🍪 Quick 4-Ingredient Christmas Sugar Cookies – Ready in 20 Minutes! 🎄
Soft, buttery Christmas cookies in just 20 minutes using only 4 pantry staples! Perfect for holiday baking beginners and kids.
These Christmas sugar cookies are the ultimate holiday hack - no fancy equipment or obscure ingredients needed. With just flour, butter, sugar, and baking powder, you'll have festive cookies ready to decorate in minutes. The dough is easy to roll and cut into shapes, and bakes to golden perfection. Whether you're making cookies for a cookie swap, holiday party, or family tradition, this recipe is a game-changer.
Holiday baking doesn't have to be complicated. These cookies are perfect for early morning inspiration when you're brainstorming holiday menus. They're also ideal for involving kids in the kitchen, as the dough is simple to handle and the baking time is short. The best part? You probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry!
The magic of this recipe lies in the balance of just four ingredients. The butter creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture while the sugar adds a delicate sweetness. The result is a classic sugar cookie that's perfect for decorating with royal icing, sprinkles, or even graham cracker crumbs for a festive touch. These cookies freeze beautifully too, so you can make a batch ahead of time and bake fresh cookies whenever you need a holiday treat.
Looking for a complete holiday baking series? Pair these with our No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies, Vegan Gluten-Free Oat Cookies, and Peppermint Snowflake Cookies for a stunning cookie platter. The soft, chewy texture of these sugar cookies makes them the perfect anchor for any holiday dessert spread.
Whether you're baking for a large family gathering or just want to enjoy a cozy holiday morning, these cookies will become a cherished tradition. The simplicity of the recipe means you can focus on the joy of baking, not the stress of complicated techniques. Let's get started on these quick and easy Christmas sugar cookies!
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups (270g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and sugar. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly. Gradually press mixture together with your hands until it forms a dough.
- Step 2: Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 10 minutes. This makes rolling easier and prevents sticking.
- Step 3: On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to shape dough.
- Step 4: Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until golden around edges.
- Step 5: Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks. Decorate with royal icing or sprinkles while still slightly warm.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Quick and Easy
This recipe is designed for efficiency - you'll have cookies ready in just 20 minutes with no complicated steps or special equipment needed.
💰 Budget-Friendly
With just four pantry staples, these cookies are incredibly cost-effective and perfect for holiday baking on a budget.
👥 Kid-Friendly
The simple dough is easy for kids to handle, making this a perfect family baking project that creates lasting memories.
🌟 Versatile
These cookies are perfect for decorating with icing, sprinkles, or even as a base for other holiday cookie recipes.
Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
Soft, buttery cookies in just 20 minutes!
🛒 Ingredients
- - 2 1/4 cups (270g) all-purpose flour
- - 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- - 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
👨🍳 Instructions
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and sugar. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly. Gradually press mixture together with your hands until it forms a dough.
💡 Use a stand mixer with paddle attachment for easier mixing.
Chill the Dough: Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 10 minutes. This makes rolling easier and prevents sticking.
💡 Chill for 15 minutes in warm climates to prevent spreading.
Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to shape dough.
💡 Dust work surface with flour to prevent sticking.
Bake Cookies: Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until golden around edges.
💡 Rotate baking sheets halfway for even browning.
Decorate: Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks. Decorate with royal icing or sprinkles while still slightly warm.
💡 Add festive toppings while cookies are still warm for better adhesion.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour
The base of these cookies. For a gluten-free version, use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Substitutions: Bread flour for chewier cookies, cake flour for tender texture.
Unsalted Butter
Provides rich flavor and helps create the melt-in-your-mouth texture. Room temperature butter blends more easily.
Substitutions: Coconut oil for a dairy-free option, lard for traditional flavor.
Granulated Sugar
Adds sweetness and helps with browning. For a lower glycemic index, use coconut sugar.
Substitutions: Brown sugar for caramelly flavor, powdered sugar for softer cookies.
Baking Powder
Acts as a leavening agent to create the perfect rise and texture. Use fresh baking powder for best results.
Substitutions: Baking soda + acid (lemon juice or vinegar) in a 1:2 ratio.
Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Cookies
❄️ Chilling Tips
Chill dough for at least 30 minutes if your kitchen is warm to prevent cookies from spreading too much.
🎨 Decorating Ideas
Use royal icing for detailed decorations or simple sanding sugar for a rustic look. Add edible glitter for extra holiday sparkle!
♻️ Eco-Friendly Baking
Use compostable parchment paper and reusable silicone baking mats for sustainable baking. Decorate with natural elements like crushed pistachios or edible flowers.
⏰ Time-Saving Tips
Make double the dough and freeze half for later. When ready to bake, cut cookies directly from frozen dough (add 1-2 minutes to baking time).
Variations & Customizations
Spiced Sugar Cookies
Add 1/2 teaspoon each of cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough for warm holiday flavors.
Peanut Butter Cookies
Replace 1/4 cup of flour with 1/4 cup peanut butter for a rich, nutty twist.
Gingerbread Cookies
Add 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger and 1/4 teaspoon cloves for a gingerbread variation.
Oatmeal Cookies
Mix in 1/2 cup rolled oats for a heartier texture and subtle nuttiness.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Hot cocoa with marshmallows for a cozy holiday treat
- Peppermint mocha latte for a festive coffee pairing
- Vanilla ice cream for a cookie sandwich
- Mini chocolate truffles for an elegant dessert platter
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with spiced chai tea or a mulled wine for a warming holiday beverage that complements the cookies' buttery flavor.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare dough up to 3 days ahead. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze dough for up to 2 months.
Refrigerator Storage
Chilled cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore freshness.
Freezer Storage
Baked cookies freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Store in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Instructions
For best results, reheat cookies in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating as it can make cookies chewy.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why did my cookies spread too much?
A: Dough may not have been chilled enough. Chill for at least 15 minutes before rolling. Also check if your butter was too warm when adding to the dough.
Q: How to prevent cookies from burning?
A: Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking and use light-colored baking sheets. Avoid overbaking - cookies are done when edges just start to brown.
Q: Can I make these cookies without a mixer?
A: Yes! Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut butter into flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press mixture together with your hands to form dough.
Q: How to make cookies more festive?
A: Add 1/2 teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist. Use festive cookie cutters like snowflakes, trees, or stars. Decorate with royal icing and edible glitter!
Final Thoughts
These quick Christmas sugar cookies are the perfect holiday baking project for beginners and kids. With just four ingredients and a 20-minute prep time, you'll have beautiful cookies ready to decorate in no time. The simplicity of the recipe means you can focus on the joy of baking rather than complicated techniques.
Whether you're making a large batch for a cookie exchange or just want to enjoy a cozy holiday morning, these cookies will become a cherished tradition. The versatility of the dough allows for endless creative possibilities with different shapes and decorations. Save this pin to your holiday baking board and start creating memories this season!
