Christmas Ornament Sugar Cookies
Delightful and festive sugar cookies perfect for decorating and sharing during the holiday season.
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.
Notes
Tips for customization include using different cookie cutters for various shapes, or swapping almond extract for peppermint extract. Gluten-free options available with suitable flour substitutes.