INTRODUCTION
Christmas Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy and warmth during the holiday season. Inspired by the popular bakery chain, Crumbl, these sugar cookies have a soft, chewy texture and a creamy frosting that makes them irresistible. The addition of festive Christmas jimmies sprinkles adds a fun, colorful touch, making them perfect for any holiday gathering or a fun activity to enjoy with family.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about making these scrumptious cookies. From the ingredients to the step-by-step instructions, we will guide you through the process. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple and easy to follow.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are several reasons why you will fall in love with this Christmas Sugar Cookies recipe.
First, the taste is simply amazing. The cookies are soft and buttery, and the frosting is rich and creamy. The combination of flavors works perfectly together.
Second, these cookies are perfect for sharing. Whether you are bringing them to a holiday party, giving them as gifts, or just enjoying them with your family, they are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
Third, the festive appearance of these cookies adds to the holiday spirit. The colorful sprinkles make them look cheerful and inviting. They are not just a treat; they are a celebration of the holiday season.
Lastly, making these cookies is a fun activity that can be enjoyed with family and friends. Baking together creates special memories and allows you to share your love for baking with others.
HOW TO MAKE Christmas Sugar Cookies (Crumbl Copycat)
Creating your own Christmas Sugar Cookies is easy! Just follow the simple steps below, and you will have delicious cookies in no time.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Before you start, gather the following equipment:
- Oven
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Medium bowl
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Spatula
- Cookie scoop (3-tablespoon size)
- Wire rack
- Whisk attachment or mixer with bowl
- Piping tip (#2A or #1A)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 270 g (2¼ cups) all-purpose flour
- 4 g (1 tsp) baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 170 g (1½ sticks / ¾ cup) unsalted butter, softened (68-72°F)
- 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
- 54 g (⅓ cup) Christmas jimmies sprinkles
- 283 g (1¼ bricks / 10 oz) full-fat cream cheese, softened (68-72°F)
- 184 g (13 Tbsp) salted butter, softened (68-72°F)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 150 g (1¼ cups) powdered sugar, sifted
- 80 ml (⅓ cup) heavy cream, very cold
- 24 g (2 Tbsp) Christmas sprinkles (jimmies, nonpareils, trees, etc.)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Now, let’s go through the steps to make these delightful sugar cookies.
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 to 3 baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 270 g of all-purpose flour, 4 g of baking powder, and ¼ tsp of salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat 170 g of softened unsalted butter and 200 g of granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 1 to 2 minutes. Don’t forget to scrape down the bowl once or twice to mix everything well.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add in 1 large egg and 1 Tbsp of vanilla extract. Beat on medium-low speed until the mixture is combined, which should take around 30 seconds.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two parts. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold in the Christmas jimmies sprinkles using a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop and Shape Dough: Use a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough, aiming for 48-50 g each. Roll each scoop into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten Cookies: Slightly flatten each dough ball using your fingers or the bottom of a glass. Ensure the cookies are at least ½-inch thick.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look soft and no longer glossy. Avoid browning the cookies.
- Shape Cookies: Once done, remove them from the oven and immediately shape them into perfect circles. Use a cookie cutter or a glass larger than the cookies to lightly bring in the edges.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or a hand mixer), beat 283 g of softened cream cheese and 184 g of salted butter on low speed until smooth, creamy, and lump-free (this should take about 1-2 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add Flavorings: Add in 2 tsp of vanilla extract and ⅛ tsp of salt. Beat on low until combined.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add in 150 g of sifted powdered sugar in three parts. Beat on low speed until combined, stopping to scrape the bowl as needed.
- Whip the Cream: Slowly drizzle in the cold heavy cream (about 1 tablespoon at a time) while whisking on low speed. Continue this until stiff peaks form, which should take about 1 to 1½ minutes. Be careful not to overwhip the heavy cream as this can make the frosting split or become greasy.
- Frost the Cookies: Pipe the frosting in a spiral pattern over the cookies using a #2A or #1A piping tip, starting from the center and working outward. Alternatively, you can spread the frosting with a spatula to create decorative swirls.
- Add Sprinkles: Just before serving, sprinkle Christmas sprinkles over the frosting. Remember, less is more!
HOW TO SERVE Christmas Sugar Cookies
Christmas Sugar Cookies are best enjoyed fresh. Serve them on a festive platter at holiday gatherings, or pack them up as gifts for family and friends. These treats can be paired with warm milk, hot cocoa, or a cup of tea.
For a fun twist, consider a cookie decorating party where everyone can frost and sprinkle their cookies. This makes for a delightful activity, especially for kids.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Christmas Sugar Cookies
To keep your Christmas Sugar Cookies fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about 1 week. If you prefer to make them ahead of time, you can freeze both the cookies and the frosting separately.
To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before frosting them. If you’re also freezing the frosting, be sure to store it in a sealed container. When ready to use, whip it again to restore its creamy texture.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
These cookies are a perfect addition to any holiday dessert table. Here are a few ideas to serve them:
- Pair with a festive holiday punch.
- Serve alongside a platter of assorted holiday sweets and treats.
- Use them as part of dessert centerpieces for holiday parties.
- Encourage guests to take some home as a sweet memory of your gathering.
VARIATIONS
Feel free to customize your Christmas Sugar Cookies! Here are some fun variations:
- Different Sprinkles: Use different holiday-themed sprinkles such as snowflakes, reindeer, or candy canes.
- Flavored Frosting: Mix in extracts for flavored frosting. Peppermint or almond works well.
- Chocolate Chips: Add semi-sweet or white chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
- Red Velvet: Use red velvet cookie dough instead of the regular dough for festive red cookies.
FAQs
- Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, you can use margarine, but the texture may be slightly different compared to using butter.
- What if I don’t have cream cheese? You can substitute cream cheese with a vanilla buttercream. Just use more butter and milk to create the correct consistency.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Just thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
- What should I do if my frosting is too runny? If your frosting is too runny, try adding more sifted powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Christmas Sugar Cookies
To make your baking process easier, consider preparing certain elements in advance.
- Make the Dough Ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough up to 2-3 days in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake. Allow it to come to room temperature before scooping and baking.
- Pre-Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies a day ahead of your event. Cool them completely and store them in an airtight container. They will still taste fresh the next day.
- Make Frosting in Advance: The frosting can be prepared a day before and stored in the refrigerator. Whip it again before using to ensure a smooth consistency.
- Set Up a Decorating Station: If you want to add a fun element to your gathering, set up a cookie decorating station. Have plain cookies, frosting, and a variety of sprinkles ready for guests to decorate. This creates a fun interactive experience for everyone.
With these tips and the simple step-by-step guide, you will create beautiful and delicious Christmas Sugar Cookies that everyone will love. Enjoy your baking, and happy holidays!
Christmas Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 to 3 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 270 g of all-purpose flour, 4 g of baking powder, and ¼ tsp of salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat 170 g of softened unsalted butter and 200 g of granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add in 1 large egg and 1 Tbsp of vanilla extract and mix on medium-low speed for 30 seconds.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two parts, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the Christmas jimmies sprinkles gently with a spatula.
- Use a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough aiming for 48-50 g each, and roll into a ball. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Slightly flatten each dough ball to ensure they are about ½-inch thick.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, avoiding browning, until edges are set and tops look soft.
- Immediately shape the cookies into perfect circles using a cookie cutter or glass.
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack.
- In a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat 283 g of softened cream cheese and 184 g of salted butter on low speed until smooth (1-2 minutes).
- Add in 2 tsp of vanilla extract and ⅛ tsp of salt; mix until combined.
- Gradually add in 150 g of sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed and scraping the bowl as needed.
- Drizzle in the cold heavy cream while whisking until stiff peaks form (about 1 to 1½ minutes).
- Frost cookies in a spiral pattern using a piping tip or spread with a spatula.
- Before serving, sprinkle additional Christmas sprinkles over the frosting.