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Chewy Christmas Sugar Cookies

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These chewy Christmas sugar cookies are soft, pillowy, and packed with buttery vanilla flavor, accented by a hint of spice and festive sprinkles. Quick to make and perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached for best texture)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
  • Festive sprinkles or colored sanding sugar (as much as you like)
  • Royal icing or simple glaze (optional, for decorating)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg (if using). Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes on medium speed).
  4. Add granulated sugar and beat for another 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
  5. Beat in the egg and egg yolk, scraping down sides as needed. Add vanilla and almond extract (if using) and mix until combined.
  6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture in three batches, mixing on low after each addition. Scrape bowl as needed. Dough should be soft but not sticky; add a tablespoon of flour if needed.
  7. Scoop out 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Roll each ball in reserved granulated sugar, then in festive sprinkles or colored sugar if desired. Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until edges are just set and centers look soft and slightly puffy. Do not overbake.
  9. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 3-4 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For gluten-free cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and cream cheese. Chilling dough is optional but helps with thicker cookies. Do not overbake; cookies should be pale with barely-golden edges. Store in airtight container with a slice of bread or apple wedge to keep cookies soft.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas cookies, sugar cookies, chewy cookies, holiday baking, soft cookies, festive cookies, easy cookies, drop cookies, sprinkles, cream cheese cookies

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/chewy-christmas-sugar-cookies-best-soft-holiday-recipe-youll-love/