The Joy of Holiday Baking

Baking cookies during the holidays isn’t just about the end result—it’s about the experience. Mixing ingredients, cutting out shapes, and decorating cookies can be a fun activity to share with family and friends. It’s a creative and rewarding way to make memories while crafting something truly special. Plus, the aroma of fresh cookies baking in the oven is enough to make anyone’s day a little brighter!

A Simple and Versatile Holiday Cookie Recipe

This recipe is for classic sugar cookies—a favorite that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. You can decorate them with colorful icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter to suit any theme or occasion. The recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

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Classic Holiday Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for added flavor

For Decorating:

• Royal icing or powdered sugar glaze
• Food coloring
• Sprinkles, edible glitter, or candies

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer. Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it is light and fluffy. This process takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
6. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into a disk, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough hold its shape during baking.
7. Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate them with royal icing, glaze, or your choice of toppings. Let the decorations set before serving or storing.

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Tips for Perfect Holiday Cookies

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and egg are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
2. Don’t Overbake: Sugar cookies should remain soft and tender. Keep an eye on them as they bake and remove them when the edges are lightly golden.
3. Personalize: Use different cookie cutter shapes, colors, and decorations to make your cookies unique.
4. Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze undecorated cookies for up to three months.

Share the Sweetness

Holiday cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a way to share kindness and joy. Package them in festive boxes or bags as gifts for neighbors, friends, or coworkers. You can also organize a cookie swap with your community to try a variety of holiday treats.

Baking cookies is a wonderful way to celebrate the season while bringing smiles to those around you. Whether you’re baking solo or with loved ones, this sugar cookie recipe is sure to become a cherished tradition. Happy baking and enjoy the sweetness of the season!