**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 10 minutes
**Total time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 24 cookies
There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house during the holiday season. With Christmas right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to whip up a batch of Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies with Festive Stripes. These delightful cookies not only taste fantastic but also add a beautiful touch to any holiday gathering.
Imagine the joy on your family and friends’ faces as they each take a bite of these soft and chewy cookies, decorated with festive hues of red and green. Perfect for cookie exchanges, decorating parties, or simply as a treat to enjoy while enjoying your favorite holiday movie, these sugar cookies are versatile and appealing. They’re a wonderful canvas for creativity, and I’ll guide you through step-by-step instructions that even beginner bakers can follow with confidence. Let’s dive in!
What Are Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies?
Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies are a staple during the festive season, offering a sweet that evokes warmth and joyous memories. Originating in Europe, these cookies underwent a transformation in the United States, where they became a beloved tradition around Christmas time. Their enchantingly sweet flavor is complemented by a soft and chewy texture that makes each bite melt in your mouth.
The dough is typically crafted from basic ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla, creating a foundation that can easily be enhanced with various flavors or decorations. What makes these holiday cookies truly festive is the addition of colorful icing or sprinkles that can transform these simple treats into delightful works of art. The Festive Stripes in this recipe will involve incorporating red and green colors, making them particularly beautiful for the holidays.
Beyond their taste and looks, sugar cookies symbolize sharing and celebration. Whether you’re baking with kids or neighbors, they are a perfect way to spread festive cheer and even engage in conversations about holiday traditions.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore these Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies with Festive Stripes:
– **Taste**: The cookies are perfectly sweet, with hints of vanilla that play nicely against the buttery goodness, creating a mouthwatering flavor combination. Each cookie is soft and chewy with an ever-so-slight crunch on the edges.
– **Ease**: This recipe is simple, requiring no fancy techniques. Even novice bakers can navigate through the steps confidently. The straightforward list of ingredients makes it an accessible treat that you can prepare without needing to scour specialty stores.
– **Cost-Effectiveness**: Baking at home is often more economical than buying treats from bakeries. With basic pantry staples, you’ll create a large batch of cookies at a fraction of the cost.
– **Versatility**: Beyond the festive stripes, you can customize these cookies to fit any occasion. Think pastel colors for spring, or chocolate-flavored variations for birthdays. They’re also great for decorating with kids!
– **Tradition**: Baking sugar cookies during the holidays can become a cherished family tradition. Involve your children, grandchildren, or friends in the decorating process, making lasting memories in the kitchen.
However, it’s important to note some common misconceptions. Many believe that sugar cookies require extensive skills or must be dry and crumbly. With this recipe, you’ll discover how to achieve the perfect soft texture and delightful taste without overcomplicating the process.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies with Festive Stripes:
– **2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour**: This is the base of your cookie. You may substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version, but texture may vary slightly.
– **1 teaspoon baking powder**: This will help your cookies puff up, ensuring they are soft and chewy rather than dense.
– **½ teaspoon salt**: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
– **1 cup unsalted butter, softened**: Butter adds richness and flavor. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing. If you prefer, you can use margarine, but the taste may differ.
– **1 ½ cups granulated sugar**: The main sweetener. You could use half brown sugar for a caramel-like flavor.
– **1 large egg**: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s chewy texture.
– **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**: A flavor booster that’s essential for sugar cookies.
– **Red and Green food coloring**: Will be used to create the festive stripes. Gel food coloring is recommended for intense color without altering texture.
– **Powdered sugar** (for icing): Optional, but recommended for decorating if you want to add a sweet glaze or drizzle for extra presentation.
How to Make Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies
Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies with Festive Stripes:
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is essential to ensure your cookies bake evenly. Take out your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper for easy removal afterward.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar**: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue to mix until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.
4. **Add Egg and Vanilla**: Add in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until fully combined. The batter might appear a little thick at this stage, but that’s normal.
5. **Incorporate Dry Mixture**: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix; stop when the flour is just incorporated. You’ll know you’re ready when you see no visible dry flour, but avoid mixing until it’s completely smooth.
6. **Divide and Color the Dough**: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Use food coloring to tint one half red and the other half green. Start with a few drops; you can always add more if you want brighter colors. Gently knead the dough until the colors are evenly distributed.
7. **Create the Stripes**: To form the stripes, take small portions of each colored dough and roll them into logs of roughly equal size. Next, flatten them slightly and lay them side by side. Gently press them together, then roll the dough into a cylinder for the final shape. This technique creates the festive striped effect once they’re baked.
8. **Chill the Dough**: Wrap the cylinder of cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps to prevent spreading during baking, ensuring a thick, chewy cookie.
9. **Bake the Cookies**: Once chilled, slice the log into ¼-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure there’s enough space between each cookie, as they will expand while baking. Bake in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden.
10. **Cool Down**: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up slightly, making them easier to handle without breaking.
11. **Decorate (Optional)**: If you want to add icing or glaze, use powdered sugar mixed with water or milk until you reach a drizzle-worthy consistency. You can also sprinkle festive glitter or additional colored sprinkles on top for an extra sparkle.
5 Variations & Substitutions
1. **Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies**:
– For those who are gluten-sensitive, swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend is an excellent choice. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the structure and chewiness of gluten. The result is surprisingly similar; you’d hardly know the difference!
2. **Almond Sugar Cookies**:
– If you want to add a nutty flavor, replace the vanilla extract with almond extract. This small change imparts a delightful twist to the traditional flavor profile and pairs beautifully with the sugary frosting.
3. **Swirl Cookies**:
– Instead of creating distinct stripes, roll your dough portions together to create a marbled effect. This can be done by mixing colors rather than keeping them separate. Each cookie will have a unique design reminiscent of holiday wrapping paper.
4. **Frosted Sugar Cookies**:
– Instead of merely drizzling icing, consider fully frosting each cookie after they’ve cooled. You can make a simple royal icing (powdered sugar, egg whites, and lemon juice) and have fun with intricate designs, using festive piping bags.
5. **Add-ins**:
– Consider incorporating mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts into the dough before baking. These add-ins provide texture and flavor contrast, making the cookies more exciting and diverse.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing these Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies, a few common pitfalls can detract from your final product:
– **Using Cold Butter**: If your butter is too cold, the cookies may turn out dense. Softened butter achieves a creamy mixture when creamed with sugar, allowing for a fluffy texture. Waiting for the butter to sit out at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes usually does the trick.
– **Overmixing the Dough**: Incorporating flour too much after adding it to the wet ingredients can lead to tougher cookies. Just mix until combined; it’s okay if there are a few little lumps.
– **Not Chilling the Dough**: Omitting the chilling step can cause your cookies to spread too much during baking, resulting in flat and crispy cookies. A good rule of thumb is to chill for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it chill for a few hours or overnight can improve the flavor further.
– **Skipping the Parchment Paper**: Baking directly on a pan may lead to sticking, making it difficult to remove your cookies without breaking them. Parchment paper simplifies cleanup and ensures the cookies bake evenly.
– **Not Adjusting for Altitude**: If you’re in a high-altitude area, you may need to make adjustments to your cookie mixture to avoid flat cookies. Reducing the sugar slightly and increasing flour can help maintain structure.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
Proper storage of your Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies ensures that they remain fresh and delicious:
– **At Room Temperature**: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for about a week, remaining soft and chewy.
– **Freezing**: If you want to prepare ahead of time, sugar cookie dough can be frozen. Wrap the unbaked log tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking as instructed.
– **Frozen Cookies**: Baked cookies can also be frozen for future enjoyment. Make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.
– **Reheating**: If you want to enjoy leftovers warm, consider reheating cookies in a microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps restore their fresh-baked texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. **Can I use margarine instead of butter?**
– While margarine can be used in place of butter, it may alter the flavor and texture of your cookies. With margarine being less creamy, the cookies may not turn out as rich and might spread more. If you’re looking for a similar result, choose a stick margarine that is labeled as suitable for baking.
2. **Do I need to use food coloring?**
– The food coloring is entirely optional! If you prefer a classic sugar cookie, you can omit the coloring altogether and simply enjoy plain cookies. Alternatively, you can experiment with different colors for various occasions.
3. **How can I make the cookies softer?**
– For softer cookies, make sure to avoid overbaking them. As soon as the edges turn lightly golden, remove them from the oven. They may look underbaked, but they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Additionally, incorporating an extra egg yolk can enhance the softness.
4. **What can I substitute for granulated sugar?**
– If you’re looking for an alternative to granulated sugar, white sugar can be replaced with brown sugar. This will impart a more complex flavor and chewy texture. For a healthier option, consider coconut sugar or a carefully measured sugar substitute suitable for baking.
5. **Can I freeze the sugar cookies after baking?**
– Absolutely! Baked sugar cookies freeze very well. Just ensure they cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can then be frozen for up to three months without losing their great taste.
In conclusion, Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies with Festive Stripes are not only a crowd-pleaser but also a delightful way to add personal touches to your holiday celebrations. Their tender texture, sweet flavor, and beautiful presentation make them an essential treat during this special time of year. This recipe is straightforward enough that you can confidently introduce it to your holiday traditions, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s create some delicious memories this holiday season. I encourage you to experiment with different flavors, colors, and decorations to truly make this cookie your own. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family or bring them along to festive gatherings — after all, the joy of baking becomes even sweeter when shared with others! Happy baking!
