There’s Nothing Quite Like Christmas Sugar Cookies
The holiday season isn’t complete without the delightful aroma of freshly baked Christmas sugar cookies wafting through your home. These soft, festive treats evoke cherished memories of family gatherings and joyful celebrations. Inspired by the beloved Crumbl cookies, this recipe takes classic sugar cookies to new heights with its rich flavors and vibrant sprinkles. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a family gathering, or simply to share some warmth with loved ones, these cookies will melt hearts and create lasting memories.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Christmas sugar cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re an experience filled with joyous moments and delightful flavors. Here are a few reasons to whip up this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have store-worthy cookies ready to impress.
- Kid-Approved: Get the little ones involved! Measuring, mixing, and decorating make for perfect holiday bonding moments.
- Customizable: This recipe allows for personal touches with various sprinkles, toppings, or even flavor variations.
"These cookies are the highlight of our holiday season! The perfect blend of flavors and the cream cheese frosting is to die for!" – A satisfied baker
Step-by-Step Overview
Creating these Christmas sugar cookies is straightforward and enjoyable. With a mix of patience and a sprinkle of creativity, you’ll delight in every step of the process. Let’s break down how this recipe comes together to ensure your baking journey is smooth and stress-free.
What You’ll Need
To bake these scrumptious cookies, gather these essential ingredients:
- 270 g (2¼ cups) all-purpose flour
- 4 g (1 tsp) baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 170 g (1½ sticks / ¾ cup) unsalted butter, softened (68-72°F)
- 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
- 54 g (â…“ cup) Christmas jimmies sprinkles
- 283 g (1¼ bricks / 10 oz) full-fat cream cheese, softened (68-72°F)
- 184 g (13 Tbsp) salted butter, softened (68-72°F)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- â…› tsp salt
- 150 g (1¼ cups) powdered sugar, sifted
- 80 ml (â…“ cup) heavy cream, very cold
- 24 g (2 Tbsp) Christmas sprinkles (jimmies, nonpareils, trees, etc.)
Feel free to substitute unsalted butter with salted if you’re looking for a richer taste or swap almond extract for a different flavor profile.
Directions to Follow
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and blend on medium-low speed until combined, approximately 30 seconds.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Gently fold in the Christmas jimmies using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop out dough using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop (approximately 48-50 g each) and roll into balls. Space them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Slightly flatten each ball to about ½ inch thick using your fingers or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are set, and the tops are soft with a shiny finish. Avoid browning the cookies.
- Once out of the oven, shape the cookies into perfect circles by gently rotating a cookie cutter around each one.
- Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, use the whisk attachment in your stand mixer to beat cream cheese and salted butter on low speed until creamy and lump-free.
- Add vanilla extract and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Gradually add sifted powdered sugar in three parts, mixing on low until just combined.
- Drizzle in the cold heavy cream bit by bit while whisking on low speed until stiff peaks form.
- Pipe the frosting in a spiral pattern on each cooled cookie or spread it with a spatula.
- Add a festive sprinkle of Christmas jimmies just before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These cookies are delightful on their own or with a variety of pairings. Consider serving them with:
- A glass of milk or hot cocoa
- A plate of fresh fruit
- A festive cheese platter for contrast
Creatively plate your cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar or arrange them in holiday-themed containers for a beautiful presentation.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To ensure your Christmas sugar cookies remain delicious:
- Storage: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing: These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft, chill it for 30 minutes before baking to maintain shape.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing and optimal texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies! They should look soft and slightly glossy when they come out of the oven.
Creative Twists
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider these variations to switch things up:
- Flavored Frostings: Add orange zest for a citrus twist or peppermint extract for a refreshing flavor.
- Sprinkle Options: Use colored nonpareils or themed toppers to match your festive occasion.
- Add-ins: Incorporate mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries into the dough for added texture and flavor.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare these cookies?
From start to finish, you can prep, bake, and frost these cookies in about 2 hours.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used, it may alter the flavor and texture slightly. For the best results, stick with unsalted butter.
How can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives, ensuring that they are softened for proper mixing.
Keep this recipe handy, and embrace the festive joy that comes with baking and sharing these delightful sugar cookies. Happy baking!

Christmas Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and blend on medium-low speed until combined, approximately 30 seconds.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Gently fold in the Christmas jimmies using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop out dough using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop (approximately 48-50 g each) and roll into balls. Space them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Slightly flatten each ball to about ½ inch thick using your fingers or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are set, and the tops are soft with a shiny finish. Avoid browning the cookies.
- Once out of the oven, shape the cookies into perfect circles by gently rotating a cookie cutter around each one.
- Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, use the whisk attachment in your stand mixer to beat cream cheese and salted butter on low speed until creamy and lump-free.
- Add vanilla extract and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Gradually add sifted powdered sugar in three parts, mixing on low until just combined.
- Drizzle in the cold heavy cream bit by bit while whisking on low speed until stiff peaks form.
- Pipe the frosting in a spiral pattern on each cooled cookie or spread it with a spatula.
- Add a festive sprinkle of Christmas jimmies just before serving.