Christmas Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat for holiday celebrations. Soft, chewy, and topped with a creamy frosting and festive sprinkles, these cookies bring the magic of the season straight to your kitchen. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for family baking sessions, holiday gifting, and sweetening up your festive gatherings.

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Why You’ll Love These Christmas Sugar Cookies
These cookies are everything you want for a holiday treat—soft, chewy, and full of festive colors. The combination of vanilla and almond extracts in the cookie dough provides a delicate flavor, while the sweet cream cheese frosting makes them irresistible. With their colorful sprinkles and simple preparation, they are sure to be a hit at your next holiday event.
Ingredients For Christmas Sugar Cookies
- All-purpose flour: Adds structure to the dough.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise for a soft texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Gives the cookies a rich, smooth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a classic, aromatic flavor.
- Almond extract (optional): Enhances the cookie’s flavor with a subtle nutty taste.
- Christmas jimmies sprinkles: Adds festive color and a crunchy texture.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
- Gluten-free flour: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend if you need a gluten-free option.
- Dairy-free butter: Use plant-based butter if you’re avoiding dairy.
- Non-dairy cream cheese: For a dairy-free frosting, use a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line 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, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the Christmas jimmies sprinkles.
- Scoop dough using a 3-Tbsp cookie scoop and roll into balls. Place them on the baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Slightly flatten each dough ball with your fingers or a glass.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set, but the tops look soft.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cream Cheese Frosting Instructions
- Beat softened cream cheese and butter in a stand mixer until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and salt, then mix until incorporated.
- Gradually add sifted powdered sugar in batches, mixing well after each addition.
- Slowly drizzle in cold heavy cream while whisking until stiff peaks form.
- Frost each cookie with the cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with Christmas jimmies.

Tips & Tricks
- Baking time: For smaller cookies, reduce the baking time to 6-9 minutes.
- Storage: Store cookies at room temperature for up to 2 hours or refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Perfect frosting: Avoid over-whipping the frosting, as it can become grainy. If it does, gently fold in more cold cream until smooth.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
These cookies are perfect with a hot cup of cocoa or a glass of milk. For a twist, try adding different sprinkles or colored sugars to the frosting for an extra festive touch. If you’re making these ahead of time, they freeze well without frosting and can be frosted when ready to serve.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or making a batch to give as gifts, these Christmas Sugar Cookies will add cheer to any occasion. Enjoy the sweet flavors of the season with these soft, chewy, and delightful treats!
Conclusion
Christmas Sugar Cookies are a timeless holiday treat that brings joy to any festive occasion. With their soft, chewy texture, creamy frosting, and bright sprinkles, these cookies are perfect for baking with family and sharing with friends. Easy to make, customizable, and irresistibly delicious, they are sure to become a staple in your holiday baking tradition. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas gathering or looking for a sweet gift idea, these Christmas Sugar Cookies will add that special touch to your celebrations.
FAQ About Christmas Sugar Cookies
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the dough and bake as directed. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months for future use.
Can I freeze baked Christmas Sugar Cookies?
Absolutely! After the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag in the freezer. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Frost them once you’re ready to serve.
How can I prevent my sugar cookies from spreading too much during baking?
To prevent spreading, ensure your dough is chilled before baking. If needed, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before scooping it onto the baking sheet. This helps maintain the shape while baking.
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Christmas Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 15 large cookies 1x
Description
These Christmas Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with red and green holiday sprinkles. Topped with lightly sweetened cream cheese frosting and a festive sprinkle finish, they’re perfect for holiday celebrations, family baking, and gifting.
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
- 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
- 54 g (⅓ cup) Christmas jimmies sprinkles
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- 283 g (1¼ bricks / 10 oz) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 184 g (13 Tbsp) salted butter, softened
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 150 g (1¼ cups) powdered sugar, sifted
- 80 ml (⅓ cup) heavy cream, very cold
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- 24 g (2 Tbsp) Christmas sprinkles (jimmies, nonpareils, trees, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, 1-2 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat on medium-low speed until combined, about 30 seconds.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the Christmas jimmies sprinkles until evenly distributed.
- Use a 3-Tbsp cookie scoop to portion the dough. Roll into balls and place on baking sheets.
- Slightly flatten each ball and bake for 9-11 minutes until the edges are set and the tops are soft.
- Cool the cookies, then frost with cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- Servings: Makes 15 large cookies or 20-22 regular cookies (reduce baking time for smaller cookies).
- Store frosted cookies at room temperature for up to 2 hours, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Sprinkle with jimmies the day you plan to serve to avoid bleeding.
- Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to the right temperature to avoid lumps in the frosting.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 9-11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
