Christmas Sugar Cookie
Delightful Christmas sugar cookies with a crisp texture and sweet vanilla flavor, perfect for holiday decorating and sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugar together.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add milk and vanilla extract, then incorporate the dry ingredients.
- Chill the dough before rolling out and cutting into desired shapes.
- Optionally, freeze the dough for later use.
- Bake cookies at 400°F for 7 minutes.
- Decorate with icing for the holidays.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, make sure to thoroughly cream the shortening and sugar until fluffy. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with unsalted butter, but the cookies may spread more. For added flavor, consider mixing in some almond extract along with the vanilla. Chill the dough for at least an hour to help maintain the shape during baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas sugar cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and can be beautifully decorated with icing for a festive touch. Pair them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a delightful treat. You can also serve them alongside other holiday sweets like Lemon Lush Layers or Nut Goody Bars for a well-rounded dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes, ensuring they stay soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Sugar Cookie contains roughly 2824 calories, with 43g protein, 493g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (176% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (107% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2908mg per serving (126% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of flour?
While all-purpose flour works best for these cookies, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend if needed. Just ensure the blend includes xanthan gum to maintain the texture. Keep in mind that the cookies may have a slightly different taste and texture when using alternative flours.
How can I make my cookies festive?
To enhance the holiday spirit, consider adding colored sprinkles or edible glitter to the icing. You can also shape the cookies into festive designs like stars, trees, or snowflakes. Using cookie cutters in fun holiday shapes adds to the visual appeal and makes them perfect for gift-giving.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight, then roll it out and bake as directed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).