I still remember the first time I baked Frosted Vanilla Christmas Sugar Cookies with my grandmother in Crete. The kitchen was warm, the smell of vanilla and sugar filling the air, and flour dusting every surface. We laughed as we rolled out the dough, cutting out stars, trees, and little hearts, sneaking tiny bites along the way. Those cookies weren’t just desserts they were a celebration, a way to gather family and friends and create memories that lasted far longer than the cookies themselves.
These cookies are soft, buttery, and sweetly fragrant with vanilla. The frosting adds a colorful, festive touch, perfect for decorating with sprinkles, edible glitter, or even little candy accents. Making these Frosted Vanilla Christmas Sugar Cookies is a joyful experience, whether you’re baking with kids, gifting them to neighbors, or simply indulging in a little holiday sweetness yourself.
What I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can use cookie cutters in any shape you like, personalize the frosting, and even mix flavors if you’re feeling creative. The dough is easy to handle, and the cookies bake quickly, making them perfect for last-minute holiday fun. And yes your kitchen will get messy, but isn’t that part of the holiday magic
Ingredients for Frosted Vanilla Christmas Sugar Cookies
For the cookies:
- 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
For the frosting:
- 2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles or edible glitter for decoration
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven & prep baking sheets
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. - Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Cream butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). - Add egg and extracts
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined. - Combine with dry ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. - Roll out dough
Roll dough to about ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface. - Cut shapes
Use cookie cutters to cut into festive shapes—stars, trees, hearts, or any design you love. - Bake cookies
Place cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake 8–10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely. - Prepare frosting
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add food coloring as desired. - Decorate
Frost the cooled cookies and sprinkle with festive decorations. Let the frosting set before serving or packaging.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Frosted Vanilla Christmas Sugar Cookies on a holiday platter alongside hot cocoa or mulled wine.
- Package in cute boxes or tins to give as edible gifts.
- Use cookie decorating as a fun holiday activity with kids or friends.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Cookies 🎄🍪
TIME ⏰
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 30–35 minutes
INGREDIENTS 🛒
- Use unsalted butter for best flavor
- High-quality vanilla extract makes a huge difference
INSTRUCTION 🥄
- Chill dough for 30 minutes if too soft to roll
- Avoid overbaking to keep cookies soft
NOTE 📝
- Frost cookies after they are completely cooled to prevent melting
- You can substitute almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor
NUTRITION 🍽️ (per cookie, approx.)
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 1g
Conclusion
Baking Frosted Vanilla Christmas Sugar Cookies is more than just making dessertit’s creating moments, sharing joy, and bringing a touch of magic to the holiday season. Soft, buttery cookies topped with sweet, colorful frosting are a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. These cookies are perfect for gifting, decorating, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa by the fireplace. Celebrate the season with a batch of homemade joy and memories you’ll cherish as much as the cookies themselves.
Short 100-Word Version for Quick Reference
These Frosted Vanilla Christmas Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and filled with festive vanilla flavor. The dough is easy to roll, and cookies are cut into holiday shapes like stars, trees, and hearts. After baking, they’re frosted with smooth vanilla icing and decorated with colorful sprinkles or edible glitter. Perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or cozy family baking days, these cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love. Quick, easy, and full of festive cheer, they’re a must-have for any holiday season, bringing both delicious flavor and joyful memories.