Okay, let’s dive into the wonderful world of Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe! I’m so excited to share one of my family’s all-time favorite traditions with you. I know the holidays can feel overwhelming, but trust me, this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe is simpler than you think, and the joy it brings is totally worth it.
I remember the first time I tried making Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with my kids. I was aiming for picture-perfect holiday cookies, but we ended up with a flour-covered kitchen and uniquely shaped “masterpieces”! It wasn’t exactly what I had planned, but the laughter and memories we made were priceless. Plus, I tweaked the recipe over the years to sneak in a little extra nutrition – think whole wheat flour and less refined sugar.
This Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe isn’t just about the sweetness; it’s about creating those special moments with family. My goal is to show you that you can create these memories without sacrificing nutrition. It’s about finding that balance, and I’m here to help you navigate it.
It’s a Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe that supports our family’s nutrition, brings us together in the kitchen, and tastes amazing! Each cookie holds a little bit of love and nourishment. This Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe has become a Christmas tradition that always brings smiles.
If you’re a busy mom looking for simple nutrition solutions, you’re in the right place! Let’s get baking and make some memories!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful and nutritious Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe. Don’t worry, I’ve included some easy swaps for when life gets hectic, because that’s what we do as busy moms!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and flavor. For a slightly healthier twist, you can use half butter and half unsweetened applesauce.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is a must for Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe!
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds a touch of caramel-like flavor and helps keep the cookies soft.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together. If you’re out of eggs, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce as a substitute.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer in any Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional): Adds a unique and festive flavor.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cookies. For extra nutrition, try substituting 1 cup of whole wheat flour. My family gets extra nutrition when I add this!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and airy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
For the Frosting (because what’s a Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe without frosting?):
- 3 cups powdered sugar: The base for a sweet and creamy frosting.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a smooth consistency.
- 3-4 tablespoons milk: Used to adjust the consistency of the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a classic vanilla flavor.
- Food coloring (optional): To make your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe extra festive!
Trust me, this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store, so no need for fancy trips. Here’s a Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe nutrition hack that changed our family’s health: I always add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for extra antioxidants and warmth. This Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive. These simple additions can boost the nutritional value without breaking the bank.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Okay, fellow nutrition-seekers, let’s get our hands floury and make this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe! I’ve broken it down into simple steps, so even on the busiest days, you can create something special.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Beat in the eggs and extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). Your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe should smell nourishing by now!
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. I learned this the hard way!
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut out shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. Re-roll scraps as needed. Don’t worry if your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe looks a little wonky – that’s part of the charm!
- Bake: Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the frosting: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add milk and vanilla: Gradually add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate them with frosting and sprinkles. This is where the real fun begins! Here’s where I used to struggle with my Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe – learn from my experience! I used to get so stressed about making them perfect, but now I just embrace the mess and let the kids get creative. It’s so much more enjoyable that way!
- Enjoy!
In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe usually takes about 30 minutes to prep and an hour to chill, plus baking time. While your Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe is chilling, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday rush, but remember to savor these small moments.
Here’s where I used to struggle with my Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe – learn from my experience! I used to get so stressed about making them perfect, but now I just embrace the mess and let the kids get creative. It’s so much more enjoyable that way!
How We Love to Eat This!
This Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe is a family favorite for so many reasons! It’s not just the taste; it’s the tradition, the fun of decorating, and the feeling of togetherness.
The kids devour this nutritious Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe when I serve it with a glass of milk or a side of fresh fruit. To make it a more balanced snack, I sometimes add a small bowl of yogurt with berries. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients!
We love making these Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe for:
- Holiday parties: They’re always a hit!
- Cookie exchanges: A fun way to share and try new recipes.
- Gifts for neighbors and friends: A thoughtful and homemade gift.
- A simple weeknight treat: Because sometimes we just need a little something sweet!
For presentation, I like to arrange the Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe on a festive platter or in a decorative tin. It makes them even more appealing! This Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! The joy they bring is immeasurable.
Got leftovers? Crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for a delicious and easy dessert. You can also use them to make a cookie crust for a pie or cheesecake. The possibilities are endless! My friend shared the Best Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe.
I’ve also tried a few seasonal variations of this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe. One year, I added orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist. Another time, I used peppermint extract in the frosting for a festive candy cane flavor. This nutritious Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe reminds me of another family-healthy favorite, sugar cookies. My family enjoys this nutritious Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe when I serve it with hot chocolate. The warmth and sweetness create a perfect holiday moment.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Okay, let’s tackle some common questions I get from fellow busy moms about this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe! I know you’re juggling a million things, so I’ll keep it simple and real.
Is this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe really nutritious enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! While they’re still a treat, I’ve made sure to incorporate some healthier swaps like whole wheat flour and less refined sugar. Plus, you can always add a side of fruit or yogurt to balance things out.
What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe?
I get it! Picky eaters are a challenge. Try letting them help with the decorating – they’re more likely to try something they’ve helped create. You can also start with a small bite and offer lots of praise.
Can I meal prep this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe for busy weeks ahead?
Yes! The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies (unfrosted) for up to 2 months. Just thaw them completely before decorating.
What’s the best way to store these Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe?
Store the decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can I make this Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just be sure to choose a blend that’s designed for baking.
What if I don’t have cookie cutters?
No problem! You can use a knife to cut out simple shapes like squares or rectangles. Or, get creative and use a drinking glass to make circles.
How can I make the frosting less sweet?
Reduce the amount of powdered sugar or add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. You can also use cream cheese frosting instead of buttercream. My family shared that the Soft cutout sugar cookie recipe without nuts.
I’ve received reader questions about nutrition asking how to incorporate more protein into the recipe. One option is to add a tablespoon of protein powder to the dough. Just be sure to choose a flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Final Thoughts:
This Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to create lasting memories with your family. It’s about finding simple ways to nourish your loved ones while still enjoying the magic of the holidays. For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out these Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe variations.
My Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe Nutrition Hacks:
- Swap half the butter for unsweetened applesauce: Reduces fat and adds moisture.
- Use whole wheat flour: Adds fiber and nutrients.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg: Boosts antioxidants and flavor.
Here are a few family-tested healthy Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe variations:
- Gingerbread Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves to the dough.
- Chocolate Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dough.
- Peppermint Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe: Add 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the frosting and crush some candy canes on top.
My kids prefer the gingerbread Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe, while I love the chocolate version. This Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe supports our family’s nutrition goals by providing a balance of indulgence and nourishment.
I hope you enjoy making this nourishing Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with your family! Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about creating memories and enjoying the process. You’ve got this, fellow mom! If your kids love this wholesome recipe, they’ll go crazy for Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe! A mini Christmas sugar cookie recipe needed is something to consider. Tried and true mini Christmas sugar cookie recipe needed!
Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
These classic Christmas sugar cookies are perfect for decorating with family and friends. Soft, chewy, and festive, they’re sure to bring holiday cheer!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate with frosting and sprinkles as desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of almond extract to the dough. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.