Introduction
Christmas is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious treats. One of my favorite traditions during the holiday season is baking cookies, and these Holly and Berry Sugar Cookies have quickly become a family favorite. They’re simple to make, delightfully sweet, and decorated in a festive way that brings an extra touch of holiday cheer. My family loves the buttery flavor of these cookies, and they’re easy enough for anyone to join in on the fun. Whether you’re baking with your kids or enjoying some quiet time in the kitchen, these sugar cookies are sure to bring joy to your home. Plus, the cute holly and berry decorations make them perfect for gift-giving or serving at a holiday party.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter or 1 cup margarine
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 3/4 cups flour
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter (or margarine) and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder and flour. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Roll out the dough: Lightly flour a clean surface, then roll out the dough to your desired thickness. A 1/4-inch thickness works well for this recipe.
- Cut out shapes: Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes, such as hearts or rounds, about 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Bake the cookies: Place the cut-out cookies on an ungreased baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 7 to 10 minutes. The cookies should be light in color with just a hint of browning around the edges.
- Cool and frost: Once the cookies have baked, let them cool completely before frosting.
Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories per serving: Approximately 150-170 kcal (depending on frosting and exact ingredients used)
- Sugar: ~12g
- Sodium: ~70mg
- Fat: ~8g
- Saturated Fat: ~5g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~3g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~19g
- Fiber: ~0.5g
- Protein: ~1g
- Cholesterol: ~25mg
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve
- Serve plain: These cookies are delicious on their own and can be enjoyed with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.
- Frost and decorate: After cooling, frost with your favorite royal icing or buttercream frosting and decorate with festive sprinkles, colored sugar, or edible holly and berry decorations.
- Gift packaging: These cookies are perfect for giving away in holiday gift bags or boxes. They can be beautifully packaged with a ribbon for a sweet gift.
- Party trays: Serve these cookies on a holiday dessert tray alongside other treats like gingerbread or chocolate chip cookies.
- Pair with coffee: These sugar cookies go wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or a cozy holiday drink.
Additional Tips
- Chill the dough: If the dough feels too soft or sticky, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes before rolling out. This will make it easier to handle.
- Use festive cookie cutters: While hearts and rounds are classic, you can also use holly leaf or star-shaped cutters for a more holiday-themed look.
- Frost with care: Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.
- Make it a family project: This is a great recipe for kids to help with. Let them roll out the dough and cut the shapes.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; they can brown quickly. You want them to be just lightly golden at the edges.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips into the dough before rolling out for a fun twist on the classic sugar cookie.
- Citrus Sugar Cookies: Add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the regular flour for a gluten-free version of these cookies.
- Vegan Sugar Cookies: Replace the butter with plant-based margarine, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax seed + 3 tbsp water), and ensure the vanilla extract is alcohol-free.
- Spiced Sugar Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger to the dough for a spiced version that’s perfect for winter.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Gatherings: Serve these cookies as part of a larger dessert spread at Christmas parties, family gatherings, or festive potlucks.
- With Hot Beverages: These cookies are excellent paired with hot beverages such as spiced cider, coffee, or hot chocolate.
- As a DIY Cookie Decorating Station: For a fun family activity, bake the cookies in advance and set up a decorating station with frosting, sprinkles, and edible decorations for everyone to decorate their own cookies.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing the dough: If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, freeze the dough! Shape it into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw in the fridge and roll out.
- Storing baked cookies: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing baked cookies: Once decorated and frosted, these cookies can be frozen in a single layer on a baking sheet. After freezing, transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQ Section
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine works as a substitute, though butter gives a richer flavor. - How can I make the cookies more flavorful?
Adding a teaspoon of lemon zest or a dash of cinnamon can elevate the flavor profile. - Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage. - Can I use a different frosting for these cookies?
Yes, you can use buttercream, royal icing, or store-bought frosting. - Can I use other shapes for the cookies?
Absolutely! You can use any shape or size you like. Christmas-themed cookie cutters like snowflakes or stars are also great options. - How thick should I roll the dough?
Aim for a thickness of about 1/4-inch for the perfect balance between crisp edges and a soft center. - Do I need to chill the dough?
If your dough is too soft to handle, chilling it for 30 minutes will help it firm up and make rolling out easier. - How long do these cookies last?
Baked cookies will last for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature. - Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, you can fold in some mini chocolate chips to the dough for a different flavor twist. - How can I decorate these cookies?
Use royal icing, sprinkles, colored sugars, or even small candy decorations like red and green candy for the berries.
Conclusion
These Holly and Berry Sugar Cookies are the perfect Christmas treat, both in flavor and in festive appearance. Whether you’re looking to bake with your kids or simply enjoy some quiet holiday baking, these cookies are easy, delicious, and sure to spread cheer. With their buttery texture and light, sweet flavor, they’re sure to become a holiday tradition in your home as they have in mine. Enjoy the holiday season with these lovely cookies, and don’t forget to share the festive spirit with family and friends!
PrintHolly and Berry Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Holly and Berry Sugar Cookies are a festive and adorable Christmas treat. With a simple sugar cookie base, they’re easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings. Decorate them with colorful icing to create a beautiful, cheerful dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter or 1 cup margarine
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 3/4 cups flour
Instructions
- Cream the butter (or margarine) and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder and flour. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter-cream mixture, mixing until well incorporated.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes, such as hearts or rounds, approximately 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Place the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 7 to 10 minutes. The cookies should be light in color with slight browning around the edges.
- Let the cookies cool completely before frosting and decorating.
Notes
- For best results, allow the cookies to cool completely before applying frosting to prevent it from melting.
- You can use any shape you like for the cookies, but festive shapes like hearts or stars are perfect for the holiday season.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 25mg