11 Sugar Christmas Cookie Recipes (Perfect For Icing)

Classic Sugar Cookies

Classic sugar cookies are a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion, especially during the festive Christmas season. These soft and chewy cookies can be decorated with icing and sprinkles, making them a favorite among kids and adults alike. Their simple yet versatile recipe can be easily adapted for various flavors or themes. Here’s how you can make these classic sugar cookies right at home.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential as it makes certain your cookies bake evenly.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Extracts: Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or use the mixer on low speed until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
7. Roll and Cut: After chilling, lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie.
8. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cooled, feel free to decorate them with royal icing, colored sprinkles, or any other decorations you like.
10. Enjoy: These classic sugar cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. Happy baking!

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Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Peppermint sugar cookies are a festive twist on the classic sugar cookie recipe, perfect for the holiday season. These delightful cookies feature a subtle mint flavor, making them a revitalizing treat that pairs beautifully with warm cocoa or eggnog. With a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy on top, they not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any dessert table.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees that the cookies will bake evenly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Incorporate Egg and Extracts: Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter mixture. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the batter is smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix using a wooden spoon or the electric mixer on low speed until a dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
6. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the cookies to keep their shape while baking.
7. Roll and Cut: Once chilled, lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave space between the cookies.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
9. Add Toppings: As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, sprinkle the tops with crushed peppermint candies while they are still warm, allowing them to stick.
10. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delightful peppermint sugar cookies, which are sure to be a hit this holiday season!

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Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Eggnog sugar cookies are a delightful holiday treat that encapsulates the essence of the season with their creamy, spiced flavor reminiscent of traditional eggnog. These cookies offer a soft, cake-like texture and are often dusted with nutmeg or topped with a sweet glaze, making them a perfect addition to any festive dessert table.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees your cookies will bake evenly and develop a lovely golden color.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, typically 3-4 minutes.
4. Incorporate Egg and Extracts: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and eggnog to the butter mixture. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the batter is smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or your electric mixer on low speed to mix just until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
7. Roll and Cut: After chilling, lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes and place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
9. Prepare the Glaze: While the cookies are baking, mix the powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of eggnog in a small bowl until you reach a smooth, drizzle-able consistency.
10. Glaze the Cookies: After removing the cookies from the oven, allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle the eggnog glaze over the cookies and sprinkle with additional nutmeg if desired.
11. Serve and Enjoy: Let the glaze set for a bit, then enjoy your festive eggnog sugar cookies with family and friends!

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Gingerbread Sugar Cookies

Gingerbread sugar cookies combine the classic flavors of gingerbread with a soft, sugary texture, making them a wonderful holiday treat. These cookies are often spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, capturing the essence of the season. Perfectly sweetened, they can be enjoyed plain, iced, or decorated in festive shapes, appealing to both kids and adults alike.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is vital to guarantee that your cookies bake evenly.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Whisk these together until well mixed and set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Egg, Vanilla, and Molasses: Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and molasses to the butter mixture. Continue to mix until everything is well blended, creating a smooth batter.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or the electric mixer on low speed to mix until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling will make the dough easier to handle and help the cookies keep their shape while baking.
7. Roll and Cut: After chilling, lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes, then place the cookies on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, making sure there’s enough space between each cookie.
8. Bake the Cookies: Put the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are set and just beginning to turn golden around the edges. The centers should still be soft.
9. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Prepare the Icing: While the cookies are cooling, mix the powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of water to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency for icing. Adjust the amount of water as needed.
11. Decorate the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the icing over them. Let the icing set before serving or storing your delicious gingerbread sugar cookies.

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Almond Sugar Cookies

Almond sugar cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie, infused with the rich, nutty flavor of almond extract. These cookies are soft, buttery, and pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee during the holiday season. They can be adorned with slivered almonds or a gentle drizzle of icing for extra beauty and flavor, making them a charming addition to any holiday cookie platter.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees a consistent baking temperature, vital for achieving the best texture in your cookies.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these together until they are well mixed and set the bowl aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Almond Extract: Once you have a fluffy mixture, add the egg and almond extract. Mix until these ingredients are fully incorporated and you have a smooth batter.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or the mixer on low speed to mix everything together until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain the cookies’ tenderness.
6. Shape the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll it into balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
7. Add Slivered Almonds: If using, press a few slivered almonds gently onto the top of each cookie ball to give them a lovely finishing touch and added crunch.
8. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, which is perfect for that soft texture.
9. Cool the Cookies: Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Prepare Icing (Optional): If you desire icing, mix the powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of water until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies for a decorative touch.

These almond sugar cookies are sure to be a hit, combining a simple recipe with delightful flavors that embody the spirit of the holidays!

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Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies

Vanilla bean sugar cookies are a timeless holiday treat that offers a delightful balance of sweetness and the rich, aromatic flavor of pure vanilla beans. These cookies are tender and slightly chewy, making them a perfect canvas for festive decorations or enjoyed plain with a cup of milk or tea. The flecks of vanilla bean add a touch of elegance, making these cookies special for the holiday season.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees that your cookies will bake evenly and develop that perfect texture.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step guarantees that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Vanilla Bean and Egg: Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean pod into the butter and sugar mixture. Then, add the egg and mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix using a wooden spoon or the mixer on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the dough tender.
6. Shape the Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough. Roll each piece into a ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
7. Flatten the Cookies: Gently press down on each cookie ball with the bottom of a glass or your hand to flatten them slightly. This helps to guarantee even baking.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The centers may appear slightly soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
9. Cool and Dust: After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, dust with powdered sugar once cooled for a festive touch.

Enjoy your delicious vanilla bean sugar cookies with family and friends during the holiday season!

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Holiday Spritz Cookies

Holiday Spritz Cookies are a classic festive treat that is known for their delicate texture and charming shapes. These buttery cookies are typically made using a cookie press, allowing for beautiful designs that can be adorned with colorful sprinkles or icing. With their rich flavor and delightful presentation, Spritz Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to guarantee that your cookies bake evenly and achieve a nice golden color.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until they are well combined. This step helps to incorporate the leavening agents throughout the flour.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, typically about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Extracts: Crack the egg into the butter and sugar mixture, followed by the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
6. Prepare the Cookie Press: If you have a cookie press, fill it with the dough according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have a cookie press, you can also use a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
7. Shape the Cookies: On an ungreased baking sheet, press the cookie shapes out of the cookie press or pipe the dough into your desired shapes, leaving some space between each one as they will spread slightly during baking.
8. Add Decorations: If desired, sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top of each cookie for a festive touch.
9. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but not overly browned. The centers may look a bit soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
10. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delightful Holiday Spritz Cookies!

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Snowflake Sugar Cookies

Snowflake Sugar Cookies are a lovely, festive treat that adds a touch of winter wonder to any holiday cookie platter. These delightful cookies are not only visually appealing with their intricate snowflake shapes, but they also offer a deliciously sweet flavor. Topped with a light icing and sparkling sugar, they are perfect for celebrating the season or sharing with friends and family.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees that your cookies will bake evenly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined and smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
7. Roll Out the Dough: Once chilled, take the dough out of the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick.
8. Cut Out Shapes: Using a snowflake-shaped cookie cutter, cut out cookies and place them onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
9. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
10. Prepare the Icing: In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with enough milk to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. You can adjust the milk according to your desired icing thickness.
11. Decorate the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, use a piping bag or a small spatula to drizzle or spread the icing on top of the cookies. If desired, sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles over the icing for a festive touch.
12. Let the Icing Set: Allow the icing to set for at least 30 minutes before storing or serving the cookies.

Enjoy your beautiful and delicious Snowflake Sugar Cookies! They are sure to bring a dash of cheer to your holiday festivities.

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Chocolate Dipped Sugar Cookies

Chocolate Dipped Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies, combining the sweetness of the cookies with the rich flavor of chocolate. These cookies are perfect for any holiday celebration or as a delicious treat to enjoy year-round. The chocolate coating adds an indulgent touch and makes them visually appealing, making them a favorite among cookie enthusiasts.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees that your cookies will bake evenly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes, until the mixture appears light and fluffy.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, beating until everything is well blended and smooth.
5. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
6. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will help control the spread of the cookies during baking.
7. Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has chilled, take it out of the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a thickness of about ¼ inch.
8. Cut Out Cookies: Use cookie cutters of your choice to cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Place the cookies onto ungreased baking sheets, allowing some space between each cookie.
9. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
10. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and shortening (or coconut oil). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
11. Dip the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, dip the tops into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Alternatively, you can use a spoon to drizzle chocolate over the cookies.
12. Decorate (Optional): While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle colored sprinkles on top for decoration.
13. Set the Chocolate: Place the dipped cookies on wax paper or parchment paper to allow the chocolate to set completely.
14. Enjoy: Once the chocolate has hardened, your Chocolate Dipped Sugar Cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Store any leftovers in an airtight container.

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Stained Glass Sugar Cookies

Stained Glass Sugar Cookies are enchanting treats that combine the classic sweetness of sugar cookies with a delightful surprise—colorful, melted candy centers that resemble stained glass. These visually stunning cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or simply as a fun baking project with kids. The vibrant colors and beautiful designs make them irresistible to both the eyes and the taste buds.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to guarantee the proper baking temperature for your cookies.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed, and set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat the mixture on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until everything is well blended and smooth.
5. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
7. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a thickness of about ¼ inch.
8. Cut Out Cookie Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out various shapes from the rolled dough. Place the cookies onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving space between each one.
9. Prepare Candy for the Center: Gather your crushed hard candies and place a small amount in the center of each cookie cutout. Choose different colors to create a stained glass effect.
10. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Cool and Decorate: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once completely cool, sprinkle with powdered sugar or colored sprinkles if desired.
12. Enjoy: These Stained Glass Sugar Cookies are ready to be enjoyed—perfect for sharing with friends and family at any festive occasion!

Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookies

Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie, featuring the invigorating flavors of tart cranberries and zesty oranges. These cookies combine the sweetness of sugar with the bright taste of citrus, making them perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you’re in the mood for a festive treat. The addition of cranberries not only enhances the flavor but also adds a lovely pop of color to these cheerful cookies.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to guarantee it reaches the desired temperature when you’re ready to bake.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until evenly mixed, then set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Add Egg, Vanilla, and Orange Zest: Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest into the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently with a wooden spoon or spatula just until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
6. Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold the chopped dried cranberries into the cookie dough, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout.
7. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and enhances their flavor.
8. Roll and Cut Out Cookies: After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape your cookies and place them onto ungreased baking sheets, ensuring there is space between them.
9. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
10. Cool and Decorate: Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for an extra festive touch. Enjoy your Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookies!