This is the Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe you’ve been looking for! A simple, slightly sweet dough made from pantry staples that’s easy to roll and cut and holds its shape in the oven.
Slightly golden edges, a flat surface, and a soft center make these the perfect sugar cookies for frosting and decorating.
Classic Christmas Sugar Cookie Cut Out Recipe
This foolproof cut-out sugar cookie recipe removes the holiday hassle. It’s made with just seven real ingredients and produces reliably delicious cookies every time. The dough is easy to roll and cut, doesn’t spread while baking, and yields soft, buttery cookies that are perfect for decorating.
This is a classic family recipe that tastes like the cookies Grandma used to make. It’s ideal for prepping ahead: make the dough, chill it, and then invite the kids to choose cookie cutters and sprinkles for a fun decorating session.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Sugar Cookies
Taste: Buttery and sweet, these cookies are a timeless holiday favorite. Topped with your preferred frosting, they become irresistible festive treats.
Texture: Soft and tender in the center with slightly crisp, golden edges — the classic sugar cookie texture. They’re chewy without being dense, and they hold their shape well for neat decorating.
Frosting Options
This post does not include a single frosting recipe because many bakers prefer different finishes. A classic American buttercream works beautifully for quick, bright colors and soft decoration. For crisp, detailed piping, royal icing is often the preferred choice. You can also use store-bought frosting for convenience.
Tips for Perfect Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
- Divide and chill: After mixing, divide the dough into two equal portions, shape into discs, wrap tightly, and chill. Smaller discs chill faster and are easier to roll.
- Don’t skip chilling: Well-chilled dough rolls out smoothly and cuts cleanly. Chilling prevents spreading and keeps crisp edges.
- Roll thickness: Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness when rolling the dough; this gives a sturdy cookie that still feels tender.
- Cookie cutters: Dust cutters with flour or very lightly spray them with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and keep clean edges.
How to Make Cut-Out Christmas Sugar Cookies
Step 1: In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture in three additions, mixing on low speed just until combined after each addition. Increase speed briefly to ensure the dough is evenly mixed, then stop.
Step 5: Shape the dough into a ball, divide it in half, press each half into a flat disc, and wrap both discs tightly in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 2 hours until firm.
Step 6: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Step 7: Lightly flour or spray your cookie cutters and cut out shapes, transferring them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 8: Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
More Fun Christmas Cookie Ideas
If you love cut-out sugar cookies, other festive options to try include cookies with toffee and crackers, sandwich-style linzer cookies, peanut butter blossoms, or white chocolate and cranberry cookies. For a kid-friendly project, stained glass cookies made with candy centers are a colorful favorite.
Storage and Freezing
Store fully cooled cookies in an airtight container. Separate layers with parchment or wax paper to keep iced cookies from sticking together. At room temperature, the cookies stay fresh for up to one week.
Can I freeze baked, unfrosted cut-out cookies?
Yes. Arrange cooled, unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag so they won’t stick together. Frozen cookies keep for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
Sugar Cookie FAQs
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions (Concise)
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla until combined.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually blend dry ingredients into butter mixture until a smooth dough forms.
- Divide dough in half, form each half into a disc, wrap, and chill 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut shapes, place on parchment-lined baking sheets, and bake 8–10 minutes.
- Cool completely on wire racks before decorating.
Let’s Connect
If you try this recipe, leave a comment and share how it turned out. I love hearing about your baking and seeing photos of decorated cookies!