Christmas Sugar Cookies
These Soft No-Chill Christmas Sugar Cookies are thick, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth tender — no refrigeration required! After nine rounds of testing, Sofie perfected the ultimate sugar cookie: one that keeps its shape, stays soft for days, and tastes like pure holiday magic. Topped with a fluffy vanilla buttercream frosting, they’re the perfect Christmas treat to bake and decorate with family.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Cookies, Christmas Recipes
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
### For the Cookies
3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
### For the Buttercream Frosting
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Assorted sprinkles or sanding sugar, for decorating
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together for about 3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Beat in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed, mixing only until combined. Do not overmix.
6. Scoop the dough into 1.25-inch balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
7. Optionally, press the tops gently with a sugar-dipped glass for a classic crackled look.
8. Bake for 8 minutes, until edges are set and centers look soft. Do not overbake.
9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3–4 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. While cooling, prepare the frosting: beat butter until smooth, add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt, and whip until light and fluffy.
11. Frost cooled cookies and decorate with festive sprinkles. Let frosting set for 1 hour before stacking or storing.
Notes
**Storage & Make-Ahead Tips**
• Store frosted cookies in an airtight container with parchment between layers for up to 5 days.
• Unfrosted cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freeze dough (wrapped tightly) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
• Freeze baked, unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and decorate when ready.
**Sofie’s Pro Tips**
• Always measure flour using the spoon-and-level method to prevent dry cookies.
• Softened (not melted) butter is key to preventing spread.
• Cream of tartar gives the cookies their signature soft, chewy texture and ensures they hold shape.
• For bakery-perfect edges, use the “cookie scoot” method with a round cutter right after baking.
Find it online: https://familiesrecipes.com/christmas-sugar-cookies/