There are few things that capture the spirit of Christmas more than a plate of freshly baked sugar cookies. Their soft, tender centers, sweet vanilla-almond aroma, and festive sprinkle of red and green sugar make them a classic treat that feels right at home on every holiday table. This recipe for Christmas sugar cookies is simple, reliable, and produces cookies that are both soft and flavorful. They come together with pantry staples, chill beautifully in the refrigerator, and bake up into perfectly shaped little rounds that sparkle with holiday colors.
The magic of these cookies lies in their texture and flavor. Cream cheese and butter are combined in the dough to create a rich, soft bite. The cream cheese adds moisture and just a touch of tang, balancing the sweetness of sugar and vanilla. Almond extract brings in that nostalgic bakery-style flavor that makes sugar cookies taste like Christmas. Chilling the dough before baking ensures the cookies hold their shape and do not spread too much in the oven. Finally, a sprinkle of colored sugar adds a festive touch without requiring any elaborate decorating.
Ingredients
½ cup salted butter, softened
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
1½ cups sugar
2 large eggs
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
Red and green sanding sugars
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and almond extract. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture for 4 to 5 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is important because it whips air into the dough and creates cookies that bake up soft instead of dense.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure everything is evenly mixed. Add in the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. With the hand mixer on low speed, mix gently until the dough just comes together. The texture should be soft but not sticky.
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll into balls and preventing excess spreading during baking.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a 1-inch cookie scoop to portion the dough, rolling each piece into a smooth ball with your hands. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least an inch between each one.
Use a fork to gently press a criss-cross pattern into each dough ball. This step helps flatten them slightly for even baking and gives them a traditional sugar cookie appearance. Sprinkle generously with red and green sanding sugars for a festive finish.
Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes. It is important not to overbake them. The edges should not brown, and the cookies should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Why these cookies are perfect for Christmas
Sugar cookies are timeless, but this version stands out for its softness and flavor. The cream cheese keeps the interior tender while adding richness, and the balance of vanilla and almond extract makes each bite fragrant and nostalgic. These cookies do not require rolling, cutting, or frosting, making them ideal for busy holiday baking. With just a fork and some colored sugar, you can create a batch that looks as festive as it tastes.
Tips for success
Be sure the butter and cream cheese are fully softened before beating. This ensures a smooth dough without lumps.
Do not skip the chilling time. The dough is easier to work with once firm, and chilling prevents cookies from spreading too thin.
Resist the temptation to leave them in the oven until golden. The goal is a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, so pull them out while they still look pale.
Variations
For a hint of citrus, add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough.
If you like a bit more crunch, sprinkle coarse sparkling sugar over the tops before baking instead of sanding sugar.
For an extra festive look, press a red or green chocolate candy into the center of each cookie right after baking.
If almond extract is not your preference, you can simply replace it with more vanilla extract.
Storage
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully. To freeze, place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving ideas
Christmas sugar cookies are wonderful on their own, but they also pair perfectly with a mug of hot cocoa, spiced tea, or coffee. Place them on a holiday platter with other seasonal treats like gingerbread men, shortbread, and peppermint bark for a cheerful dessert spread. They also make excellent gifts—pack them in cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon, or arrange them in cookie tins to share with friends, family, or neighbors.
The joy of baking
Part of the magic of Christmas cookies is the tradition of baking and sharing them. This recipe is simple enough to make with children, who will love rolling the dough balls and sprinkling on the colorful sugar. It is a recipe you can return to year after year, knowing it will always deliver soft, sweet, and festive cookies that feel like the holiday season on a plate.
Whether you are baking for a cookie exchange, leaving a plate out for Santa, or simply treating yourself on a quiet December evening, these Christmas sugar cookies will bring joy with every bite. Soft, buttery, and sparkling with holiday cheer, they are a treat worth making again and again.