Making Sugar Cookies for Christmas

by Kara Miller on December 15th, 2013 | No Comments »

A long-standing Christmas tradition in my family is to make sugar cookies for Santa. I remember learning how to roll out dough with my mom, cutting out the shapes, and decorating them. When I told my daughter that I used to do this with her Nonnie, she just laughed and said, "That's weird!"

It's really hard for me to give up control (especially in the kitchen), so baking with children is a good exercise for me. I just try to relax, know that it's going to be messy, and keep my cool. Ada couldn't help but lick her fingers every time they got dough on them, so we made many trips to the sink to wash them yet again! Ah, lessons in life.

She did such a good job! I loved watching her little hands at work.

This recipe is great for children because it doesn't require the dough to chill in the refrigerator. Which means you get your cookies faster. Wahoo!!

We used a simple buttercream frosting and decorated with festive sprinkles. I just love a thick sugar cookie with a buttery frosting and crunchy sprinkles on top. I know Santa will be happy!

I hope you and your children will try making these together! It's messy but worth it.

I mean really, look at this face.

So worth it 🙂

Simple Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

1 cup butter
1 egg
1 cup powdered sugar
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter until smooth. Add egg and mix. Add the powdered sugar and beat well, scraping down sides as needed. Add remaining ingredients and mix until combined.
On a floured surface, roll out dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky. Cut into desired shapes and bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
Makes 2 to 3 dozen cookies.

Easy Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
3 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 Tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Directions

In a large bowl, cream the butter with an electric mixer until very soft and light, about three minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and beat until smooth and fluffy. Use immediately, or cover and refrigerate until needed. Enjoy!!

What is your favorite cookie recipe?

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Kara is a left-handed runner with a slight Dr. Pepper addiction. She's a California girl, world traveler, and airport pro. A wife, mother of two girls, recipe tester, and habitual spatula licker. She's a lover of all things chocolate! She blogs about it all over at Kara in the Kitchen.