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Christmas Sugar Cookies

Christmas Sugar Cookies
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Classic soft and tender Christmas sugar cookies made with a simple dough and topped with easy glaze icing for holiday decorating.

Ingredients

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  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for added flavor)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (or water for stark white icing)
  • 2 teaspoons light corn syrup
  • 4.5–5 tablespoons room temperature water
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: Gel food coloring and festive sprinkles for decorating

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cookie dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  2. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Divide the dough into two equal portions and flatten each into a disc. Wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours (or up to 2 days). Chilling helps prevent spreading and makes the dough easier to roll.
  6. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite Christmas-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
  8. Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart. Re-roll any scraps of dough.
  9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft. Avoid overbaking to keep them tender.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Prepare the easy glaze icing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract (or water), light corn syrup, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the room temperature water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the icing reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  12. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a thin layer of icing over each cookie using a small offset spatula or knife. Decorate immediately with sprinkles or gel food coloring while the icing is still wet.
  13. Allow the iced cookies to set at room temperature for at least 24 hours, or until the icing is firm to the touch, before stacking or storing.

Notes

    Find it online: https://www.masterthecook.com/christmas-sugar-cookies/