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Our Christmas Tradition: From Scratch Sugar Cookies

There are some traditions that officially mark the start of Christmas, and for our family, homemade sugar cookies are one of them.

This recipe comes from my husband’s family, and to them, it simply is not Christmas without rolling out dough, cutting festive shapes, and decorating cookies together. Our kids count down the days until it’s time to bake. They love pressing out the dough, choosing their cookie cutters, and using what feels like half a bottle of sprinkles on every single cookie.

Is there a sugar rush before bed on Christmas Eve? Absolutely.
Is it worth it every single time? Also yes.

These are the moments that slow the season down and turn busy days into memories.

This is our go-to sugar cookie recipe for Christmas baking. It rolls out beautifully, holds its shape, and tastes just as good as it looks.

Ingredients

Sugar Cookies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Add the vanilla and beaten eggs, mixing until combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, until a soft dough forms.
  5. Cover and chill the dough for 1 to 2 hours. This step is important for easy rolling and clean cookie shapes.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
  7. Roll out the chilled dough to about 3/8 inch thick. Avoid rolling too thin so the cookies stay soft.
  8. Cut into desired shapes and place on a lined baking sheet.
  9. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are just barely golden.
  10. Let cookies cool completely before frosting.

Easy Buttercream Frosting for Decorating

This frosting is rich, smooth, and perfect for decorating with kids.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • Splash of milk, as needed

Instructions

  1. Whip the butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add vanilla and salt.
  3. Slowly mix in powdered sugar until combined.
  4. Add a splash of milk if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
  5. Divide into bowls and add food coloring as desired.

Then comes the best part. Hand over the frosting and sprinkles to the kids and let them decorate freely.

Why These Simple Traditions Matter

Christmas has a way of feeling both chaotic and peaceful at the same time. The calendar fills up quickly with parties, events, school activities, and endless to-do lists. But tucked in between all of that are quiet moments that ground us.

Decorating the tree while Christmas music plays in the background.
Watching flour-covered hands roll dough across the counter.
Pausing long enough to notice the joy on your kids’ faces.

These small traditions are what make the season feel meaningful.

Need Other Santa-Worthy Cookies?

If you are looking to add a few more treats to your holiday baking lineup, I have shared several other tried and true cookie recipes over the years that are always a hit with family and friends.

From classic favorites to fun, festive options, these are the kinds of cookies that are absolutely Santa approved and perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights at home.

Three-Ingredient Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Best Chocolate Chip Cookies EVER!

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