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Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe – Easy No Chill Cutouts for Decorating

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These classic Christmas sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating—no chilling required! The dough is easy to handle, holds its shape for cutouts, and bakes up with gently crisp edges and a tender center.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 2 3/4 cups (345g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons (16g) cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Royal icing or simple powdered sugar glaze (see notes)
  • Assorted sprinkles, colored sugars, edible glitter
  • Gel food coloring

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  3. Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until thoroughly combined, scraping down the bowl as needed.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Stir out any lumps.
  5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time; if crumbly, add a splash of milk.
  6. Divide dough in half. Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll one portion to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  7. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters, dipping cutters in flour to prevent sticking. Place cookies about 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
  8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are just barely golden and centers are set but still soft.
  9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing, glaze, sprinkles, and gel food coloring as desired. Let icing set before stacking or storing.

Notes

For a quick glaze, mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons milk and a splash of vanilla. For gluten-free cookies, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Use plant-based butter for dairy-free cookies. Chill dough briefly if it feels too soft. Bake one tray at a time for even results. Cool cookies completely before decorating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas cookies, sugar cookies, holiday baking, no chill, cutout cookies, decorating, easy sugar cookies, classic cookies

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/christmas-sugar-cookies-recipe-easy-no-chill-cutouts-for-decorating/