Christmas Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies
Table of Contents
There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, isn’t there? The twinkling lights, the festive songs that fill the air, and of course, the delightful aroma of Christmas baking wafting through the house. One of my fondest memories is of my grandma’s kitchen — a cozy haven where sugar cookies were baked with love and decorated with joy. These Christmas Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies are a cherished heirloom from those sweet family gatherings, and I’m thrilled to share them with you today.
These cookies are the perfect embodiment of holiday cheer, offering a tender bite that melts in your mouth, a creamy frosting that satisfies your sweet tooth, and a sprinkle of festive joy that lifts your spirits. They’re more than just cookies; they’re little parcels of comfort and nostalgia wrapped in sugary delight. Baking them is like giving your family and friends a warm, edible hug — and who couldn’t use one of those during the holiday hustle?
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is as easy as can be. With simple, accessible ingredients, you’ll have a batch of these irresistible cookies ready to spread holiday cheer. So, let’s gather around the kitchen counter and create some delicious, lasting memories together.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
Nostalgic Bliss: Each bite takes you back to childhood Christmases, capturing the magic of festive family gatherings. These cookies remind us of simpler times, where the joy of the season was found in the small things — like the smell of freshly baked cookies.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The combination of butter and sour cream creates an irresistibly soft cookie that practically dissolves on your tongue. This texture is a result of precise ingredient balance, ensuring that each cookie is both tender and satisfying.
Customizable Joy: With the ease of tinting the frosting and adding sprinkles, every cookie becomes a unique expression of holiday creativity. Whether you choose traditional red and green or a wintery blue and white, these cookies are your canvas.
Family Bonding: Baking these cookies is a delightful family activity, perfect for creating shared memories. Inviting children to help with decorating not only teaches them valuable skills but also brings laughter and joy to the experience.
Simple & Accessible: With easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe is approachable for cooks of all skill levels. There’s no need for fancy equipment or hard-to-find spices; just a love for baking and a bit of festive spirit.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Creating these cookies is a breeze with just a few kitchen essentials. Here’s what you’ll need:
Mixing Bowls: A large one for the cookie dough and a medium one for the frosting. It’s helpful to have bowls that are sturdy and easy to grip, especially when making large batches.
Electric Mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar to fluffy perfection. A handheld mixer works fine, but if you have a stand mixer, it will make the process even easier.
Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and ensure evenly baked cookies. This also makes cleanup a snap and helps in transferring cookies to the cooling rack.
Baking Sheets: For baking batches of cookies. Make sure they are flat and not warped to ensure even baking.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements. Accuracy is key to baking success, so double-check your measurements for the best results.
Cooling Rack: To cool the cookies before frosting. This ensures the frosting won’t melt off, keeping your decorated cookies picture-perfect.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
INGREDIENTS
For the Cookies:
1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Food coloring (optional)
Holiday sprinkles
INSTRUCTIONS
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light, pale, and fluffy. This step is crucial as it creates the base texture for your cookies, so take your time to achieve a creamy consistency.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in the sour cream and vanilla extract. The sour cream adds moisture, keeping the cookies soft and tender, while the vanilla infuses warmth and depth of flavor.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so be gentle.
Cover the dough and chill for at least 1–2 hours to prevent spreading. Chilling is key for maintaining shape and ensuring that the cookies bake evenly.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop the dough into 1.5-inch balls, flatten gently, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave enough space between each cookie for spreading.
Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set. Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting. This step is essential to ensure the frosting adheres properly.
For the frosting, beat butter until smooth, gradually adding powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and cream until fluffy. Tint with food coloring if desired and spread on each cookie. Decorate with sprinkles. The frosting can be customized with different extracts or zests for a personalized touch.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 15 minutes • Cooking Time: 10 minutes • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes • Calories: 180 • Servings: 24
Note: For a fun twist, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the frosting for a subtle, nutty flavor.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
The ingredients in these cookies not only bring flavor but also a touch of nutritional goodness. Butter provides richness and a creamy texture, while sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that balances sweetness beautifully. Eggs lend structure and help achieve that soft, melt-in-your-mouth quality. The flour forms the backbone of the cookie, while sugar adds sweetness and helps in browning. Lastly, the sprinkles may not offer nutritional benefits, but they certainly bring joy and festive flair!
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
These cookies are perfect on their own, but pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or a steaming mug of spiced cider, and you have an irresistible holiday treat combo. For a festive dessert platter, serve alongside our Christmas Peppermint Bark, or for a savory contrast, pair them with a selection of cheeses like brie or camembert. You can also enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
For an adult twist, serve with a glass of dessert wine or a warm toddy to complement the sweetness of the cookies. These pairings not only enhance the flavor but also create a cozy, festive atmosphere.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’re planning to keep them longer, freeze the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to three months. Frost them fresh when you’re ready to serve. Leftover cookies are delightful crumbled over yogurt or used as a base for an ice cream sandwich.
Another creative way to use leftovers is to crumble them into a parfait or layer them with whipped cream and berries for a quick dessert. You can also package them in festive bags as homemade gifts, sharing the joy and taste of the season.
As we wrap up this little kitchen adventure, remember that baking isn’t just about the end result — it’s about the love and warmth you pour into every step. These Christmas Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies are more than a recipe; they’re a tradition, a memory, a way to bring people together with joy and sweetness. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and let the kitchen be a space of happiness and nostalgia.
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Christmas Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light, pale, and fluffy.
- Add Eggs, Sour Cream & Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in the sour cream and vanilla extract.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill for at least 1–2 hours.
- Shape & Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop the dough into 1.5-inch balls and gently flatten them. Bake 8–10 minutes.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool completely before frosting.
- Frost the Cookies: Prepare the frosting by beating butter until smooth, then adding powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and cream.
