Introduction
The scent of freshly baked sugar cookies is the quintessential aroma of the holiday season, a fragrant invitation to cherished memories and new traditions. At BoastRecipes, we believe in perfecting the classics, and this recipe for Classic Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies with rich, velvety buttercream frosting brings warmth and joy into your kitchen. These tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are subtly sweet, providing the perfect canvas for a luxurious, creamy buttercream that’s just begging for festive decorations. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser, they evoke the spirit of Christmas with every delightful bite.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
* 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Buttercream Frosting:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
* ¼ cup milk or heavy cream
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* Pinch of salt (optional, to balance sweetness)
* Gel food coloring (optional, for festive hues)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix. The dough will be soft. Divide into two discs, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling is crucial for easy rolling and preventing spread.
2. Roll and Cut Cookies: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use Christmas-themed cookie cutters to cut shapes. Carefully transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each. Gather and re-roll scraps once.
3. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden and centers still look soft. Do not overbake if you want them to remain tender. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough.
4. Make the Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, mixing until incorporated. Add the milk or cream, vanilla extract, and optional pinch of salt, beating until light, fluffy, and smooth. If desired, divide the frosting and tint with gel food coloring.
5. Decorate and Serve: Once cookies are completely cool, frost them generously with the buttercream using an offset spatula or a piping bag. Decorate with sprinkles, sanding sugar, or other edible decorations as desired. Allow frosting to set slightly before stacking or storing.
Expert Tips
For perfectly soft sugar cookies, avoid overmixing dough after adding flour; overworking gluten can lead to tough cookies. Ensure butter is truly softened for both cookies and frosting – it should yield to gentle pressure. Chilling dough thoroughly is non-negotiable; it prevents spreading and keeps shapes defined. When baking, watch for barely golden edges and a pale center to guarantee softness; overbaking results in a hard cookie. Always cool cookies completely before frosting, or your buttercream will melt.
Variations
While delightful on their own, these cookies welcome creative flair. For extra flavor, add a half teaspoon of almond extract or the zest of one lemon or orange to the cookie dough. The buttercream can also be customized; a splash of peppermint extract creates a festive mint frosting, or a hint of almond or rum extract adds depth. Experiment with different sprinkles, edible glitter, or sugar pearls for varied textures and appearances.
Conclusion
Baking these Classic Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies with Buttercream is more than just following a recipe; it’s an experience, a fragrant journey culminating in truly magical holiday treats. From creaming butter and sugar to the joyful artistry of decorating, each step is imbued with the spirit of the season. These tender, buttery cookies crowned with creamy, dreamy frosting are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply savoring with a warm cup of cocoa. We hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your family’s Christmas traditions, bringing smiles and sweet memories with every delightful bite.
