There’s something about baking cookies during the holiday season that just feels right. For me, Christmas sugar cookies are a tradition I look forward to every year.

From mixing the dough to rolling it out and cutting festive shapes, it’s a simple recipe that turns into a fun family activity. Kids love decorating them, and adults love sneaking a few once the frosting sets.

These cookies aren’t just about the taste (though they are buttery and perfectly sweet!) they’re about making memories together in the kitchen.

If you’re looking for a tried-and-true sugar cookie recipe that’s soft in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and easy to decorate with frosting and sprinkles, this one will be your holiday go-to.

Christmas Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

Mix dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream butter and sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until smooth and creamy.

Add eggs and vanilla. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until fully combined.

Form the dough. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t over-mix.

Chill the dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step makes the dough easier to roll out.

Prepare to bake. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease.

Shape cookies. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and cut into festive shapes with cookie cutters. Transfer to the baking sheet.

Bake. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool. Allow cookies to cool briefly before transferring to a wire rack.

Decorate. Once cooled, frost and decorate with sprinkles if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip the refrigeration step—it helps the cookies hold their shape.
Over-mixing will make your cookies tough instead of tender.
For even baking, roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.

Frosting Options

Buttercream Frosting

½ cup softened butter
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions: Beat the butter and powdered sugar together. Mix in milk and vanilla until smooth. Divide into bowls, add food coloring, and frost cookies. Top with sprinkles for holiday cheer.

Simple Icing

2 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Directions: Whisk until smooth, making sure no lumps remain. Spread or drizzle over cookies and allow to set before storing.

Storing Your Cookies

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months; frost after thawing.
Frosted cookies can also be frozen, just place wax paper between layers.

Family Tradition Idea

One of my favorite things about these cookies is how decorating becomes a family event. We set out bowls of colored frosting and a rainbow of sprinkles. Everyone gets a few cookies to decorate however they want, and they all turn out unique. It’s messy, it’s fun, and it’s exactly what the holidays are about, being together.

Wrap-Up

If you want to add a sweet tradition to your Christmas season, these sugar cookies are perfect. They’re simple enough for beginners yet special enough to be the star of your holiday cookie plate. Whether you’re baking them with kids, preparing gifts, or simply enjoying them with a cup of hot cocoa, this recipe is a keeper.

Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies Your Family Will Love Making Together