Holiday Cookies are the heart of the season—baked with love, decorated with care, and shared with family and friends. These buttery sugar cookies are crisp on the edges and soft in the center, perfect for cutting into festive shapes and decorating with royal icing, sprinkles, or colorful glaze. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing a holiday cookie platter, or gifting homemade treats, this classic recipe never fails to spread cheer. They’re simple to make, easy to customize, and sure to become part of your holiday tradition.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
Holiday Cookies combine flavor, nostalgia, and creativity. The dough rolls out beautifully and holds its shape when baked, making it ideal for stars, trees, snowflakes, or your favorite cookie cutters. The flavor is buttery and lightly sweet—delicious on its own or topped with your favorite icing. These cookies are also perfect for decorating parties or cookie exchanges. Bake a batch and share the joy.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Bake Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: About 24 cookies (depending on size)
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For the Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles or decorations (optional)
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and beat until combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
2. Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps firm up the dough and makes it easier to roll.
3. Roll and Cut
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
4. Bake and Cool
Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
Variations
- Spiced Version: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, holiday twist.
- Chocolate Holiday Cookies: Substitute ½ cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Citrus Zest: Add orange or lemon zest to the dough for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a similar result.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water).
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Small bowls and spoons (for icing and decorating)
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: ~120
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 1g
Values may vary depending on decorations and size.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store decorated or plain cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough disks or baked cookies (undecorated) for up to 2 months. Thaw before decorating.
- Make Ahead: The dough can be made 2–3 days in advance and kept chilled until ready to bake.
My Cooking Experience
With over 4 years of baking experience, holiday cookies have become one of my most cherished seasonal traditions. From mixing the dough to decorating with my family, every batch feels special. I’ve tried many variations, but this buttery, classic sugar cookie recipe is my go-to. It’s reliable, easy to work with, and loved by everyone who tries it. These cookies have graced many festive tables and gift boxes—and they always bring smiles.
Conclusion
Holiday Cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re part of what makes the season magical. From their irresistible buttery flavor to the joy of decorating, they offer a hands-on way to celebrate and connect with others. Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies are a holiday essential. Roll out the dough, break out the sprinkles, and create memories one cookie at a time.
Holiday Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and beat until combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps firm up the dough and makes it easier to roll.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store decorated or plain cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough disks or baked cookies (undecorated) for up to 2 months. Thaw before decorating.
