Christmas is almost here, and this is when everyone searches for a reliable Christmas sugar cookie recipe they can use for decorating, gift boxes, or family traditions. Sugar cookies seem simple, but they can be surprisingly hard to get right. Many turn out too sweet, too hard, or they spread so much that they lose their shape in the oven. Personally, they aren’t usually my first choice, but when the texture is crisp on the outside and soft in the middle, they’re worth it.
Our Christmas Tradition and Why We Needed a Good Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe
Even with older kids, we still bake sugar cookies every Christmas Eve. It’s a steady tradition in our house and one we all look forward to. We pull out the cutters, mix the dough, and decorate whatever shapes the kids choose. Then we leave a few cookies out for Santa and head to bed.
Because this has been such a long-standing routine, I wanted a Christmas sugar cookie recipe that was easy to roll out, held its shape, and didn’t feel overly sweet.
Sugar Cookies and Food Allergies
Traditional sugar cookies usually include gluten, dairy, and egg. These ingredients give the dough structure and flavor, but they also make the classic version off-limits for many families with food allergies.
This is something we think about a lot in our home, especially because my daughter runs her own allergy-friendly cookie company, Carefree Cookies. Her cookies are top nine allergen free, gluten free, and vegan. She has perfected her own sugar cookie recipe, but since it is part of her business, I won’t be sharing that one here. You can contact her at CarefreeCookieCo@gmail.com if you would like to place an order.
Instead, I’m including the straightforward family recipe we use for decorating. It’s not top-nine-free, but it’s simple and reliable.
Ingredient Substitution Table
Food allergies show up differently in every household, so it helps to have a few simple swaps ready to go. These substitutions work well in most sugar cookie recipes if you need to avoid gluten, dairy, or egg.
| Ingredient | Swap | Notes |
| All-purpose flour | Gluten-free 1:1 baking flour | Choose one with xanthan gum |
| Butter | Vegan butter | May require a longer chill time |
| Egg | Flax egg or vegan replacer | Slightly softer texture |
| Milk | Oat or rice milk | Use unsweetened |
Classic Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together.
- Beat the butter and sugar until combined and slightly fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients gradually.
- Add the tablespoon of milk to bring the dough together.
- Divide the dough into two discs, wrap, and chill for at least one hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Roll the dough to a quarter-inch thickness.
- Cut into shapes and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges just begin to turn golden.
- Cool before decorating.
- Mix one cup powdered sugar with one to two tablespoons of water or milk.
Nutrition
Notes
• Thickness controls texture. Rolling to a quarter inch gives soft centers and crisp edges.
• Avoid overbaking. Pull the cookies when the edges just start turning lightly golden. They continue firming up as they cool.
• For gluten-free versions: Use a 1:1 baking flour with xanthan gum. Expect a softer, more delicate texture and watch the bake time closely to prevent drying out.
• Make-ahead option: The dough can be made up to 48 hours in advance. Keep it wrapped and refrigerated until ready to roll.
• Freezer option: Dough can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
• Storage: Store decorated or plain cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Spreading tip: If your kitchen is warm, return cut cookies to the refrigerator for 10 minutes before baking.
• Icing consistency: For a glaze, keep the icing thin. For more detailed decorating, use a thicker consistency.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Tips for Consistent Sugar Cookies
- Chill the dough so the cookies hold their shape. At least 30 minutes.
- Roll to an even thickness.
- Mix only until combined to avoid a tough texture.
- Bake until the edges just start turning golden.
- Let them cool fully before decorating.
Common Sugar Cookie Mistakes and How to Fix Them
- Cookies spread too much: Dough wasn’t chilled long enough.
- Dough is crumbly: Add a small amount of milk or milk substitute.
- Cookies turn out tough: Too much flour or over-mixing.
- Pale cookies: Increase baking time slightly.
- Edges brown too fast: Lower oven temperature by 25 degrees.
- Dough sticks: Use parchment or a light dusting of flour.
Decorating Ideas for Christmas sugar cookie
- A basic glaze works well for kids.
- Royal icing creates clean lines.
- Use sprinkles before the icing sets.
- If allergies are a concern, check decorations carefully since many contain dairy or soy.
The Psychology of Baking Traditions
Baking traditions give families something steady to come back to each year. December can feel busy and a little scattered, so having one ritual that everyone recognizes helps bring things back to center. Even older kids who seem less interested still appreciate the familiarity of it. They know the routine: make the dough, choose the cutters, decorate the cookies, and enjoy the treat.
These small moments become anchors. Kids remember the rhythm of it more than anything complicated or “Pinterest perfect.” It’s a reminder that the holiday doesn’t need a lot of extras to feel meaningful. Sometimes the simplest routines are the ones that last the longest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to chill the dough?
Yes. It helps the cookies hold their shape.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes. Freeze for up to two months and thaw in the fridge.
Why do my sugar cookies turn out hard?
Most likely over baked. Pull them as soon as the edges turn slightly golden.
How thick should I roll the dough?
A quarter inch works best.
Can I make my sugar cookies gluten-free?
Use gluten-free 1:1 flour. Expect a softer texture.
How do I store decorated cookies?
In an airtight container with parchment between layers.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas sugar cookie recipe is simple, consistent, and easy to use whether you’re decorating with young kids or older ones who still join in for the tradition. It holds its shape, tastes good, and keeps the process low-stress. If you like to keep baking simple during the holidays, this is a dependable recipe to work with each year. If you decide to decorate cookies this season, I hope this gives you a reliable base to start with. Whether it becomes part of your yearly routine or stays a once-in-a-while project, it’s a nice way to slow down and enjoy a little time in the kitchen.
If you want more practical recipes, allergy-friendly guidance, and real-world nutrition advice, you can join my newsletter. I send one each week with useful tips and new content you can actually put to use.