Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe

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Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe

The Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe captures the essence of the holidays with its inviting aromas and textures. Imagine the sweet, buttery scent wafting through your kitchen as you mix and bake. These cookies embody the spirit of Christmas, with their tender, chewy bites embellished with colorful sprinkles that evoke joy and warmth. Whether you bake them for a family gathering or a seasonal celebration, this step-by-step recipe will guide you in creating delightful treats that will delight your senses and bring a smile to everyone’s face.

History / Fun Fact

Sugar cookies have a delightful history that traces back to the mid-1700s, originating in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, where German settlers brought the traditional recipes. These cookies, originally known as "Nazareth Sugar Cookies," quickly became a staple in American baking, particularly around the Christmas season. Their simplicity allows for endless creativity, from decorating them with vibrant icing to personalizing them with holiday themes. Over the years, these cookies have transformed into a beloved Christmas tradition, symbolizing love, community, and joy as families come together to bake and decorate, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Ingredients

To create the perfect Festive Christmas Sugar Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted) – This creamy, rich base ensures a tender cookie that melts in your mouth.
• ½ cup brown sugar – Its deep, molasses-like flavor adds complexity and a hint of caramel that pairs perfectly with festive vibes.
• ¼ cup white sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness, ensuring your cookies are delightful and sugary bliss.
• 1 large egg – The egg binds the ingredients beautifully, contributing to the soft texture and rich flavor.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Invigorating and aromatic, this extract infuses your cookies with a delightful scent that beckons from the oven.
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour – The backbone of your cookies, this flour provides structure and stability, resulting in a perfectly chewy texture.
• 1 tsp baking soda – This leavening agent helps your cookies rise and achieve that soft, airy quality.
• ½ tsp baking powder – Works in tandem with baking soda to ensure your cookies come out light and fluffy.
• ½ tsp salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors, making the cookies taste truly irresistible.
• ½ cup holiday sprinkles – These colorful little gems add a whimsical touch, making your cookies not just delicious but also festive and fun!

Cooking Time & Tips For Festive Christmas Sugar Cookies

The beauty of the Festive Christmas Sugar Cookies lies in their balance between quick preparation for those in a hurry and an opportunity for a more leisurely, enjoyable afternoon in the kitchen. Quick preparation can take as little as 30 minutes from start to finish, while slow preparation allows you to savor the experience, experimenting with different sprinkles and decorations.

For a successful baking experience, measure your ingredients accurately and be gentle when mixing the dough. Avoid overworking it; you want to maintain that delightful texture. Extra tip: use a cookie scoop to ensure even-sized cookies that bake uniformly and look beautiful on the plate!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Dry Mix: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until combined. Feel the fine grains pass through your fingers as you mix—this is where the structure of your cookies begins.

2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, blend melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth and creamy. The texture should be glossy, inviting you to add in one large egg and vanilla extract. Stir until it’s rich and fluffy; you’ll love the way the scents come alive!

3. Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just blended. Take a moment to fold in the holiday sprinkles, feeling like a kid in a candy store as you watch the colors burst through the dough!

4. Shape and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough into balls using a cookie scoop and place them on a lined baking sheet, flattening them slightly for that perfect cookie shape. The anticipation rises as you picture the golden cookies to come!

5. Bake and Cool: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden edges form. The aroma filling your kitchen will be heavenly! Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack—this is where they firm up.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Decorate the cookies as desired, or serve them plain for a classic touch. Either way, let the joy unfold as you share these treats with family and friends!

Serving Suggestions & Occasions

These Festive Christmas Sugar Cookies are perfect for numerous occasions! Serve them fresh from the oven at holiday gatherings, gift them to neighbors or friends, or even arrange them beautifully as part of a cookie platter for festive festivities. They can double as delightful treats for Christmas parties or cozy movie nights at home. Their vibrant colors make them a beautiful addition to any dessert table, elevating the festive spirit!

Common Mistakes For Festive Christmas Sugar Cookies

1. Overmixing the Dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined—gentle is key!
2. Not Measuring Ingredients Properly: Baking is an exact science, so use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy to ensure perfect cookies.
3. Skipping the Cooling Time: Remove the cookies too soon, and they may break apart. Allow them to cool adequately!
4. Baking at the Wrong Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature to ensure even baking.
5. Using Old Ingredients: Check the freshness of your baking powder and soda, as these are crucial for achieving the right texture.

Healthier Alternatives & Variations

If you’re looking for healthier alternatives, consider substituting the following:

• Butter: Use coconut oil or applesauce for a lighter touch.
• Sugar: Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option.
• Flour: Swap out white flour for whole wheat flour or almond flour to increase fiber content and add a nutty flavor.
• Add-ins: Incorporate oats, desiccated coconut, or dark chocolate chips for a unique twist!

FAQs

1. How long do these cookies last?

   • They can last up to a week when stored in an airtight container.

2. Can I freeze these cookies?

   • Yes! Freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw a little and then bake as directed!

3. What can I use instead of eggs?

   • For an egg substitute, use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water).

4. Can I use gluten-free flour?

   • Absolutely! Just ensure you use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

5. What if the dough is too sticky?

   • If your dough is too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.

6. How can I decorate them?

   • Use royal icing, fondant, or colored sugar for decorating. Let your creativity shine!

Conclusion

The Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe is a must-try this holiday season! With a blend of delightful ingredients and the joy of baking, you will create luscious cookies that are sure to bring festive cheer. Don’t wait! Gather your ingredients, invite some loved ones to join you, and embark on this delicious journey filled with laughter and sweet memories. Bake these cookies today, and let the celebrations begin!

Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe

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Delightful sugar cookies infused with festive flavors, perfect for holiday celebrations.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup holiday sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Mix: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until combined.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, blend melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth and creamy. Stir in one large egg and vanilla extract until rich and fluffy.
3. Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just blended. Fold in the holiday sprinkles.
4. Shape and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough into balls and place them on a lined baking sheet, flattening them slightly.
5. Bake and Cool: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden edges form. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Decorate as desired or serve plain.

Notes

Avoid overmixing the dough and ensure accurate measurement of ingredients for best results.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

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