Festive Holiday Sugar Cookies

The holiday season at the Staub residence is nothing short of a grand spectacle, a heartwarming tradition eagerly anticipated by everyone. It’s that cherished, magical time of year when all nine of us siblings endeavor to make the journey back home to our parents’ house, converging from different corners to celebrate under one roof. With such a lively and expansive gathering, one can readily envision the sheer abundance of food that inevitably fills every corner of the kitchen and dining room. Our Christmas celebration is a veritable feast for all senses, a culinary marathon that truly defines the spirit of togetherness, generosity, and joy.

Every Christmas Eve, without fail, a magnificent and bountiful spread awaits. As a cornerstone of these festivities, I can always count on the comforting aroma of a slow-cooker brimming with homemade meatballs, alongside platters piled high with an array of gourmet cheeses, crisp fresh vegetables, crunchy snack mixes, and every type of nut imaginable. Mountains of festive chocolate treats appear, only to disappear almost as quickly as they emerge. Yet, amidst this glorious bounty, one category reigns supreme, holding a special, irreplaceable place in everyone’s heart: the cookies. And when I speak of cookies, I’m not referring to a modest plate featuring one or two simple varieties. Oh no, we’re talking about an impressive, carefully curated collection of somewhere between six and seven distinct types, each meticulously crafted and baked with unparalleled love by the one and only Momma Staub herself. Her dedication to this sweet tradition is truly legendary.

Embracing the Holiday Spirit: The Unforgettable Appeal of Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies

My mother’s annual Christmas cookie tradition is a labor of love that seems to defy the conventional calendar. I’m genuinely not sure how many weeks, or even months, in advance she begins her marathon baking sessions, but the sheer quantity she produces is consistently astounding. She bakes enough to sustain our large family through an entire week of enthusiastic, round-the-clock consumption. These delightful treats are also generously given away as thoughtful gifts to friends and neighbors, spreading holiday cheer throughout our community. And, of course, there are always ample leftovers for each of us to carefully pack and take back to our own respective homes, ensuring a treasured taste of Christmas lingers a little longer, extending the warmth and joy of the season.

While every single cookie Momma Staub bakes is utterly delicious and holds its own unique charm and sentimental value, my absolute favorite, the one that truly encapsulates the very essence of Christmas for me, is undeniably her classic sugar cookies. This particular recipe, a cherished heirloom passed down through generations from my beloved aunt, is one I’ve tried my best to honor and recreate with the same meticulous care and abundant love that defines our family’s holiday baking. What truly sets these cookies apart, what imbues them with that unmistakable old-fashioned charm and incredible, unforgettable flavor, is a secret ingredient that might surprise some in this age of butter-centric baking: Crisco.

Yes, Crisco! It might sound a bit old-school, a delightful nod to baking traditions from generations past, a technique perhaps unfamiliar to younger bakers. But trust me when I say that this humble ingredient works absolute wonders in this recipe. Crisco is the magic touch that contributes to an unparalleled texture – cookies that are delightfully tender, with edges that are just crisp enough to provide a satisfying bite, and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center that simply dissolves on your tongue. The specific fat composition in Crisco helps to prevent excessive gluten development in the dough, resulting in a wonderfully tender crumb that butter alone can’t quite achieve in the same unique way. This is not just a cookie; it’s a profound taste of nostalgia, a sweet echo of Christmases gone by, a bite-sized piece of culinary history. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give them a try this holiday season; I promise you, with every fiber of my being, that you won’t be disappointed. And from our family to yours, we wish you a truly Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season filled with delicious moments!

These Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies aren’t merely a dessert; they are a cherished centerpiece of our family’s holiday narrative. Each bite carries the weight of countless cherished memories, echoes of laughter-filled evenings, and the profound warmth of togetherness that defines our annual reunion. They serve as the perfect, inviting canvas for festive decorations, whether you choose the delightful simplicity of sprinkling red and green sugar before baking, allowing it to sparkle and melt slightly into the warm cookie, or embark on an elaborate journey of royal icing designs once the cookies have cooled completely. Their inherent simplicity is, in fact, their greatest strength, allowing the pure, unadulterated sweet flavor of a truly well-made sugar cookie to shine through with every delightful bite. The act of baking them fills the entire house with an intoxicating aroma that instantly transports you to the very heart of the holiday season – a fragrant, comforting blend of vanilla, sweet sugar, and pure, unadulterated joy that lingers for hours.

Beyond their delightful taste and intoxicating aroma, these cookies are incredibly versatile and forgiving. The dough holds its shape beautifully throughout the baking process, making them absolutely ideal for cutting into all sorts of whimsical and festive forms – classic stars, stately Christmas trees, cheerful gingerbread men, elegant angels, and countless other delightful shapes. This inherent quality makes them a fantastic activity for kids and adults alike, transforming a simple baking session into a vibrant, creative art project for the whole family. Imagine the scene: little hands carefully decorating their unique masterpieces, each singular cookie a testament to individual creativity and overflowing holiday cheer. This recipe, therefore, isn’t just about the act of creating a delicious treat; it’s about crafting an unforgettable experience, an enduring memory that will be cherished and recounted long after the last delightful crumb has been savored and the holiday season has passed into memory.

Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe: A Timeless Holiday Tradition

Savor the magic of the holidays with these classic Christmas sugar cookies, an old-fashioned recipe crafted just like Grandma used to make. Perfect for festive gatherings, joyous cookie exchanges, and spreading an abundance of festive cheer to everyone you love.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (113g) Crisco (vegetable shortening)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) evaporated milk (canned)
• 1/2 tablespoon (7.5ml) pure vanilla extract
• Optional: Red and green sugar sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to a precise 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with high-quality parchment paper or a reliable silicone baking mat (such as a Silpat) to prevent sticking.
2. In a generously sized mixing bowl, using either a sturdy hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the granulated sugar and Crisco until the mixture becomes wonderfully light, fluffy, and visibly pale. This initial step is absolutely crucial for incorporating sufficient air, which directly contributes to achieving a remarkably tender cookie texture.
3. Beat in the large eggs one at a time, ensuring that each egg is fully and completely incorporated into the mixture before you add the next. Remember to frequently scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed, guaranteeing that all ingredients are thoroughly combined and no pockets of unmixed ingredients remain.
4. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, meticulously whisk together all of the dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt. Make sure these dry components are thoroughly combined and evenly distributed to ensure consistent leavening throughout your cookie dough.
5. Gradually add the prepared dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the evaporated milk. For best results, begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed, just until the ingredients are combined and no streaks of dry flour remain. It is paramount to be careful not to overmix the dough, as overmixing can lead to a less tender, tougher cookie.
6. Once the dough is mostly combined, gently stir in the pure vanilla extract until it is just incorporated. The goal is to mix minimally after adding the vanilla.
7. Drop the cookie dough by rounded tablespoons onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving ample space between each cookie for spreading. For a truly classic and festive touch, generously sprinkle the tops of the unbaked cookies with vibrant red and green sugar sprinkles. This not only adds delightful visual appeal but also provides a pleasant, subtle crunch to the finished cookie.
8. Bake for 10-11 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown and the centers appear just set. It’s important to remember that baking times can vary slightly depending on the calibration of your specific oven, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.
9. Remove the perfectly baked cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for approximately 2-3 minutes. This brief cooling period helps them firm up and minimizes breakage when you transfer them. After this initial cooling, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before storing or decorating.

Essential Tips for Achieving Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookies

• Do Not Overmix the Dough: This is a golden rule for tender cookies! Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in cookies that are tough and less palatable. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined and no dry streaks remain.
• Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): For superior shape retention, especially if you plan on rolling and cutting out intricate festive shapes, and for a slightly chewier texture, consider chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes to an hour before baking.
• Quality Ingredients Matter: The freshness of your eggs, the quality of your flour, and particularly a good pure vanilla extract can make a surprisingly noticeable difference in the exquisite final taste and aroma of your cookies.
• Ensure Even Scoops: To guarantee that all your cookies bake consistently and evenly, utilize a cookie scoop or a reliable, consistent tablespoon measure when dropping the dough onto the baking sheet.
• Decorate with Creative Flair: While traditional red and green sugar sprinkles are undeniably classic and charming, feel empowered to get truly creative! Once completely cooled, these versatile cookies are perfect canvases for intricate royal icing designs, creamy buttercream frosting, or a simple, elegant glaze. Experiment with various sprinkles, edible glitter, or even small festive candies to make them extraordinarily special and unique for your holiday celebrations.
• Know Your Oven: Every oven has its quirks and hot spots. Take the time to understand yours. If you notice your cookies are browning unevenly, gently rotate the baking sheet halfway through the suggested baking time to ensure uniform baking.

Storing Your Delicious Holiday Treats

Once your Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies have completely cooled to room temperature, store them diligently in an airtight container. They will maintain their delightful freshness and tender texture at room temperature for up to a week. For more extended storage, you can freeze the baked and cooled cookies for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them gradually at room temperature before serving. If you plan to adorn them with intricate icing or frosting, it’s always best to do so after they have thoroughly thawed to prevent condensation issues.

Delightful Variations to Spark Your Taste Buds

• Zesty Citrus Infusion: Elevate the flavor profile by adding 1 teaspoon of finely grated orange or lemon zest to the cookie dough. This introduces a bright, refreshing, and unexpected citrusy twist that beautifully complements the sweetness.
• Nutty Almond Aroma: For a distinct, sophisticated, and nutty aroma, consider replacing half of the vanilla extract with an equal amount of pure almond extract. This creates a wonderfully different, yet equally festive, flavor experience.
• Warm Spiced Sugar Cookies: Incorporate 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg into your dry ingredients for a warmer, spicier, and more traditional holiday cookie essence that evokes cozy winter evenings.
• Elegant Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra touch of indulgence and visual appeal, melt some high-quality chocolate chips (whether white, milk, or dark chocolate) and artfully drizzle it over your completely cooled cookies. This adds a layer of richness and sophistication.

Nutrition Information (Estimated per cookie)

Calories: Approximately 84 kcal