Holiday Sugar Cookie Recipe

Holiday Sugar Cookie Recipe 

A Tradition of Sweetness and Meaning The holiday season is here, and for me, it’s a time to continue a beloved tradition: baking cookies! Every year, I make holiday cookies a little differently—some might have the same recipes, but I love to tweak things just a little to suit my taste and make them extra special for friends and family. This year, I’m excited to share my big, fat holiday sugar cookies with a soft, chewy center and a festive red buttercream topping. These cookies are full of buttery goodness with a rich vanilla flavor, and they’re sure to bring some cheer to your holiday season!

A Meaningful Tradition As a mom, it’s important to me to honor my son Brady’s wishes, and this year, he requested we make cookies for Santa. Our schedule was tight, and I was worried we wouldn’t have time, but as a mom, I always try my best to make it happen for him. And this year, we did! Together, we baked these cookies and made a batch for my friends and coworkers as well. What makes these cookies even more meaningful is that I decided to top them with red buttercream to give them a festive Christmas touch. I love to share them with the people I care about, and for me, these cookies represent wishing others a sweet holiday season, filled with the richness and warmth of togetherness—just like the cookies themselves. Brady’s reaction after tasting them warmed my heart. He said, “I’m going to save these for Santa, but please give some to the homeless people you see on the street.” I was so touched by his thoughtfulness and love for others.

Recipe: Holiday Sugar Cookies with ButtercreamHere’s how to make these delicious, chewy, buttery cookies that are perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients:For the Cookies:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Buttercream:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Red food coloring

Directions:For the Cookies:

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using an electric mixer), beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine: Add the dry ingredients and beat until just combined. Scoop dough using a 1/3-cup measuring cup, roll into balls, and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
4. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 4 inches apart. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are set and golden. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

For the Buttercream:

1. Make the Frosting: In the large bowl of the stand mixer (or with an electric mixer), beat the softened butter and powdered sugar on medium speed until smooth. Add the cream and vanilla extract, and beat until fully incorporated. Add a drop of red food coloring at a time and mix until you achieve your desired shade of red.
2. Frost the Cookies: Using an offset spatula, frost the tops of the cooled cookies with the buttercream. Refrigerate the frosted cookies for at least 30 minutes to set.

Make Ahead: These cookies can be made up to a week in advance! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.