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Christmas Sugar Cookies

These classic Christmas sugar cookies are soft in the center with a light snap on the edges, perfect for decorating and full of vanilla butter bliss.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 and 3/4 cups all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
Wet Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temp Use room temperature butter for proper creaming.
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temp
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Classic flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional) For added flavor.
Icing
  • 1 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons milk Adjust to desired consistency.
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • pinch salt

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the egg and vanilla to the creamed mixture, and mix until combined. If using, add the almond extract.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two additions, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
Chilling
  1. Divide the dough into two halves, flatten into discs, wrap, and chill for 1 to 2 hours.
Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Roll the chilled dough on lightly floured parchment to about 1/4 inch thick.
  3. Cut into desired shapes.
  4. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the bottoms are pale golden.
  5. Allow cookies to cool before decorating.
Decorating
  1. Stir the icing ingredients together until smooth.
  2. Spread or pipe icing onto cooled cookies and let dry before stacking.

Notes

To maintain cookie shape, ensure dough is well-chilled. For icing, use gel food coloring for vibrant colors and adjust thickness as needed.