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Christmas Sugar Cookie Cutouts Recipe – Soft Frosted and Easy to Decorate

Christmas Sugar Cookie Cutouts - featured image

These soft, frosted Christmas Sugar Cookie Cutouts are easy to make, perfect for decorating, and deliver nostalgic holiday flavor with a tender, pillowy texture. Ideal for festive gatherings, gift tins, or family baking traditions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 45 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Food coloring gels
  • Sprinkles or edible glitter

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
  2. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy and pale, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and almond extract (if using).
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
  5. Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 45 minutes.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters.
  8. Transfer cookies to baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart. Re-roll scraps as needed.
  9. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set and tops are barely golden. Cool on sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
  10. For icing, beat powdered sugar and butter until combined. Add milk, vanilla, and salt; beat until smooth and spreadable.
  11. Divide icing into bowls and tint with food coloring gels.
  12. Spread or pipe icing onto cooled cookies. Decorate with sprinkles or edible glitter. Let dry for 1 hour before stacking or storing.

Notes

Chill dough for clean edges and prevent spreading. Sift powdered sugar for smooth icing. For gluten-free, use almond flour and xanthan gum. Dough can be made ahead and frozen. Avoid overbaking for soft cookies. Decorate with kids for a fun holiday activity.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas cookies, sugar cookie cutouts, holiday baking, soft sugar cookies, frosted cookies, easy decorating, festive cookies, kid-friendly, classic Christmas dessert