Christmas Cookie Decorating Ideas: Santa Claus & Candy Canes
A classic soft and buttery Christmas cookie perfect for holiday gifting and decorating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
For decorating: powdered sugar icing or store-bought icing
Assorted sprinkles
Instructions
1. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
3. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
5. Shape dough into a disc, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut out cookie shapes.
8. Place cookies on baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are just set.
9. Cool completely on a wire rack.
10. Decorate with icing and sprinkles once cooled.
Notes
Chilling the dough prevents spreading during baking.
For crispier cookies, roll dough thinner; for softer cookies, keep it slightly thicker.
Cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.