Christmas Vanilla Biscuits / Sugar Cookies Recipe
Christmas cookies bring a touch of magic to the holiday season. Their buttery aroma fills the kitchen with warmth, and their versatility ensures they suit any festive occasion. Perfect for decorating with loved ones or sharing at gatherings, these cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat. Whether crisp and golden or soft and tender, they’re a treat that captures the spirit of the season in every bite.
Ingredients and Substitutions
The key to these cookies lies in their simple yet essential ingredients. Softened unsalted butter creates a creamy base, allowing the flavors to shine. For sweetness, superfine caster sugar is ideal, though granulated sugar works if needed. A large egg adds structure and richness, while a hint of vanilla extract brings a warm, aromatic touch. Plain all-purpose flour ensures the cookies hold their shape, with baking powder providing a gentle lift. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
If substitutions are required, salted butter can replace unsalted, but the additional salt should be omitted. For a more robust flavor, consider swapping vanilla extract for almond or orange essence. Gluten-free flour can work as an alternative, though the texture may differ slightly.
Instructions for Perfect Christmas Cookies
Preparing these cookies is as enjoyable as indulging in them. Begin by creaming softened butter and sugar until the mixture turns fluffy and light. This ensures a smooth dough that’s easy to handle. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until fully combined. The dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—are sifted together to prevent clumps and then incorporated into the wet mixture. The dough will seem crumbly but should come together when pressed.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired thickness. For a crisp texture, aim for a thinner layer, while thicker dough yields softer cookies. Cookie cutters allow for creative shapes, from stars to festive trees. If cutters aren’t available, use a knife to craft simple geometric designs. Chill unused dough in the refrigerator to maintain its firmness.
Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F). Rotate trays halfway to ensure even baking. Look for pale golden surfaces and lightly browned edges—this balance indicates they’re perfectly done. Allow the cookies to cool on the trays, where they’ll continue to set.
Decorating Your Cookies
For a classic finish, whip up a batch of icing to decorate the cookies in vibrant colors. Draw festive patterns, from snowflakes to candy canes, to add charm. For chocolate lovers, dipping the tops of the cookies in melted chocolate provides a luscious twist. Allow the chocolate to set before serving for a glossy finish.
Minimalists may prefer a dusting of icing sugar, which adds a touch of elegance without overpowering the cookie’s flavor. To elevate their festive appeal, edible silver balls or sparkling sugar crystals can be sprinkled over the icing.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Preventing Sticky Dough:
Use flour liberally when rolling and handling the dough to avoid sticking.
Chilling the Dough:
Keep unused dough in the fridge to ensure it stays firm, making it easier to roll and cut.
Achieving Desired Texture:
Roll thinner for crisp cookies and thicker for a soft, tender bite.
Can I Freeze the Dough?
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling and cutting.
How Long Do These Cookies Last?
Store in an airtight container for up to a week to keep them fresh.
What if I Don’t Have Cookie Cutters?
Use a sharp knife or a small glass to create simple shapes.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Pair these cookies with a steaming mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for a cozy treat. Mulled wine or spiced apple cider also complements their buttery flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings.
When serving a dessert platter, arrange these cookies alongside gingerbread men, chocolate truffles, and festive cupcakes for a showstopping display. Their decorative designs add color and charm to any table.
These Christmas cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a tradition, a way to create cherished memories with family and friends. Their delightful flavor and festive appearance make them a highlight of any celebration. Bake a batch, share the joy, and let these cookies become a beloved part of your holiday season.
Ingredients
3 cups plain/all-purpose flour
225g / 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (use salted butter if skipping the salt)
3/4 tsp baking powder
1 cup caster/superfine sugar (granulated white sugar works too)
1 large egg (weighing 55–60g / 1.9–2oz)
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 tsp salt
Icing for Sugar Cookies
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F (or 160°C fan-assisted). Prepare two baking trays by lining them with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture turns smooth and fluffy. This should take about one minute at medium speed.
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, beating the mixture again until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into the bowl. Start mixing on a low speed to prevent a flour cloud, then increase to a medium speed until the dough comes together. It will look crumbly but should hold its shape when pressed.
Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Transfer the dough from the bowl and press it together. Divide into two portions and form each into a disc shape.
Roll out each disc on the floured surface to your preferred thickness: 0.3 cm / 1/8 inch for crisp cookies or 0.6 cm / 1/4 inch for softer ones. Sprinkle a bit of flour over and under the dough as needed to prevent sticking.
Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes, carefully transferring them onto the prepared baking trays with a knife or spatula. Store any remaining dough in the fridge while batches bake.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, rotating the trays halfway through for even baking. The cookies are ready when their surfaces are pale golden and the edges show a light golden hue.
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the trays. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Decorating Options
Icing: Use your favorite icing recipe to decorate the cookies with vibrant patterns.
Chocolate Dip: Melt chocolate and dip the cookie tops for a luxurious finish.
Icing Sugar and Silver Decorations: Dust lightly with icing sugar and garnish with edible silver balls.
Simple Elegance: Sprinkle a light layer of icing sugar for a classic touch.
Christmas Vanilla Biscuits / Sugar Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups plain/all-purpose flour
- 225 g / 1 cup unsalted butter softened (use salted butter if skipping the salt)
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup caster/superfine sugar granulated white sugar works too
- 1 large egg weighing 55–60g / 1.9–2oz
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 tsp salt
- Icing for Sugar Cookies
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F (or 160°C fan-assisted). Prepare two baking trays by lining them with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture turns smooth and fluffy. This should take about one minute at medium speed.
- Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, beating the mixture again until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into the bowl. Start mixing on a low speed to prevent a flour cloud, then increase to a medium speed until the dough comes together. It will look crumbly but should hold its shape when pressed.
- Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Transfer the dough from the bowl and press it together. Divide into two portions and form each into a disc shape.
- Roll out each disc on the floured surface to your preferred thickness: 0.3 cm / 1/8 inch for crisp cookies or 0.6 cm / 1/4 inch for softer ones. Sprinkle a bit of flour over and under the dough as needed to prevent sticking.
- Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes, carefully transferring them onto the prepared baking trays with a knife or spatula. Store any remaining dough in the fridge while batches bake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, rotating the trays halfway through for even baking. The cookies are ready when their surfaces are pale golden and the edges show a light golden hue.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the trays. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Decorating Options
- Icing: Use your favorite icing recipe to decorate the cookies with vibrant patterns.
- Chocolate Dip: Melt chocolate and dip the cookie tops for a luxurious finish.
- Icing Sugar and Silver Decorations: Dust lightly with icing sugar and garnish with edible silver balls.
- Simple Elegance: Sprinkle a light layer of icing sugar for a classic touch.