- Introduction
The festive season calls for heartwarming traditions and sweet treats, and what better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by making Christmas ornament sugar cookies? These delightful cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also serve as charming decorations for your tree or gifts for loved ones. The process of baking and decorating together becomes a cherished family activity, fostering creativity and connection. With vibrant colors and fun shapes, these cookies will surely brighten any holiday gathering. Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying during cozy nights with hot cocoa, this craft recipe is bound to become a treasured part of your Christmas celebrations.
- Why You’ll Love This Christmas Ornament Sugar Cookies:
- Fun activity for all ages, perfect for family bonding
- Easy to customize with various shapes and colors
- Delightfully soft and chewy texture
- Perfect for gifting or holiday parties
- Creates beautiful, edible Christmas decorations
- Materials:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar (for icing)
- Food coloring (various colors)
- Cookie cutters (in ornament shapes)
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Decorative sprinkles (optional)
- Full Step-by-Step:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder until well combined.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and white sugar together until creamy and light in color.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) into the butter mixture.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, stirring until the dough becomes soft and pliable.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
- Divide the dough into two or three portions. Wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
Step 4: Roll and Cut Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out one portion of dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out ornament shapes and place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
Step 6: Decorate
- Once cooled, prepare icing with powdered sugar and food coloring. Decorate your cookies as desired, adding sprinkles for that extra festive touch.
- Tips & Variations:
- Customize Shapes: Use different cookie cutters to create various holiday shapes such as stars, bells, and trees.
- Swap Flavors: Replace almond extract with peppermint extract for a minty twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for delicious gluten-free cookies.
- Go Healthy: Make a lower-sugar version by using a sugar substitute.
- Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting. -
What type of icing works best?
Royal icing or a simple powdered sugar glaze works well for decorating. Choose based on your preference for texture and flavor. -
How do I store the cookies?
Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. -
Can I use store-bought icing?
Absolutely! Store-bought icing is a quick alternative if you want to save time.
- Suggestions:
- Pair these cookies with other homemade treats in gift boxes for friends and family.
- Create a baking day tradition with friends or neighbors, sharing ideas and decorating styles.
- Use the cookies as place settings or thank you gifts during holiday gatherings.
- Final Thoughts
These Christmas ornament sugar cookies are not only delicious but are also a fantastic way to share the spirit of the season. We would love to hear about your baking experiences! Feel free to share your versions or any variations in the comments below, and spread the joy of cookie decorating!
Christmas Ornament Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Decorating Ingredients
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar (for icing)
- Food coloring (various colors)
- Decorative sprinkles (optional)
Materials Needed
- Cookie cutters (in ornament shapes)
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder until well combined.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and white sugar together until creamy and light in color.
Combine Ingredients
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) into the butter mixture.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, stirring until the dough becomes soft and pliable.
Chill the Dough
- Divide the dough into two or three portions. Wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
Roll and Cut Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out one portion of dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out ornament shapes and place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
Decorate
- Once cooled, prepare icing with powdered sugar and food coloring. Decorate your cookies as desired, adding sprinkles for that extra festive touch.