Christmas Sugar Cookies (Crumbl Copycat)
The holiday season is synonymous with sweet traditions, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of Christmas Sugar Cookies that are the perfect homage to everyone’s favorite sweet shop, Crumbl? These cookies are soft, festive, and bursting with flavor, making them a delightful treat to share with family and friends. Each bite transports you to a cozy winter wonderland, where the warmth of the oven beckons and the aroma of sugar cookies fills your home.
Why Make This Recipe
- A delightful treat for holiday gatherings that dazzles everyone.
- Easy to adapt with various toppings and frostings according to your preferences.
- Creates lasting memories and traditions with loved ones.
These Christmas Sugar Cookies not only taste amazing but will also become a cherished part of your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re making them for a cookie swap, as gifts, or simply to enjoy at home, these cookies are bound to spread joy and bring smiles.
Making Christmas Sugar Cookies at Home
Baking these wonderful cookies is a delightful experience that requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Let’s get started on bringing the friendly embrace of holiday flavors right into your kitchen. The process is as enjoyable as the taste itself, filled with joy, sprinkles, and the scent of Christmas spirit.
Ingredients
To create these cheerful delights, gather the following ingredients:
- 270 g (2¼ cups) all-purpose flour
- 4 g (1 tsp) baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 170 g (1½ sticks / ¾ cup) unsalted butter, softened (68-72°F)
- 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
- 54 g (⅓ cup) Christmas jimmies sprinkles
- 283 g (1¼ bricks / 10 oz) full-fat cream cheese, softened (68-72°F)
- 184 g (13 Tbsp) salted butter, softened (68-72°F)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 150 g (1¼ cups) powdered sugar, sifted
- 80 ml (⅓ cup) heavy cream, very cold
- 24 g (2 Tbsp) Christmas sprinkles (jimmies, nonpareils, trees, etc.)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Christmas Sugar Cookies
Get Ready
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. While your oven warms, line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly without sticking.Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, gently whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This helps to aerate the flour and distributes the leavening evenly throughout.Cream the Butter and Sugar
Now, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a hand mixer), beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed. Continue this for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Don’t forget to pause mid-way to scrape down the sides of your bowl to ensure everything is fully combined.Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract to the creamed mixture. Beat on medium-low speed until the ingredients are just combined—about 30 seconds will do.Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two parts. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will affect the cookie’s texture.Fold in Sprinkles
Carefully fold in the festive Christmas jimmies sprinkles using a spatula. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough for that festive flair in every bite!Scoop and Shape
Using a 3-Tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls (48-50 g each). Roll each portion into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each for spreading.Flatten the Dough Balls
Slightly flatten each dough ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass. Aim to keep the cookies at least ½-inch thick for that perfect soft center.Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. You want the edges to be set while the tops of the cookies look soft and glossy—avoid browning them.Shape Hot Cookies
As soon as you pull them from the oven, gently reshape each cookie into a perfect circle using a cookie cutter or a glass, ensuring the edges remain smooth.Cool Down
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.Make the Creamy Frosting
While cookies cool, prepare the frosting. In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the cream cheese and salted butter on low speed until smooth, creamy, and lump-free (1-2 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed for thorough mixing.Add Flavor and Sugar
Add the vanilla extract and the ⅛ tsp of salt. Beat on low until combined, then incorporate the sifted powdered sugar in three parts, mixing on low until just combined—stop to scrape as needed.Drizzle in Cream
With the mixer running on low, gradually drizzle in the cold heavy cream (about 1 tablespoon at a time). Beat until stiff peaks form, taking care not to overwhip.Frost the Cookies
Using a #2A or #1A piping tip, pipe the frosting in a spiral pattern over each cookie from the center outwards. Alternatively, spread frosting using a spatula for a decorative finish.Finishing Touches
Just before serving, sprinkle a festive assortment of Christmas sprinkles over the beautifully frosted cookies—the final touch that brings holiday cheer!
Best Way to Store Christmas Sugar Cookies
To enjoy these delightful cookies long after baking, proper storage is key. Here’s how to keep your Christmas Sugar Cookies fresh:
- At Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature (around 70°F).
- Refrigerate: If you want them to last a bit longer, refrigerate for 3-4 days at 40°F. Ensure they’re in a tight container to avoid drying out.
- Freeze: For long-term storage, freeze cookies for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.
Serving Ideas for Christmas Sugar Cookies
There are countless ways to serve these adorable sugar cookies that will delight your friends and family. Here are some suggestions:
- Holiday Cookie Platters: Arrange a variety of cookies, including your sugar cookies, on a festive platter for a warm and inviting presentation.
- Gifts: Package cookies in decorative tins or boxes as thoughtful holiday gifts for neighbors, friends, or teachers.
- Cookie Decorating Party: Set up a cookie decorating station with extra sprinkles, colored sugars, and different frosting flavors to let guests get creative.
- Accompaniment to Hot Drinks: Pair your cookies with a cup of hot cocoa, spiced cider, or festive eggnog for the perfect holiday treat.
Tips to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies
- Use room-temperature butter and eggs for better incorporation into the dough.
- For fluffier cookies, don’t skip the step of creaming the sugar and butter. Air gets trapped and helps create a delicate texture.
- Be careful not to overbake; cookies will continue cooking on the sheet even after removed from the oven, so baking them until just set is crucial.
Variations or Substitutions
If you’re feeling adventurous or have specific dietary preferences, consider these variations:
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking mix. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for adequate structure.
- Vegan Option: Replace unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative, use flax eggs, and choose non-dairy cream cheese for frosting.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them as directed above. Frosting can also be made a day in advance; just keep it in a covered bowl in the refrigerator and whip it again just before using.
Q: Can I freeze unbaked cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze portions of cookie dough for up to 2 months. Just scoop, roll, and freeze the dough balls. When you’re ready to bake, add a minute or two to the bake time.
Q: What is the best way to make my cookies look pretty?
A: Frosting, especially when piped, enhances visual appeal. Sprinkles add a fun touch; experiment with different types for varying textures and colors.
Baking Christmas Sugar Cookies is more than just creating a sweet treat; it’s about sharing love, laughter, and memories with those around you during the holiday season. So gather your ingredients, warm up that oven, and let the holiday spirit fill your home! With each cookie you bake, you’re not just making a dessert, you’re crafting a lasting memory that will be cherished far beyond the holiday season.
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookies (Crumbl Copycat)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and festive Christmas Sugar Cookies that pay homage to Crumbl, perfect for holiday gatherings and creating memories.
Ingredients
- 270 g (2¼ cups) all-purpose flour
- 4 g (1 tsp) baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 170 g (1½ sticks / ¾ cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
- 54 g (⅓ cup) Christmas jimmies sprinkles
- 283 g (1¼ bricks / 10 oz) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 184 g (13 Tbsp) salted butter, softened
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 150 g (1¼ cups) powdered sugar, sifted
- 80 ml (⅓ cup) heavy cream, very cold
- 24 g (2 Tbsp) Christmas sprinkles (jimmies, nonpareils, trees, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a stand mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the Christmas jimmies sprinkles.
- Scoop dough into balls and place them on the baking sheets, leaving space in between.
- Slightly flatten each dough ball.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are set and tops are soft.
- Reshape cookies into circles right after baking.
- Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese and salted butter until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and salt; then mix in the powdered sugar.
- Gradually drizzle in heavy cream and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Pipe or spread frosting on cookies and add festive sprinkles before serving.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.