Why You’ll Love These Festive Cookies
As the holiday season approaches, the scent of freshly baked cookies wafts through our homes, filling the air with warmth and cheer. These Christmas Sugar Cookies, inspired by the famous Crumbl version, are everything you need to make your celebrations even more special. With their soft, chewy texture and delightful cream cheese frosting, they are perfect for sharing with family and friends, or simply indulging in by yourself. Each bite is a sweet reminder of joyful times spent with loved ones, making them a must-have addition to your holiday baking repertoire.
Overview of the Recipe
This recipe combines classic sugar cookie goodness with a festive flair. The cookies are made with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, making them accessible for bakers of all skill levels. They’re soft and chewy, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, and adorned with colorful Christmas sprinkles, making them not just delicious but visually stunning as well. Let’s dive into the details so you can bring this holiday magic into your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients for a batch of around 15 large or 20-22 regular-sized cookies:
- 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.)
Steps to Create Your Cookies
Let’s get started on this delightful journey! Follow these steps to bake up some holiday magic:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the dough.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Don’t forget to scrape down the bowl a couple of times to ensure everything is well mixed!
- Add the room-temperature egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Beat on medium-low speed until everything is combined, which should take about 30 seconds.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two parts, mixing on low speed until just combined. Remember, overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle!
- Gently fold in the Christmas jimmies sprinkles using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout your dough.
- Using a 3-Tablespoon cookie scoop (approximately 48-50 g each), portion out the dough and roll each scoop into a ball. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Slightly flatten each dough ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass, keeping the cookies at least ½-inch thick to maintain that soft texture.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look soft and no longer glossy. Be cautious not to let them brown!
- Once baked, remove from the oven. Immediately use a cookie cutter or a glass larger than the cookies to gently rotate around each cookie, shaping them into perfect circles.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the softened cream cheese and salted butter on low speed until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt, then beat on low speed until just combined.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar in three parts, mixing on low speed for about 10-15 seconds after each addition. Scrape the bowl as necessary.
- Slowly drizzle in the cold heavy cream, about 1 tablespoon at a time, while whisking on low speed. Continue until stiff peaks form, which should take about 1-1½ minutes. Be careful not to overwhip; we want silky frosting, not grainy clumps.
- Once your cookies are cool, pipe the frosting in a spiral pattern over each cookie using a #2A or #1A piping tip, starting from the center and working your way outward. If you’d rather, you can spread the frosting with a spatula for a more rustic look.
- Just before serving, sprinkle additional Christmas sprinkles on top of the frosting for that festive touch!
Tips for Success
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at the right temperature. This helps achieve a smooth frosting and a well-mixed cookie dough.
- Chilling the Dough: If you have time, chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better and enhances the flavors.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue to cook slightly after you remove them from the oven. Watch them closely to keep that soft, chewy texture.
Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with these cookies! Here are some variations:
- Flavor Infusions: Add different extracts like peppermint or orange for a unique twist.
- Mix-In Ideas: Incorporate chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for added flavor and texture.
- Decorating Fun: Use different colored sprinkles or edible glitter to match your holiday theme!
Storage and Freezing Tips
To keep your cookies fresh:
- Storing: Store frosted cookies at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
FAQs About Christmas Sugar Cookies
Here are some common questions about this festive treat:
- Can I use margarine instead of butter? While it’s best to use butter for flavor and texture, margarine can be used in a pinch. Just keep in mind that it may alter the taste and consistency.
- What can I substitute for cream cheese? For a lower-fat option, you can use Greek yogurt, but the flavor and texture will differ. For a dairy-free option, try a dairy-free cream cheese.
- How can I ensure my cookies are soft? The key to soft cookies is not overbaking them. They should look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even the best bakers encounter hiccups. Here’s how to solve some common problems:
- Cookies Spreading Too Much: This can happen if your butter is too warm. Make sure it’s softened, not melted, before mixing.
- Frosting Too Runny: If your frosting isn’t holding its shape, try adding a little more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
- Crumbly Cookies: If your cookies are dry or crumbly, you may have added too much flour. Make sure to measure accurately and spoon the flour into the measuring cup, leveling it off without packing.
Conclusion: Share the Joy of Baking
These Christmas Sugar Cookies are not just a treat; they are a delightful way to create memories during the holiday season. Whether you’re baking them for a festive gathering, a cookie exchange, or just for a cozy night in, they are sure to bring smiles to everyone who tries them. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen together! Happy baking and happy holidays from my kitchen to yours!
Christmas Sugar Cookies (Crumbl Copycat)
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 270 g all-purpose flour
- 4 g baking powder
- 0.25 tsp salt
Cookie Dough
- 170 g unsalted butter, softened (68-72°F)
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 0.25 tsp almond extract (optional)
Sprinkles
- 54 g christmas jimmies sprinkles
Frosting
- 283 g full-fat cream cheese, softened (68-72°F)
- 184 g salted butter, softened (68-72°F)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.125 tsp salt
- 150 g powdered sugar, sifted
- 80 ml heavy cream, very cold
- 24 g christmas sprinkles (jimmies, nonpareils, trees, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment.
- Mix dry ingredients; beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, then combine dry ingredients. Fold in sprinkles.
- Portion dough with a cookie scoop, shape into balls, flatten slightly, and bake for 9-11 minutes. Cool and shape into circles.
- Make frosting by beating cream cheese and butter, then add vanilla, salt, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Pipe or spread over cookies and decorate with sprinkles.
Notes
Nutrition
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