Baking Christmas sugar cookies is one of the sweetest parts of our holidays. In our Tennessee family, it’s all about gathering around the table, sharing laughs, and letting our creativity run wild with icing and sprinkles—sometimes more on the table than the cookies! It’s a simple, fun, and oh-so-delicious way to spend time together during the season. So, join us, and follow along for the perfect sugar cookie recipe and all the tips you need to make your own festive creations this holiday!
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Make Sweet Holiday Memories with Christmas Sugar Cookies
In our Tennessee family, decorating Christmas sugar cookies is more than just baking—it’s a fun tradition we look forward to every year. From frosting stars to piling on sprinkles (or red hots, my personal favorite!), it’s all about laughter, creativity, and also creating sweet holiday memories. These cookies are easy to bake, fun to decorate, and perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with cocoa. So, are you ready to make this festive tradition your own? Keep reading for all the tips you need!
Our All-Time Favorite Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe
We’ve found this recipe to be our all-time favorite, and we’re so excited to share it with you! Passed down to us by a sweet family friend years ago, it’s become a staple in our holiday traditions. So, these Christmas sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and hold their shape perfectly—certainly making them ideal for decorating. Plus, the dough is easy to work with, so even little hands can join the fun!
Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting them to friends, or just enjoying some festive family time, this recipe will be your new go-to. Ready to bake the best Christmas sugar cookies ever? Let’s get started!
Ultimate Sugar Cookies
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or mixing stand
- Measuring cups
- Rolling Pin
- Cookie cutters
- Cookie sheet
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups Sugar
- 1 cup Butter Flavor Crisco
- 2 Eggs
- ¼ cup Light Corn Syrup
- 1 tbsp Vanilla
- 3 cups All Purpose Flour
- ¾ tsp Baking Powder
- ½ tsp Baking Soda
- ½ tsp Salt
Icing
- ½ cup Crisco
- 1 stick Butter, softened
- 1 tsp Vanilla
- 2 Tbsp Milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°
- Combine sugar and crisco. Beat at medium speed. Add eggs, syrup and vanilla. Beat well.
- In seperate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add gradually to creamed mixture at low speed. Refrigerate 1 hour.
- Place dough on floured surface, and roll to ¼" thickness. Cut with cookie cutter and place 2" apart on ungreased cookie sheet (I lilke to use parchment paper)
- Bake at 375° for 6-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them and do not overbake. Cool completely. Frost and decorate.
Icing
- Cream ingredients together in mixer. Spread on cooled cookies.
Notes
Recipe Notes
- Chill the Dough: After mixing the cookie dough, you can cover it or wrap it tightly in saran wrap and refrigerate it overnight. Before rolling it out, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to make it easier to work with.
- Watch While Baking: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake. I prefer them soft and just barely golden, so they hold their shape without getting too brown around the edges. Personal preference plays a big role, so bake a test batch to see how you like yours!
- Icing Tip: For an extra touch of yumminess, swap milk for flavored coffee creamer when making your icing. It’s a simple change that adds a delicious twist!
- Topping Ideas: You can’t go wrong with sprinkles—they’re easy, colorful, and always fun. Small candies, like mini M&Ms, also make great toppings. Want to get fancy? Use icing tips to create intricate designs. The options are endless—just have fun and enjoy your creations! 🎄🍪✨
Sprinkle Some Fun: Decorating Tips for Christmas Sugar Cookies
Decorating Christmas sugar cookies is where the real holiday magic happens, and with a few creative ideas, you can turn simple cookies into festive masterpieces. Here are three tips to make your cookies stand out:
- Start Simple with Snowflakes
So, first, grab a piping bag with a small tip to draw delicate snowflakes on your Christmas sugar cookies. Then, sprinkle a little edible glitter or sanding sugar on top for a frosty, magical touch. - Add Festive Flair with Candy Cane Stripes
Next, try piping red and white stripes across your cookies to mimic a candy cane design. To finish, add a touch of sparkle with a light dusting of edible shimmer for that extra festive flair. - Brighten Things Up with Christmas Lights
Finally, flood a round or tree-shaped cookie with green icing as the base. After it dries, pipe thin black lines to look like string lights and add colorful candy pieces, like mini M&Ms or sprinkles, to create “bulbs.”
With these ideas, your Christmas sugar cookies will be ready to dazzle at any holiday gathering. So, gather your tools, let your creativity flow, and have fun making memories one sprinkle at a time! 🎄🍪✨
Things You’ll Need (And a Few Just for Fun!)
So, decorating Christmas sugar cookies is all about having fun, but the right tools can make it even better! To make your cookie-decorating party a success, here are my top must-haves:
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Tools and Fun Extras for Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookies
- Icing Bags and Tips – Perfect for creating beautiful designs with ease (and maybe even some cookie art along the way!).
- Baking Trays and Cookie Sheets – A must for perfectly baked Christmas sugar cookies and plenty of space for all your creations.
- Mixing Bowl – A sturdy, roomy bowl makes mixing dough and icing simple and mess-free.
- Cookie Cutters – Festive shapes like stars, trees, and snowflakes make decorating even more exciting.
- Decorating Trays – Ideal for keeping sprinkles, toppings, and icing under control (and off the table!).
- Small Bowls – Great for organizing sprinkles, small candies, and toppings so everyone can grab what they need.
- Small Wooden Disposable Silverware – Wooden knives are dull, making them perfect for spreading icing, while spoons make scooping sprinkles a breeze.
- Decorative Christmas Boards and Serving Trays – Show off your cookies in style for parties or family gatherings.
- Fun Aprons – After all, dressing the part adds to the fun, and aprons keep icing splatters in check!
With these tools and a few extras for fun, you’ll be all set to bake, decorate, and serve your Christmas sugar cookies like a pro. So, grab your apron, set up your toppings, and let the holiday magic begin! 🎄🍪✨
Sweet Memories Start Here
Now, with this ultimate sugar cookie recipe, you have everything you need to bake up some unforgettable Christmas sugar cookies and create holiday memories to last a lifetime! These Christmas sugar cookies are more than just sweet treats—they’re a way to slow down, laugh together, and build traditions that stand the test of time. Whether you’re continuing a beloved family tradition or starting a brand-new one, baking and decorating sugar cookies will fill your home with joy and your heart with holiday warmth.
So, gather your loved ones, roll out the dough, and let the decorating fun (and sprinkles) begin! Sweet memories are just a sprinkle away. 🎄🍪
Where to Grab Some Tennessee Sweet Cookies
Whether it’s Christmas sugar cookies or a slice of holiday cake, Tennessee has no shortage of sweet spots to satisfy your cravings! Here are a few must-visit places to treat yourself to something delicious:
- The Cupcake Collection – Nashville
Known for their award-winning cupcakes, this spot also serves up other sweet treats that are perfect for any celebration—or just because! - Flour Head Bakery – Knoxville
From artisan pastries to decadent cookies, this bakery certainly has something for everyone. Also, don’t forget to pair your treat with one of their expertly brewed coffees! - The Cookie Crate – Johnson City
So, this is a must-visit shop for anyone who loves a perfectly baked dessert (or a Christmas cookie)! Also, be sure to grab one of their seasonal cookie boxes!
So, whether you’re exploring the streets of Nashville, strolling through Knoxville, or stopping by Johnson City, these sweet spots are worth the visit. Treat yourself—you’ve earned it! 🍪🍰✨
Share Your Baking Fun!
So, we want to see your Christmas sugar cookie creations! 🎄🍪 Also, be sure to tag us @TennesseeTrekkn on Instagram and use the hashtag #TennesseeTrekkn to show off your festive treats. Don’t forget to join our Facebook community, where we share even more fun ideas and holiday inspiration.
And there’s more! Keep an eye on our YouTube channel as we gear up to kick off 2025 with exciting new content you won’t want to miss. Also, subscribe to our email list for all things Tennessee—delivered straight to your inbox. From baking traditions to travel tips, we’ve got you covered. Let’s make this season extra sweet together! 🎁✨
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