Introduction
The scent of sugar cookies simply defines the holidays, doesn’t it? That soft, tender cookie, crowned with creamy frosting and festive sprinkles, holds a special magic. If you’ve dreamt of recreating a bakery-style sugar cookie, known for its generous size and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this recipe is your answer. Our Crumbl-Style Christmas Sugar Cookie copycat brings that irresistible treat right to your kitchen, ready to star on your holiday table and create cherished family memories. Prepare to bake joy!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs, room temperature
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* ½ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract)
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
* Red and green gel food coloring (optional)
* Holiday sprinkles
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light, fluffy (3-5 minutes), incorporating air for tenderness.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract. Scrape bowl sides.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined. Avoid overmixing; dough will be soft.
4. Chill Dough: Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours). Chilling prevents spreading.
5. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Shape Cookies: On a floured surface, roll dough to ¼ to ½ inch thick. Use a 3-4 inch round cutter, or roll 2-ounce balls and flatten into thick discs. Place 2 inches apart on sheets.
7. Bake: Bake 8-10 minutes, until edges are just set and lightly golden, centers still soft. This ensures a soft, chewy texture. Do not overbake!
8. Cool: Cool on sheets for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
9. Make Frosting: Cream softened butter until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, then beat until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and salt. Add milk/cream (1 tbsp at a time) for desired consistency. Tint with gel food coloring if desired.
10. Frost & Decorate: Once cookies are cool, generously spread or pipe frosting onto each. Use a large open star tip for a classic swirl. Finish with holiday sprinkles. Serve immediately!
Expert Tips
* Room Temperature Ingredients: Essential for proper emulsification, ensuring smooth dough and frosting.
* Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cookies. Mix only until just combined.
* Chill Dough: Crucial for preventing cookies from spreading excessively and maintaining shape.
* Underbake for Softness: Remove cookies when edges are set but centers remain soft; they’ll continue to cook on the hot sheet.
* Sift Powdered Sugar: Always sift for the smoothest, lump-free frosting.
* Storage: Store frosted cookies airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variations
* Frosting Flavors: Replace vanilla with almond, peppermint, or orange zest. Cream cheese adds tang.
* Dough Additions: Stir in almond extract or gently fold in white chocolate chips.
* Shape Customization: Use festive cookie cutters (stars, trees). Adjust baking time.
* Color & Sprinkles: Experiment with gel food colorings and sprinkle blends for unique designs.
Conclusion
There you have it – a magnificent batch of Crumbl-Style Christmas Sugar Cookies, baked with love and ready to delight. These cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a delicious way to create lasting holiday memories. Sharing these beautifully decorated cookies or watching loved ones enjoy them around the tree creates special moments. This season, let your kitchen be filled with the comforting aroma of these perfect sugar cookies, crafting moments as sweet and memorable as the treats themselves. Happy baking from BoastRecipes!
