Santa’s Best Sugar Cookies

Alright, here’s the deal. I’m about to share with you one of those recipes that just hits all the right notes. We’re talking sugar cookies so legendary, they might just become your best-kept holiday secret, except, of course, if you share them with too many people. Santa’s Best Sugar Cookies — yup, that’s right. This recipe is festive and joyful, and honestly, it’s like a warm hug you eat. Plus, they’re super fun to make if you’re into that whole “let’s bake because it’s Tuesday” vibe. I mean, who doesn’t want to feel like a cookie-baking goddess, even just a little bit?
I remember the first time I made these sugar cookies; my husband and the kids absolutely devoured them before they even had a chance to cool down. Now, it’s practically a baking law in our house: as soon as autumn hits, these cookies must be made. Okay, honestly, I’m not even mad about it. Baking cookies together has become this wild, flour-covered mess of a tradition for us, filled with love, laughs, and way too many sprinkles. Also, anyone else find it hilarious how the cookies never look Pinterest-perfect but taste like something sent from heaven?
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Why You’ll Love This Santa’s Best Sugar Cookies
– These cookies are basically holiday magic captured in edible form. Ya feel me?
– Foolproof? Almost. If I can handle it in my chaos of a kitchen, trust me, you’re golden.
– They’re the excuse you’ve been looking for to use all those ridiculous cookie cutters you bought and never used.
How to Make It
Okay, here’s my completely unofficial, somewhat scattered guide. Take your butter — as much as your heart courageously desires. Alright, 1 cup, actually. You’re gonna cream that with some sugar until it’s all fluffy and looks like a pillow you wanna nap on. Now toss in your egg and a splash of vanilla extract. If you spill a little, that’s just a sign of more flavor, right?
Mix in the flour, but try not to sneeze or breathe too hard. Before you know it, BAM, you’ve got dough! Chill it (the dough, not you) in the fridge for just about 30 minutes, or forget it’s there while you binge-watch that new show. Roll it out, slice it into whatever shape your heart desires — stars, hearts, maybe an alien head? Bake until the edges are golden, and your kitchen smells like a sugar-coated dream.
Ingredient Notes
– Butter: Makes everything better. Ever had cookies too dry? Add more butter next time.
– Vanilla Extract: Don’t skip! It’s like the fairy dust of baking.
– Flour: Once, I ran out and had to substitute half with pancake mix. Surprisingly, it worked, but don’t quote me on that.
Recipe Steps
1. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
2. Add egg and vanilla, mix like you dance when no one’s watching.
3. Mix in flour, try not to make a snowstorm in your kitchen.
4. Chill the dough, but not for too long, or things might get frosty and tough.
5. Roll out dough, cut shapes, and let your creativity shine.
6. Bake until the edges are golden.
What to Serve It With
Tips & Mistakes
Who knew butter made such a difference until you tried with margarine? Yeah, don’t be me. Also, forgetting to preheat the oven? Rookie mistake. Been there, done that, not proud.
Storage Tips
Stick ‘em in an airtight container or they’ll turn into rock-hard sweet frisbees. They’re a dream for breakfast with coffee if they last that long. I’ve baked them at 2 AM and immediately ate half. No judgment, it happens.
Variations and Substitutions
Swap the white sugar for brown if you want a slightly molasses-y vibe. Save some dough (literally), and try coconut oil instead of butter if your fridge is barren. Just hang onto the vanilla, trust me.
Frequently Asked Questions

Santa's Best Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1.25 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Featured Comments
“New favorite here — will make again. creamy was spot on.”
“This sweet treat recipe was so flavorful — the crowd-pleaser really stands out. Thanks!”
“New favorite here — family favorite. creamy was spot on.”
“Super easy and so flavorful! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
“Made this last night and it was absolutely loved. Loved how the crowd-pleaser came together.”
“New favorite here — family favorite. crowd-pleaser was spot on.”