Best Traditional Christmas Cookies Recipe for the Holiday Season
Everyone knows the holidays are about sharing, and what better way to share than with cookies? Classic Christmas cookies carry the warmth of tradition, but many recipes seem overcomplicated or miss the magic. So, to fix that I’ve made a simple recipe that brings nostalgia, flavor, and ease to your kitchen.
What Are Traditional Christmas Cookies?
What I think of when I think traditional Christmas cookies are time-honored favorites baked during the holidays. I think of sugar cookies, gingerbread, and buttery shortbread. These recipes often reflect family traditions and bring everyone together with their comforting flavors.
But most of all, I picture rolled sugar cookie dough, baked and beautifully decorated with icing. Kids adding their creative touch, parents stepping in to keep the mess manageable, and the whole family coming together, surrounded by the warm, comforting smells of love and baking.
That’s exactly the type experience I hope for you to recreate with this recipe.
Looking for more holiday desserts? Don’t miss our festive Christmas bark recipe to add to your baking lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need For The Cookies And Icing
Cookie Dough
- Flour (3 cups): The base that holds everything together.
- Butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and keeps the cookies tender.
- Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and helps create that classic golden brown.
- Eggs (1 large): Helps bind everything while adding structure.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and depth.
- Almond Extract (optional, 1/2 teaspoon): Elevates flavor with a subtle nuttiness.
Royal Icing
- Powdered Sugar (2 cups): The sweet foundation of your icing.
- Meringue Powder (2 tablespoons): Helps the icing set firmly.
- Water (4 tablespoons): Adjust for consistency.
- Food Coloring: Optional, for vibrant holiday designs.
How to Make Traditional Christmas Cookies
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extracts. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Roll out one dough disc at a time on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use festive cutters to create shapes.
Step 5: Bake
Place cookies 1 inch apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are light golden. Let cool before decorating.
Step 6: Make Royal Icing
Combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Stir until smooth, then adjust consistency. Add food coloring if desired.
Step 7: Decorate
Use piping bags or a knife to apply icing. Let dry completely before storing.
Want to try something new for the holidays? Explore our Christmas jam recipe for a unique treat to pair with your cookies.
Classic Traditional Christmas Cookies Recipe
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Traditional Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: approximately 36 cookies 1x
Description
This recipe for Traditional Christmas Cookies combines the timeless charm and memories of classic sugar cookies with a slight twist—a touch of almond extract in the dough to enhance their richness without overpowering the traditional buttery flavor. Paired with a simple royal icing, these cookies are perfect for decorating with family and friends. This recipe honors tradition while offering just a hint of something new.
Equipment
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional but recommended)
Royal Icing:
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) meringue powder or pasteurized egg whites
- 4 tablespoons (60ml) water (add more for thinner consistency)
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). - Add Egg and Flavorings:
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. - Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough into two disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling ensures the cookies hold their shape during baking. - Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. - Roll and Cut:
Roll out one dough disk at a time on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets. - Bake:
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. - Make the Royal Icing:
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed. Divide into bowls and add food coloring if desired. - Decorate:
Decorate cooled cookies using a piping bag or small offset spatula. Allow icing to dry completely before stacking or storing.
Notes
Adding almond extract is a subtle twist that enhances the traditional sugar cookie flavor, giving them a slightly nutty depth while remaining true to the classic buttery profile. This tweak elevates the recipe without detracting from its familiar, nostalgic charm.
Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. For a truly traditional experience, involve family or friends in the decoration process—it’s as much about the memories as the flavor!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- chilling time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Tips for Ingredient Alternatives
Butter Substitute
Need a dairy-free option? Plant-based butter is a solid choice, especially if it’s labeled for baking. If you’re feeling adventurous, coconut oil works too, but it will add a hint of coconut flavor that can pair nicely with holiday spices.
Gluten-Free Flour
Replacing all-purpose flour is simple with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. It’s designed to work just like regular flour, so your cookies will roll out and bake beautifully. Mixing your own blend? Don’t forget to add xanthan gum—it’s the glue that holds it all together.
Natural Colors
Brighten your cookies without artificial dyes by turning to your pantry. Beet juice gives a gorgeous red, matcha powder makes a festive green, and turmeric adds a golden hue—though a little goes a long way. Boiling down fruit juices, like blueberry or cranberry, can also give you bold, natural colors.
Egg-Free Options
No eggs? No problem. Flax or chia seeds mixed with water (1 tablespoon seeds + 2 1/2 tablespoons water) work great as a binder. Applesauce or mashed banana can also do the trick but will tweak the flavor a bit.
Sweetener Alternatives
Want to skip refined sugar? Coconut sugar or maple sugar brings a natural sweetness and a cozy caramel flavor. Honey works too but might require reducing other liquids in the recipe to keep the dough just right.
Non-Dairy Milk for Icing
Making royal icing? Swap out water for almond milk or oat milk. It’s a small change that can add a subtle flavor boost.
Small adjustments like these can make your cookies work for everyone at the table without losing the charm of holiday baking. Keep it simple, and let the joy of baking shine through!
Need to perfect your sugar cookies? Our guide on easy sugar cookie recipes has all the tips to ensure success every time.
Curious about ingredient substitutes? Learn how to measure accurately with our guide on how to measure baking ingredients.
FAQs About Traditional Christmas Cookies
Yes, freeze it for up to three months and thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
The butter and sugar ratio keeps them tender while baking them just until edges are set.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Absolutely. Just ensure your mixer can handle the larger quantity.
It prevents spreading and ensures the cookies hold their shape.
Use a piping bag with a fine tip for detailed designs.
Of course! Decorating is the perfect family activity.
Baking traditional Christmas cookies isn’t just about the cookies—it’s about the memories made in the kitchen. The flour-dusted counters, the scent of butter and sugar in the air, and the laughter shared over decorating sessions are what truly make these cookies special. Whether you stick to the classics or try a new twist, the joy of creating something delicious with your own hands is a gift in itself.
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Happy holidays, and happy baking!
~ Chef Ryan