Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies with Simple Glaze Icing

These are timeless holiday sugar cookies — soft in the center, lightly crisp at the edges, and perfect for decorating. The dough rolls beautifully, holds its shape, and bakes up pale and tender. Finished with a smooth glaze icing, these cookies are ideal for family baking days, cookie exchanges, and holiday trays.

Yield

24–30 cookies, depending on cutter size

Ingredients

Classic Sugar Cookies

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

Simple Glaze Icing

2 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk (or water)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: natural food coloring or sprinkles for decorating

Instructions

Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add egg and vanilla and mix until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

Divide dough into two discs, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour. This helps the cookies hold their shape.

Roll and Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
Cut into shapes and place 1½ inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are set but not browned.
Cool completely before icing.

Simple Glaze Icing

In a medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Adjust consistency by adding a few drops of milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for thicker icing.

Divide icing into bowls and tint if desired.

Spoon or pipe icing onto cooled cookies and decorate with sprinkles while still wet.
Allow icing to set at room temperature for 1–2 hours.

Baking Notes

• These cookies should remain pale for the classic look
• Chilling the dough is essential for clean edges
• Glaze icing dries smooth and slightly firm, perfect for stacking
• For softer cookies, slightly underbake rather than overbake

Storage

Store iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Uniced cookies may be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutritional Information (per cookie, iced)

Calories 140, Protein 2g, Fat 6g, Carbs 20g, Fiber 0g, Sugars 12g, Sodium 55mg