Name: Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 24 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2–3 tablespoons milk (plus more as needed); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; Food coloring (optional); Sprinkles or decorating sugars (optional)

Nothing says "holiday magic" quite like a batch of these Christmas Sugar Cookies with Easy Icing! These cookies are tender, buttery, and just sweet enough with that classic melt-in-your-mouth finish. Topped with a fuss-free icing, they're perfect canvases for festive sprinkles and cheerful decorations.

You'll love how easily the dough rolls out, holds its shape, and creates cookies that are both beautiful and delicious. Whether you're baking for a cookie exchange, setting out treats for Santa, or having a decorating party with the kids, this is a must-try classic that never disappoints.

This recipe is inspired by my family's Christmas traditions and years of bustling kitchen memories. I'm so excited to share it - it's a staple every December and always brings a little extra sparkle to the season!

Pile of beautifully decorated festive Christmas sugar cookies

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Dough is smooth, easy to roll, and holds perfect cookie cutter shapes
Simple icing dries to a glossy, picture-perfect finish for decorating
Freezer-friendly recipe, ideal for making ahead and sharing
Classic flavors and soft, tender texture everyone adores
Fun, festive activity that's great for all ages

Key Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Unsalted Butter

Butter gives these cookies their signature rich, buttery taste and soft, tender bite. Be sure to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level in the dough. Let it soften to room temperature before creaming - this creates fluffier, lighter cookies. If you only have salted butter, you can use it and reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.

Granulated Sugar

Sugar sweetens the cookies and helps create just the right amount of spread. Classic white sugar is best here for that traditional taste and tender crumb. Avoid using coarser sugars, which can make the texture gritty. If you want to play with flavor, try substituting a tablespoon with light brown sugar for subtle warmth.

All-Purpose Flour

This is the sturdy backbone of your cookie, helping them hold their shape even after baking and decorating. Spoon and level the flour into your measuring cup for accuracy. To make these cookies gluten-free, swap with a high-quality measure-for-measure gluten-free blend, but expect a slightly more delicate dough.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla brings a warm, cozy note that rounds out the sweetness and makes the aroma irresistible. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. For variation, add a little almond extract or lemon zest - both are delicious festive twists.

Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar is the key to an easy, smooth icing that's perfect for both flooding and piping. It dissolves quickly and sets to a shiny, not-too-hard finish. Sift it before mixing if your sugar is clumpy to avoid lumps in your icing. You could also flavor the icing with a touch of vanilla or almond extract if you'd like.

Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing cooking process

Instructions for Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by combining the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Using a hand mixer (or stand mixer), beat them together on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is key for tender cookies, so don't rush it!

Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat again, scraping down the bowl as needed, until everything is completely combined. The dough will become creamy and smooth, which means you're on the right track.

Mix in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in two additions, mixing on low speed or by hand until everything is incorporated. The dough should pull away from the bowl and become soft but not sticky. If it feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it's just right.

Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, and wrap each well in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour in the fridge (or 30 minutes in the freezer). Chilling helps prevent spreading and makes rolling out much easier.

Roll and Cut Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼ inch thick. Cut out shapes using your favorite cookie cutters, transferring them to the prepared trays, spacing about 1 inch apart. Gather and re-roll dough scraps as needed.

Bake and Cool

Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are barely golden and the centers look set. Don't overbake or they'll lose their tenderness! Let the cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before icing.

Make the Easy Icing

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and vanilla. Add more milk, a little at a time, until you reach a smooth, pipeable (but not too runny) consistency. If using, tint the icing with food coloring. Transfer icing to piping bags or use a spoon for spreading.

Decorate and Set

Decorate fully cooled cookies with icing and sprinkles. Place them back on the wire rack to allow the icing to set, about 1 hour. Once set, enjoy or store in an airtight container.

Recipe Variations

Add a Citrus Twist

For a fragrant, zingy spin, stir in a teaspoon of finely grated lemon or orange zest to the dough. Citrus adds a fresh, festive note that pairs wonderfully with holiday flavors.

Make Them Gluten-Free

Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and be sure to chill the dough well before rolling. The cookies will be a bit more delicate but still just as delicious and beautiful.

Almond or Peppermint Flavor

Change up the classic vanilla by adding ½ teaspoon almond extract or a drop or two of peppermint extract to the dough or icing. Both flavors feel extra festive and taste like Christmas!

Vegan Adaptation

For a vegan version, use a good vegan butter and your favorite plant-based milk. Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for cookies that everyone can enjoy.

Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Substitute ½ cup of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a subtly chocolate version that's just as perfect for decorating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Christmas sugar cookies with mugs of hot cocoa, mulled cider, or a festive latte for a cozy treat. Arrange them on a holiday platter with other favorites like gingerbread men or peppermint bark. For an elegant touch, dust plain iced cookies with a little edible glitter or silver dragees!

Storage and Reheating

Once the icing has fully dried, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To keep your cookies extra fresh, layer them between sheets of parchment paper. They also freeze beautifully: freeze undecorated or fully decorated cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature - no reheating needed - and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing (FAQ)

Q: Can I make the sugar cookie dough ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance, wrapped well, and stored in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months - thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and cutting.

Q: How do I get perfectly shaped cookies that don’t spread?

A: Be sure to chill your dough thoroughly before rolling and baking. Roll the dough to even thickness and be gentle when transferring shapes to the baking sheet. Keeping your baking sheets cool between batches also helps!

Q: Can I use this icing for detailed decoration or piping?

A: Yes! This easy icing works great for basic piping and flooding. For more intricate designs, use less milk for a thicker piping consistency, and thin it out with more milk for flooding larger areas.

Q: How do I keep my cookies soft?

A: Don't overbake the cookies - remove them when the edges are just barely golden and the centers look set. Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help maintain moisture.

These Christmas Sugar Cookies with Easy Icing are sure to become your new holiday tradition. So gather the family, roll out the dough, and have a blast decorating together! Let me know how your cookies turn out by leaving a comment or rating below - I can't wait to see your festive creations!