There’s something undeniably magical about baking Christmas cookies, and these 10 Best Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipes will fill your holiday season with sweetness and cheer. From the classic Christmas Sugar Cookies, perfect for decorating with loved ones, to the elegant Earl Grey Sugar Cookies, which bring a touch of sophistication with notes of bergamot and lemon, these recipes capture the spirit of the season.
For those looking to add whimsy, Christmas Character Sugar Cookies let you create adorable Santa and snowmen treats, while Crisp Sugar Doily Cookies offer a beautifully delicate, lacy pattern that’s almost too pretty to eat. If you want something cozy, Cinnamon Sugar Cookies add a warm, spicy touch that pairs perfectly with hot cocoa by the fire.
With options like Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies that everyone can enjoy, and Ideal Sugar Cookies that balance softness and shape, these recipes are perfect for sharing and spreading joy. Whether you’re frosting, sprinkling, or simply baking these cookies to share, each one is sure to make your Christmas season even more delightful.
1. Christmas Sugar Cookies
These classic Christmas sugar cookies offer a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a rich, buttery vanilla flavor. They’re easy to shape and hold their form, making them ideal for creating festive holiday shapes like stars, snowflakes, and trees.
Their simplicity provides the perfect canvas for decorating with royal icing or a light glaze and sprinkles. Kids and adults alike will enjoy customizing these cookies, whether with vibrant colors, edible glitter, or candy accents. Arranged on a holiday platter, these cookies add charm to your dessert table and are a nostalgic treat that everyone will look forward to each year.
2. Old-Fashioned Lemon Sugar Cookies
Bringing a bright twist to the traditional sugar cookie, these lemon-infused delights are made with fresh lemon zest and juice, adding a refreshing citrus flavor. Soft and slightly chewy, these cookies pair a gentle sweetness with a lively tang, making them a standout treat among holiday desserts.
The lemon glaze or dusting of powdered sugar on top adds an extra layer of flavor and elegance. These cookies not only taste delicious but also look beautiful on the table, with a pale yellow hue that captures the essence of holiday cheer. Perfect with tea or as a post-dinner treat, they add a unique twist to Christmas baking.
3. Christmas Character Sugar Cookies
These adorable sugar cookies bring holiday characters to life, from jolly Santas to cheerful reindeer and snowmen. With a soft, slightly chewy texture, they’re easy to cut into festive shapes and decorate with vibrant icing and candy details.
Kids will especially love bringing these characters to life with edible eyes, noses, and festive colors, making it a memorable family activity. Not only are these cookies fun to make, but they also look delightful on the dessert table and make great gifts. These cheerful creations are sure to bring smiles and become a holiday tradition for all ages.
4. Earl Grey Sugar Cookies
Finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves give these cookies a subtle, sophisticated taste with hints of bergamot and lemon. This unique flavor twist elevates the classic sugar cookie into a refined holiday treat, perfect for gatherings with family and friends.
With a buttery base and delicate aroma, they’re ideal for shaping into festive forms or building a cookie house centerpiece. These cookies are not overly sweet, making them a pleasant complement to a warm cup of tea or coffee. Their elegance and complex flavor make them a wonderful addition to any Christmas celebration, impressing even the most discerning guests.
5. Ideal Sugar Cookies
These cookies embody the perfect balance between soft and chewy, with a slight crisp along the edges. Made with just the right amount of sweetness and a rich, buttery flavor, they hold their shape exceptionally well, making them perfect for detailed designs and decorations.
Whether topped with icing, sprinkles or simply enjoyed plain, these cookies deliver consistent, satisfying bites that keep everyone reaching for more. The dough is easy to work with, allowing for intricate shapes without losing form during baking. These cookies are versatile, beautiful, and bound to be a family favorite for years to come.
6. Crisp Sugar Doily Cookies
These lacy, delicate cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious, with a thin, crisp texture and intricate patterns that resemble festive doilies. Their lightly sweetened dough bakes to a satisfying snap, making them ideal for pairing with tea or coffee.
The cookie design adds an elegant touch to any holiday table, impressing guests with their refined, handcrafted appearance. They can be left plain or decorated with a dusting of powdered sugar for a frosty, wintry look. These sophisticated cookies are perfect for those who want something different from the usual soft and chewy varieties, adding a touch of elegance to holiday gatherings.
7. Perfect Sugar Cookies
Aptly named, these sugar cookies are ideal for holiday baking, with a soft center and a slightly crispy edge that’s perfect for icing and decorating. Their classic vanilla flavor pairs well with any topping, whether it’s royal icing, buttercream, or a simple sprinkle of colored sugar.
These cookies have a smooth texture that makes decorating a breeze, allowing for intricate designs or fun, whimsical touches. With their delightful flavor and reliable consistency, they’re a treat everyone will love. Perfect for gift-giving, sharing, or adding to a holiday platter, these cookies are bound to be a hit.
8. Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies
These gluten-free sugar cookies offer the same tender, buttery experience as traditional versions, ensuring that everyone can join in on the holiday treats. The dough is easy to roll and shape, holding its form well for intricate designs or classic Christmas shapes.
With a light, crisp texture and just the right amount of sweetness, they’re perfect for decorating with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter. These cookies are a thoughtful addition to any holiday spread, allowing those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy the joy of Christmas cookies without compromise. Delicious and festive, they make sure no one misses out on the holiday fun.
9. Sugar Cookie Cutouts
These traditional cutout cookies are a holiday staple, loved for their ability to showcase classic Christmas shapes like stars, bells, and snowflakes. With a soft, slightly chewy texture and a mild, buttery flavor, they’re a blank canvas for decorating.
The dough is easy to roll and doesn’t spread too much in the oven, ensuring that your designs stay intact. Whether decorated with royal icing, colorful sugar, or simple sprinkles, these cookies add a festive flair to any dessert table. Ideal for cookie swaps or sharing, they’re a versatile choice for any holiday occasion.
10. Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Adding a warm and spicy twist to traditional sugar cookies, these treats are enhanced with cinnamon, giving them a cozy, festive aroma. Soft and chewy, with a hint of spice, these cookies have a beautiful golden color and a slightly crunchy topping of cinnamon sugar.
Perfect for pairing with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee, they’re a delightful addition to cold winter days and holiday gatherings. The cinnamon adds depth to the flavor, making these cookies stand out among other holiday treats. They’re comforting and delicious, and capture the warmth of the season in every bite.