How to Make Irresistible Christmas Sugar Cookies

Hi, my name is Alaina. I help families across the world get into the Christmas spirit with their loved ones. I can help you make the most beautiful cookies that taste just as good as they look. Today I am going to show you the easiest way to bring your family together during the holidays, through their stomachs. Ever since I first shared this recipe, I have been receiving positive feedback from people who will never use a different cookie recipe. 

• 1 cup salted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 cup salted butter softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1-3 tbsp milk
• red food coloring optional

Before beginning to make the most delicious sugar cookies, make sure there is a clean surface to start with. Be sure to wipe off counter tops and any other space that will be used while preparing the cookies. Next, make sure that any bowls, measuring cups, and utensils are clean and ready to be used.

Now that everything is clean, it is time to begin making the cookies. First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. While the oven is preheating, begin the dough by whisking 1 cup of salted butter and one cup of granulated sugar. Mix together until it is light and fluffy. Then, add in 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and ½ tsp of almond extract and beat until mixed together. Next, it is time to add the dry ingredients. Begin the dry ingredients by adding 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 tsp of baking powder. Mix until everything is combined thoroughly.

After completing the dough, measure out ¼ cup of that dough and roll it up into a ball. Repeat this step until all of the dough has been made into balls. Then, place the balls of dough onto the cookie sheet and press down gently with the bottom of a drinking glass or measuring cup so that the cookie becomes flat. The cookies will spread, so allow space between each cookie. Usually there is only room for 4 cookies per sheet.

Once the oven is preheated, place the cookie sheet into the oven for 9-11 minutes or until the centers of the cookies have puffed up and are no longer glossy. Now the cookies can be removed from the oven but be sure to allow the cookies time to cool on the cookie sheet.

While allowing time to cool, begin preparing the frosting. The first step to preparing the frosting is to cream ½ cup of salted butter by whisking. Slowly add in 3 cups of powdered sugar, 1 tsp of almond extract, and 1-3 tbsp of milk. Mix this together until it is smooth and creamy. Then add 4 drops of food coloring, whichever color you prefer. Since we are making Christmas cookies, I chose to use red. Mix the frosting together with the food coloring until you have your desired color.

Once the cookies have cooled fully, spread on your frosting. Next, to make the cookies even more festive, add sprinkles or any other edible decoration.

When the decorating is complete and the cookies look amazing, place into the fridge to chill until ready to serve.