πͺ Irresistible Easy Christmas Cookies (Kids Love! Perfect Holiday Treats) β Festive Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Icing
These soft, sparkly Christmas cookies are a holiday hit for kids and adultsβno oven? No problem! Bake them in 20 minutes or let them air-dry for a no-bake option.
Planning your festive spread? These Irresistible Easy Christmas Cookies are the ultimate kid-approved holiday treat that brings joy to every table. Made with just 5 simple ingredients, they bake in 20 minutes, stay soft, and showcase vibrant red-green icing that sparkles under twinkling lights. Pair these cookies perfectly with warm cocoa or a glass of milk to complete the cozy holiday moment.
Whether you're a beginner baker or juggling holiday prep, these cookies are a stress-free way to fill your home with festive cheer. The no-oven option means even kids can help shape and decorate them, making this a perfect family activity before the big day.
With a budget-friendly recipe under $10, you'll have enough cookies to share with neighbors, teachers, or as part of your holiday cookie swap. The vibrant red and green icing adds a magical touch that'll make your cookie platter the star of any gathering.
From shaping the dough to watching the icing sparkle, every step is designed to create a joyful baking experience. These cookies are more than a treatβthey're a festive tradition that brings everyone together.
So grab your cookie cutters and let's make holiday magic in the kitchen! Your family will love these soft, sweet cookies as much as the twinkling lights on the tree.
Why This Recipe Works
β° Kid-Friendly Simplicity
With only 5 ingredients and no complex steps, these cookies are perfect for little hands. The dough is easy to shape, and the icing can be decorated with sprinkles or cookie cutters for a festive touch.
π° Budget-Friendly
Costing under $10 for a batch of 48 cookies, this recipe is ideal for holiday baking on a budget. The ingredients are pantry staples, and the no-oven option saves energy while still delivering delicious results.
π₯ Family Fun
From rolling the dough to decorating with vibrant icing, this recipe turns baking into a festive family activity. Kids will love creating their own cookie masterpieces while parents enjoy the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
π Sparkling Presentation
The red and green icing adds a magical touch that shines under holiday lights. These cookies are perfect for cookie swaps, gift baskets, or as a sweet finale to your Christmas dinner table.
Irresistible Easy Christmas Cookies
Soft, festive sugar cookies with sparkling red-green icing
π Ingredients
- - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- - 1 cup granulated sugar
- - 1 large egg
- - 1 tsp vanilla extract
- - Red and green food coloring (gel)
- - Confectioners' sugar for dusting
π¨βπ³ Instructions
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use a wooden spoon to mix until well combined.
π‘ Use room-temperature butter for a smooth dough.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix butter, egg, and vanilla extract until creamy. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
π‘ Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it's too sticky to handle.
Roll and Cut: Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to shape the dough. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
π‘ For a no-oven option, skip baking and let cookies air-dry for 24 hours.
Bake or Air-Dry: Bake at 350Β°F (175Β°C) for 20 minutes or until golden. For no-oven, let cookies dry at room temperature.
π‘ No cookie cutters? Use a glass or bottle top for simple shapes.
Decorate: Divide icing into two bowls. Tint one red and one green. Pipe or spread onto cooled cookies. Add sprinkles or edible glitter for extra sparkle.
π‘ Use a piping bag for precise designs or a spoon for a rustic look.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter
Butter gives the cookies their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It also helps the dough come together smoothly.
Substitutions: Use salted butter (omit added salt), or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Granulated Sugar
Sugar adds sweetness and helps create the cookies' tender texture. It also aids in browning during baking.
Substitutions: Use coconut sugar for a caramel flavor or a 1:1 sugar substitute blend.
Egg
The egg acts as a binder, holding the dough together. It also contributes to the cookies' chewy texture.
Substitutions: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) for a vegan version.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla enhances the flavor and complements the icing. It's the secret to these cookies' irresistible aroma.
Substitutions: Use almond extract for a nutty twist or omit for a neutral flavor.
Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Cookies
π Dough Chilling
Chill the dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading and make it easier to handle.
βοΈ No-Oven Hack
Skip baking! Shape the dough, let it air-dry for 24 hours, and decorate with icing for a no-bake option.
π¨ Icing Tips
Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors. Add a drop of corn syrup to the icing for a glossy finish.
β¨ Sparkle Addition
Sprinkle edible glitter or sugar crystals on wet icing for a magical, sparkling effect.
Variations & Customizations
Candy Cane Stripe Icing
Use a toothpick to create white candy cane stripes on red icing for a classic Christmas look.
Snowflake Designs
Pipe white icing snowflakes on some cookies and red holly berries on others for a wintry mix.
Mini Morsels
Make bite-sized cookies for party favors or cookie exchange gifts. Use small cookie cutters for adorable shapes.
Gingerbread Twist
Add 1 tsp ground ginger and 1/2 tsp cinnamon to the dough for a spiced variation that pairs perfectly with Easy Gingerbread Cookies.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
π½οΈ Best Served With:
- Warm cocoa with marshmallows for a cozy holiday treat
- Fresh fruit platter with strawberries and oranges for a colorful contrast
- Mini milk glasses with festive holiday straws
π· Drink Pairings:
Pair with spiced chai tea or mulled wine for a sophisticated touch. For kids, hot chocolate with peppermint candies makes a festive combo.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Shape the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
Refrigerator Storage
Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freezer Storage
Unbaked cookie dough balls freeze well for up to 3 months. Baked cookies can be frozen in a single layer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Instructions
For freshness, reheat in a 300Β°F (150Β°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds per cookie.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
A: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading. Avoid over-mixing the dough, as this can lead to a sticky texture.
Q: Can I use a stand mixer?
A: Yes, but be careful not to over-mix. Use the paddle attachment and mix on low speed until just combined.
Q: How do I get the icing to hold its shape?
A: Use a thick icing consistency. Add more confectioners' sugar gradually until it reaches the right texture. Let cookies dry completely before stacking.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum to help bind the dough.
Final Thoughts
These Irresistible Easy Christmas Cookies are more than just a treatβthey're a holiday tradition that brings joy to every bite. Whether you're baking with kids or creating a festive cookie platter, this recipe is your shortcut to holiday magic.
With their soft texture, vibrant colors, and kid-friendly simplicity, these cookies are perfect for sharing. Save this pin for your next Christmas gathering and explore our Easy Gingerbread Cookies pin for more festive baking ideas. What's your favorite holiday cookie decoration? Share your creations in the comments below! οΏ½
