Festive Homemade Christmas Cookies: Bake Joy This Holiday Season

The holiday season in Tennessee is all about warmth, family, and delicious treats that fill your home with that irresistible buttery scent. At The Butter Dish TN, we believe baking homemade Christmas cookies is one of the best ways to create lasting memories. Whether you're hosting a cookie exchange or just want to surprise the kids with some festive fun, this simple sugar cookie recipe is perfect for beginners and pros alike. These cookies are soft, buttery, and ideal for decorating with royal icing, sprinkles, and all the holiday cheer you can muster.

Why Homemade Christmas Cookies?

Store-bought cookies are convenient, but nothing beats the taste of fresh, homemade ones made with love. Plus, decorating them can be a fun activity for the whole family—think Christmas trees, snowmen, and Santa shapes. This recipe yields about 24-36 cookies, depending on your cutter size, and it's customizable for dietary tweaks like gluten-free flour swaps.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Cookies:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (that's two sticks—pro tip: use high-quality butter for the best flavor!)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for a nutty twist

For the Royal Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 2-3 tablespoons milk (or water for dairy-free)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Food coloring in holiday hues (red, green, white)

• Assorted sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed candy canes for decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Oven and Ingredients: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer (or a sturdy wooden spoon if you're feeling old-school) to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it's light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This step is key for that tender texture.

3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until everything is well combined. The mixture should look smooth and creamy.

4. Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring on low speed or by hand until a soft dough forms. If it feels too sticky, wrap it in plastic and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to make rolling easier.

5. Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite Christmas cookie cutters—stars, bells, reindeer—to cut out shapes. Place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.

6. Bake to Perfection: Pop them in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Don't overbake; you want them soft! Let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Make the Icing: While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth. Start with 2 tablespoons of milk and add more if needed for a pipeable consistency. Divide the icing into smaller bowls and tint with food coloring.

• Decorate and Enjoy: Use piping bags, zip-top bags with the corner snipped, or even spoons to spread the icing on your cooled cookies. Get creative with designs—flood the base with white icing for snow, add red for Santa's hat, or green for wreaths. Top with sprinkles immediately so they stick. Let the icing set for about an hour before stacking or storing.

Pro Tips for Holiday Baking Success

• Make-Ahead Magic: The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for a month. Just thaw and roll when ready.

• Storage Savvy: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies and ice them fresh.

• Kid-Friendly Fun: Set up a decorating station with various toppings to let little ones express their creativity (and keep the mess contained!).

• Variations: Swap in cocoa powder for chocolate cookies or add spices like cinnamon and ginger for a gingerbread vibe.

  
  

  Baking these homemade Christmas cookies isn't just about the end result—it's about the laughter, the flour-dusted counters, and the shared moments that make the holidays special. From our kitchen at The Butter Dish to yours, we hope this recipe brings a little extra joy to your celebrations. Tag us on social media with your creations, and happy holidays! 🎄🍪