why make this recipe

Christmas Sugar Cookies are a festive and delightful treat that can bring joy to any holiday gathering. These cookies are soft, sweet, and topped with creamy frosting, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends. By replicating the popular Crumbl cookies, you can enjoy café-quality cookies right at home. The colorful Christmas sprinkles add a fun touch, making these cookies not just tasty but also lovely to look at. Baking these cookies will fill your home with delicious aromas and the spirit of Christmas.

how to make Christmas Sugar Cookies

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 (⅓ 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
⅛ tsp salt
150 g (1¼ cups) powdered sugar, sifted
80 ml (⅓ cup) heavy cream, very cold
24 g (2 Tbsp) Christmas sprinkles (jimmies, nonpareils, trees, etc.)

Directions:

Preheat the 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 fitted with the paddle attachment (or a hand mixer), beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, for about 1-2 minutes. Pause to scrape down the bowl once or twice.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat on medium-low speed until combined, about 30 seconds.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two parts, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Gently fold in the Christmas jimmies sprinkles using a spatula until evenly distributed.
Use a 3-Tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough (48-50 g each).
Roll each scoop into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Slightly flatten each dough ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass, keeping the cookies at least ½-inch thick.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look soft and no longer glossy. The cookies should not brown.
Remove from the oven, and immediately shape into a perfect circle by gently rotating a cookie cutter or glass around each cookie.
Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or a hand mixer), beat the cream cheese and butter on low speed until smooth, creamy, and lump-free, about 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add the vanilla extract and salt, then beat on low until just combined.
Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar in three parts, beating on low speed until just combined.
Gradually drizzle in the cold heavy cream while whisking on low speed until stiff peaks form.
Pipe the frosting over the cookies in a spiral pattern or spread it with a spatula to create swirls.
Just before serving, sprinkle the Christmas sprinkles over the frosting.

how to serve Christmas Sugar Cookies

Christmas Sugar Cookies are best served fresh. You can enjoy them as a festive treat with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. They also make a perfect gift when packed in a decorative box. Display them on a holiday platter to share with guests during gatherings or parties.

how to store Christmas Sugar Cookies

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them fresh for a month, freeze the cookies and frosting separately, then assemble when ready to serve.

tips to make Christmas Sugar Cookies

Make sure the butter and cream cheese are at the right temperature for a smooth dough and frosting.
Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the cookies soft and tender.
Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes, ensuring they bake evenly.
Don’t skip the cooling period, as it helps the cookies set properly.

variation

You can customize these cookies by adding different flavors or colors to the frosting. Consider using peppermint extract for a minty twist or adding food coloring to create vibrant frosting. You can also experiment with different types of sprinkles for a unique look.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping and baking.

2. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can replace it with additional butter or use a combination of butter and mascarpone cheese for a different flavor.

3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, the taste and texture may vary. Butter provides the best flavor and helps achieve the right consistency in cookies and frosting.

Enjoy making and sharing these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookies!