Name: Christmas Sugar Cookies with Whipped Vanilla Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups All-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp Baking powder; 1/2 tsp Baking soda; 1 tsp Salt; 1/3 cup Christmas sprinkles (Use Jimmie sprinkles); 1 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 1/4 cup White granulated sugar; 2 Large eggs (room temperature); 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract; 1 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature); 3 cups Powdered sugar (sifted); 1 TBSP Pure vanilla extract; Pinch of Salt; 2 TBSP Heavy cream; Extra Christmas sprinkles for topping

Ingredients

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1/3 cup Christmas sprinkles (use Jimmie sprinkles)

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (for cookie dough)

1 1/4 cup white granulated sugar

2 large eggs, room temperature

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (for frosting)

3 cups powdered sugar, sifted

1 tbsp pure vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

2 tbsp heavy cream

Extra sprinkles for decorating

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and Christmas sprinkles.

Step 2: Using a mixer, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter and the granulated sugar on high for 2 minutes until fluffy.

Step 3: Add the eggs and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat on high for 1 minute.

Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined.

Step 5: Let the dough rest for 10 minutes to allow gluten to form. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Step 6: Scoop the dough using a large cookie scoop onto the cookie sheets, spacing them apart. Chill the dough balls in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place 6 cookie dough balls on each cookie sheet.

Step 8: Bake the cookies for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: While cookies cool, prepare the whipped frosting. Beat 1 cup unsalted butter on high for 3 minutes until creamy.

Step 11: Slowly add the sifted powdered sugar to the butter, mixing until smooth.

Step 12: Add 1 tbsp vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 2 tbsp heavy cream. Beat on high for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 13: Use a small cookie scoop to place frosting onto each cookie. Spread the frosting evenly with an offset spatula.

Step 14: Decorate the frosted cookies with extra Christmas sprinkles for a festive touch.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, chill the cookie dough overnight before baking to enhance texture and taste.

Substitute almond extract for vanilla in the frosting for a nutty twist.

If you prefer a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar gradually until desired consistency.

Use festive-colored sprinkles to match different holiday themes or occasions.

Storage

Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 1 week, but bring to room temperature before serving. The cookies and frosting freeze well for up to 3 months—thaw them in the fridge overnight and allow to soften before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from tasting too salty.

How can I make these cookies ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough and freeze it in cookie-sized scoops. When ready, bake from frozen by adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Frost the cookies after they’ve cooled completely.