Holiday Sugar Cookies
Sweet holiday sugar cookies with buttery, vanilla flavor, perfect for festive celebrations and decorating with icing or sprinkles, appealing to all ages during special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine flour and salt in a bowl and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix butter, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla.
- Add remaining sugar and beaten eggs, then beat well.
- Continue to beat on low speed while slowly pouring in the flour mixture.
- Chill the dough thoroughly.
- Roll the dough to 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness on a well-floured surface.
- Cut the dough with cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let cookies cool and decorate as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer cookie, do not over-mix the dough after adding the flour; just combine until it forms. You can substitute half of the margarine with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. Adding a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla can enhance the holiday aroma. If you prefer a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour.
Serving Suggestions
These holiday sugar cookies are perfect for festive gatherings and can be decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles. Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a delightful treat. They also make great gifts when packaged in festive boxes. For a fun twist, consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. To enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Sugar Cookies contains roughly 2219 calories, with 4g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 194g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1832mg per serving (80% 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 fat instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute margarine with unsalted butter or coconut oil. Just keep in mind that using butter will give the cookies a richer flavor, while coconut oil will add a subtle tropical taste.
How can I make the cookies more festive?
To make the cookies more festive, consider adding holiday-themed sprinkles or colored sugar on top before baking. You can also use cookie cutters in various holiday shapes such as stars, trees, or snowflakes for a seasonal touch.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm up the dough and make it easier to handle. You can also sprinkle additional flour on your work surface as needed.
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).