The scent of warm sugar cookies has a magical way of filling the home with joy. As the oven hums softly, the aroma of buttery goodness dances through the air, wrapping everyone in a nostalgic embrace. Christmas Sugar Cookies bring a sense of comfort and wonder that reminds us of childhood giggles, the excitement of holiday gatherings, and the love passed down through generations. Each bite transports you back to the days spent in the kitchen, hand in hand with family, creating festive memories that last a lifetime.
Why Christmas Sugar Cookies (Crumbl Copycat) Belongs in Your Kitchen Story
Every family has its traditions, and Christmas Sugar Cookies hold a special place in many hearts. For some, it is the ritual of baking with loved ones, where flour dust floats like snowflakes, and laughter bubbles over sweet moments. This recipe is not just about following steps; it is a heartfelt tradition that brings family together, allowing the sharing of stories and memories while creating something beautiful.
These cookies are a celebration of love, joy, and the spirit of giving. They are often decorated to represent the season, sparkling with colorful sprinkles that catch the eye and delight the taste buds. The thought of gathering around a warm table, sharing stories while indulging in these delightful treats, embodies the essence of the holidays and the importance of family connections.
How This Recipe Comes Together
“Every time I stir this pot, it smells just like Sunday at home.”
Making Christmas Sugar Cookies is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly winter day. The process begins with a few simple ingredients that come together to form a delightful dough, which promises sweet joy. The dough is soft and supple, ready to create life in the shape of delicate, lusciously sweet cookies.
Once you gather your ingredients, the magic unfolds. The comforting scents of butter, sugar, and vanilla fill the kitchen, while the sprinkles add a splash of color and festive flair. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of baking these cookies.
Gathering the Ingredients
To create these Christmas Sugar Cookies (Crumbl Copycat), you will need the following ingredients:
- 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.)
Gather these ingredients as a family, taking turns measuring and mixing, making the experience richer. Freshness is key to each one, helping to ensure the best flavor in every bite.
Step-by-Step Directions
To create the magic of Christmas Sugar Cookies, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or use a hand mixer), beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. This is when the magic starts; the mixture should look pale and creamy. Pause to scrape down the bowl once or twice.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating on medium-low speed until combined, about 30 seconds. The batter’s delightful aroma will waft around the kitchen.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two parts, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Gently fold in the Christmas jimmies sprinkles using a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This is where the festive colors start to shine.
- Use a 3-Tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough (about 48-50 g each).
- Roll each scoop into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. The spacing is essential, letting them spread beautifully as they bake.
- Slightly flatten each dough ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass, keeping the cookies at least ½ inch thick for that perfect, chewy texture.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look soft and no longer glossy. The cookies should not brown; they will be pale with a slightly firm edge.
- Remove from the oven and immediately shape into a perfect circle by gently rotating a cookie cutter or glass larger than the cookies around each one.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Now that the cookies are ready, it is time to prepare the cream cheese frosting.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the cream cheese and softened butter on low speed until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed for uniformity.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt, then beat on low until just combined.
- Sift the powdered sugar and add it in three parts, beating on low speed until just combined, about 10-15 seconds each time. Stop to scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Gradually drizzle in the cold heavy cream (about 1 tablespoon at a time), whisking on low speed until stiff peaks form, about 1-1½ minutes. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can make the frosting greasy or split.
- Pipe the frosting in a spiral pattern over the cookies with a #2A or #1A piping tip, starting from the center and working outward. Alternatively, you can spread it with a spatula for a more whimsical design.
- Just before serving, sprinkle Christmas sprinkles over the frosting less is more here to allow the cookies to shine.
These cookies are now ready to delight!
Bringing Christmas Sugar Cookies (Crumbl Copycat) to the Table
Gathering around the table and sharing Christmas Sugar Cookies warms the heart. The sheer delight of watching family members take their first bite is a treasure in itself. As you pass the plate around, the soft cookies, wrapped in smooth, rich frosting, invite everyone to indulge.
Picture the colors of sprinkles glistening in the candlelight as laughter and the hum of holiday music fill the air. The warmth of the cookies contrasts beautifully with the chill outside, making the moment all the more special. They pair wonderfully with warm mugs of hot cocoa or spiced tea, offering not just a treat but a shared experience, a moment frozen in time.
How to Keep This Dish Restorative Tomorrow
If you want to store your delightful Christmas Sugar Cookies, you can keep them fresh for several days. Place the cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will remain delicious at room temperature for about 5-7 days, where their flavors meld and deepen, echoing the warmth of family gatherings.
If you wish to savor them later, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, layering parchment paper between cookies, and store for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving, and they’ll taste just as fresh as the day they were made.
Quiet Tips & Tricks
Over the years, I have learned a few secrets to enhance the Christmas Sugar Cookies experience:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking soda and powder are fresh for better rise and texture.
- Butter Temperature: Softened butter is vital for the perfect creaminess; too hard or too soft can change the cookie’s texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, a little lumpiness is okay. Overmixing can lead to hard cookies.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If time allows, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help create chewier cookies.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add lemon zest or spices such as cinnamon for a unique twist that takes the classic cookie to the next level.
Discover More Heritage Recipes
Every recipe carries a piece of memory, care, and tradition. If you enjoyed this dish, you might also love the other comforting meals I’ve shared from my kitchen. Each one is crafted with the same patience and heart that have guided me for decades.
👉 Explore More Heritage Recipes Here
Heritage Variations
In many families, the holiday season sparks creativity in the kitchen. Christmas Sugar Cookies adapt beautifully to personal touches reflecting family heritage. For instance, my aunt often adds a hint of nutmeg or ginger to her dough, bringing warmth that encapsulates her region’s traditional spice blends. Others might swap the sprinkles for crushed candy canes, giving a refreshing kick that resonates with Christmas cheer.
Regional variations on the frosting can offer surprises, too. Some use peppermint extract to create a frosty layer reminiscent of winter landscapes, while others may use different colored frosting to represent holiday lights. Feel free to customize this recipe to honor your family’s unique traditions while forging new ones!
Christmas Sugar Cookies (Crumbl Copycat)
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating on medium-low speed until combined, about 30 seconds.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients in two parts, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Gently fold in the Christmas jimmies sprinkles using a spatula.
- Use a 3-Tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough (about 48-50 g each) and roll into balls on the prepared parchment.
- Flatten each dough ball slightly and bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are set and tops look soft.
- Remove from oven and gently shape into a perfect circle while warm.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese and softened butter on low speed until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt, beating on low until just combined.
- Sift and add the powdered sugar in three parts, beating on low speed until just combined.
- Gradually drizzle in the cold heavy cream while whisking until stiff peaks form.
- Pipe or spread the frosting over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with additional Christmas sprinkles.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs About Christmas Sugar Cookies (Crumbl Copycat)
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes, honey adds a softer sweetness that reminds many of spring treats. Just remember that you’ll need to adjust the quantities as honey is sweeter, and it may slightly change the dough’s texture.
What type of butter should I use?
Unsalted butter is the best choice, allowing you to control the salt level in the cookies. However, if you only have salted butter, reducing the added salt is an easy fix.
Can I freeze the cookies after baking?
Absolutely! Freezing the cookies helps retain their fresh flavor. Place them in airtight containers with parchment between layers for the best results.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if you wish. It may alter the texture slightly, but it will still yield delicious results.
What is the secret to soft cookies?
Be sure not to overbake them; remove the cookies when the edges are set but the tops are still soft. They will firm up as they cool.
A Final Thought
Christmas Sugar Cookies (Crumbl Copycat) are a treasure trove of flavors and memories, merging sweetness with nostalgia. Each size, smell, and taste invites you to pause for a moment, lending itself to shared laughter and joyous memories around the table. As you bake these cookies, you are not just following a recipe; you are weaving new family traditions while honoring those that came before.
Allow this recipe to fill your home with warmth and create memories that your loved ones will cherish for years to come. And as you gather with family this holiday season, let these cookies remind you of the love, joy, and connection that bind us all together around the table. Until the next meal, may your home be filled with the delightful aroma of Christmas Sugar Cookies.
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