There’s something magical about the holidays, and nothing brings that festive spirit to life quite like a batch of Christmas Sugar Cookies. Inspired by the famous Crumbl cookies, this recipe creates soft and chewy treats that are perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or baking with loved ones, these cookies are a joyous addition to any celebration.

Why make this recipe

These Christmas Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for any festive occasion. The combination of sweet buttery goodness and creamy frosting topped with colorful sprinkles will delight both kids and adults alike. Plus, they are simple to make and are wonderful to decorate! These cookies are the perfect way to create memorable moments while celebrating the Christmas season.

How to prepare 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.)

Steps:

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, 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. Do not overmix.
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, then immediately shape into a perfect circle by gently rotating a cookie cutter or glass larger than the cookies around each cookie to lightly bring in the edges.
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.
Add the sifted powdered sugar in three parts, beating on low speed until just combined, about 10-15 seconds each. Stop to scrape the bowl as needed.
Gradually drizzle in the cold heavy cream (about 1 tablespoon at a time) while whisking on low speed until stiff peaks form, about 1-1½ minutes. Be careful not to overwhip the heavy cream or your frosting will split or become greasy.
Pipe the frosting in a spiral pattern over the cookies with a #2A or #1A piping tip, starting from the center and working outward. Alternatively, spread with a spatula to create decorative swirls.
Just before serving, sprinkle Christmas sprinkles over the frosting (less is more!).

How to serve Christmas Sugar Cookies

Serve these delightful cookies on a festive platter as a centerpiece for your holiday gatherings. Pair them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a cozy treat. They also make great gifts when packaged beautifully in a tin or decorative box.

How to store Christmas Sugar Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies and frosting separately. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to make Christmas Sugar Cookies perfectly

Make sure the butter and cream cheese are at the right temperature (68-72°F) for the best texture.
Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookies soft.
Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Experiment with different holiday sprinkles to give your cookies a unique look.

Variations

Chocolate Chip: Swap out some of the flour for chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
Flavored Frosting: Experiment with lemon or peppermint extracts in the frosting for a festive flavor change.
Decorative Icing: Use a thinner royal icing for a glossy finish instead of the cream cheese frosting.

FAQ

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before baking.

2. Why do my cookies spread too much?
If cookies spread too much, it might be because the dough was too warm. Always chill your dough if it’s too soft before baking.

3. Can I use low-fat cream cheese in the frosting?
While you can use low-fat cream cheese, it may alter the texture of the frosting, making it less creamy and rich. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best results.

Baking these Christmas Sugar Cookies is sure to bring joy to your holiday season. So gather your ingredients and get ready to create some sweet memories!