These Christmas sugar cookies are classic cut-out vanilla cookies made especially for the holiday season. The dough is easy to handle, requires no chilling, and is perfect for cutting festive shapes that keep clean edges and sharp details after baking.
This recipe is ideal for Christmas baking, holiday cookie decorating, gift boxes, and family-friendly baking sessions.
Preheat & Prepare: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C fan-forced. Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until a soft, slightly clumpy dough forms.
Roll & Cut Dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface, divide into two portions, and roll to 3 mm (⅛ inch) for crisp cookies or 6 mm (¼ inch) for soft cookies. Cut into Christmas shapes.
Bake: Place cookies on prepared trays and bake for 10 minutes, rotating trays halfway, until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool & Decorate: Allow cookies to cool completely on trays before decorating with icing, chocolate, sprinkles, or serving plain.
