpowering. Cream cheese frosting makes them soft and luscious, while almond extract adds a hint of warmth. For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in egg, vanilla, and almond extract until combined.

Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed.

Fold in Sprinkles: Gently mix in Christmas sprinkles using a spatula.

Shape and Bake: Scoop dough into balls (about 3 tablespoons each), flatten slightly, and bake for 9–11 minutes.

The cookies should be pale and soft in the center with set edges. Once baked, shape them gently with a cookie cutter or glass for perfect rounds.

Cool completely before frosting.

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookies

When it comes to serving your Christmas Sugar Cookies, the options are plentiful and joyous! These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet treat during your cozy family movie nights. You can plate them in a charming holiday platter, garnished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an added touch of elegance.

Visually, these cookies with their colorful frosting and sprinkles are sure to catch everyone’s eye. The soft texture invites you to take a big, happy bite, and the festive colors evoke the exhilarating spirit of the holiday season. Pair them with a hot cup of cocoa or a glass of cold milk, and you’ll have a perfect afternoon snack to make any day feel festive.

For a tastier treat that fits a diabetes-friendly plan, check out the Healthy Christmas Cookies for Diabetics — sweet, smart, and satisfying.

How to Store Christmas Sugar Cookies

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare), storing your Christmas Sugar Cookies correctly is essential to keep them fresh. Once they’ve cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 5-7 days.

For longer storage, consider freezing them! Simply place the cookies in a zip-top freezer bag, layering parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, it’s best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. If you prefer a warm cookie experience, pop them in the oven for a couple of minutes to reheat, giving them a delightful crisp edge.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookies

Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure that your Christmas Sugar Cookies come out beautifully every time:

• Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Properly Soften Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to the right consistency—68-72°F. It should be pliable but not greasy. If it’s too warm, it can affect the cookie texture.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Having the egg and cream cheese at room temperature helps them combine more smoothly, leading to a better texture.
• Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Every oven is different, so start checking at around the 9-minute mark.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Don’t skimp on the quality of your ingredients. Good butter, real vanilla extract, and full-fat cream cheese make all the difference!

Looking for something peppermint-fresh? Try the Candy-Cane Cookies — festive, minty, and fun to bake.

Variations

If you want to give these Christmas Sugar Cookies a creative twist, here are a few variations to consider:

• Lemon Zest Addition: Incorporating lemon zest into the cookie dough will give your cookies a refreshing citrus flavor, brightening up the traditional sugar cookie taste.
• Chocolate Drizzle: After frosting the cookies, consider drizzling some melted chocolate over the top for a rich, decadent layer that pairs perfectly with the creamy frosting.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend for a cookie that everyone can enjoy, without sacrificing texture or flavor.
• Peppermint Flavor: For a minty twist, substitute part of the vanilla extract with peppermint extract, adding a festive flair that screams holiday joy.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and chill it in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, scoop and shape the cookies directly from the fridge.

Can I freeze the frosted cookies?
It’s best to freeze the cookies before frosting them to maintain the integrity of the cream cheese frosting. Frost after thawing to ensure the decoration remains intact and fresh.

How do I ensure my cookies are soft?
To keep your cookies soft, avoid overbaking them. You want them to look set but still soft in the middle. The residual heat will continue to cook them slightly after they come out of the oven.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can use whole milk instead, but the texture may be a bit thinner. You can also whip some milk together with softened cream cheese for a frosting substitute.

The recipe scroll never ends—find your next favorite on Pinterest and dive deeper on Medium.

Wrap-Up

There you have it—your guide to making the most delightful Christmas Sugar Cookies! This recipe has all the festive spirit wrapped up in each delicious bite, and I hope you give it a try. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to share some sweet joy with loved ones, these cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite.

If you love this Christmas Sugar Cookies recipe, save it for later or share it with someone who would enjoy this delicious treat too! Happy baking and happy holidays!

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