Grandma'S Christmas Sugar Cookies
Delightful Christmas sugar cookies with buttery richness and subtle flavorings, perfect for decorating and sharing during the holiday season, appealing to all ages and festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift dry ingredients together and set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and beat well.
- Stir in vanilla and almond extract.
- Add dry ingredients gradually and mix until combined.
- Chill dough until stiff enough to work with, at least 3 hours.
- Divide dough and keep remaining refrigerated until ready to use.
- Knead each portion a few times until pliable.
- Roll out on floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut into shapes and place on baking sheets.
- Bake in a 350°F oven until edges start to brown, about 10 minutes.
- Cool cookies completely before frosting or decorating with colored sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, chill the dough for at least 3 hours as it helps in shaping the cookies. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar substitute suitable for baking. You can also substitute half the butter with applesauce for a lighter version. Adding lemon zest can enhance the flavor profile. Always use fresh baking powder and soda for optimal rise.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful cookies with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a festive treat. They also pair beautifully with the flavors of the Cherry Crumb Cake I, making for a wonderful dessert spread. For a holiday gathering, consider decorating them with colorful icing or sprinkles for added flair.
Storage & Reheating
Store these sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, place them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Christmas Sugar Cookies contains roughly 401 calories, with 3g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1925mg per serving (84% 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 margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but it may alter the flavor and texture slightly. Butter provides a richer taste and a better texture in cookies, so if you opt for margarine, make sure to choose a high-quality brand.
How can I make these cookies softer?
To achieve softer cookies, avoid overbaking them. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges begin to brown. Additionally, you can add an extra egg yolk or reduce the baking time for a softer texture.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits can enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies. Just make sure to fold them in gently after combining the dry ingredients.
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).