Christmas Sugar Cookies: A Simple Recipe and Cookie Exchange Tips

Published October 24, 2026 · GiveOwl

Cut-out sugar cookies are a family project in many American kitchens in December. The shapes and spices came with settlers; the recipe below is a simple one to try. We also cover raw dough safety and how to run a cookie exchange.

A short history

• Settlers' traditions: The Hershey Story Museum says modern American Christmas is a mix of English, Dutch and German customs that developed further in America. Dutch settlers in New York brought Sinterklaas and gifts in stockings or shoes.
• Lebkuchen: The museum calls lebkuchen, brought by the Pennsylvania Germans, one of the oldest Christmas cookies. It is similar to gingerbread and was often made in festive shapes or stamped with molds. The museum holds cookie cutters from 1825 to 1875 used for such cookies.
• A family project: A Smithsonian Folklife article describes one family's tradition: a recipe collection built up over generations, with cut-out cookies saved until three or four days before Christmas because, in that family's experience, they do not keep or travel as well as other cookies. Such habits vary from home to home.

Simple cut-out sugar cookies

Makes about 24 to 36 cookies, depending on the cutter size. Our own recipe; we have not kitchen-tested it.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
• 1 teaspoon baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Method

1. Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl.
2. Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
3. Add the flour mixture in two or three batches and mix until a soft dough forms. Divide it in two, flatten into discs, wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
4. Heat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Roll one disc on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Cut shapes, place them 1 inch apart on the sheets and re-roll the scraps once.
6. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are just starting to color. Cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then on a wire rack. Cool completely before icing.

Simple icing

Stir 2 cups powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons milk and ½ teaspoon vanilla until it is spreadable but not runny. Add milk a few drops at a time. Decorate with sprinkles before the icing sets.

Do not taste the raw dough. The FDA says raw flour has not been treated to kill bacteria and can carry germs such as E. coli, and that raw eggs can carry Salmonella. Baking kills them. The FDA advises not to eat or taste raw flour, dough or batter.

This is our own simple recipe with everyday ingredients – we have not kitchen-tested it, so treat times and temperatures as a guide and adjust for your oven. Allergens: depending on the recipe it contains wheat (gluten), milk and eggs; check every label for traces of nuts, soy and other allergens before you cook for other people.

Cookie exchange tips

A cookie exchange is a party where each guest brings a batch and goes home with a mix. This is our own practical advice, not a historical claim:

• Agree in advance how many cookies each person brings, so everybody leaves with a balanced box.
• Label each plate with the name of the cookie and its main allergens: wheat, milk, eggs, nuts and peanuts.
• Bake simple, sturdy cookies that stack well. Let icing set completely before you pack them.
• Keep cookies that need refrigeration (for example, cream cheese frosting) out of the swap, or keep them cold.

Equipment

Ad: Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The price is the same for you. Prices and availability change – see the current price on Amazon.

🍪 Nordic Ware Naturals half sheet pan (amazon.com) ↗ (ad). A rimmed baking sheet like this fits the recipe above.

🍪 Wilton cookie cutters set, 101-piece (amazon.com) ↗ (ad) and Wilton Cookie Master Plus cookie press (amazon.com) ↗ (ad). A cookie press has its own dough recipe, so follow the instructions that come with it.

📖 Joy of Cooking Christmas Cookies (amazon.com) ↗ (ad, book).

Read next

More baking: Gingerbread: history and a simple cookie recipe and Eggnog: history and an alcohol-free recipe. All the dates 2026: Christmas in the US: traditions and recipes.