I firmly believe that every baker should have at least one classic sugar cookie recipe up their apron sleeve. Sugar cookies are a perfect palate for any occasion, suitable to be cut out in any shape imaginable, topped with any kind of design and embellishment imaginable. Though I don’t make these cookies very often, every time I do I realize how amazing they are in their simplicity, and their tradition. They have so much potential–so much to offer.
That being said… these cookies aren’t fancy. They aren’t beautifully decorated, at least not in a bakery-approved sort of fashion. They are decorated with fun and family in mind. These sugar cookies are my family’s annual foray into decorating, and for that, I love them. Making them every year–in my grandparents’ kitchen, at my mom’s side, or now, with my husband, allows me to step back in time and [as cheesy as it sounds] taste the memories of the holiday season.
This Christmas, as you spend time with your family and friends, I pray that you will take the time to enjoy one another’s company and pursue Jesus together, the real reason for the season. Without Him, there would be none of this. Even if you are not caught up in the commercial “me-me-me”-ness of Christmas time, there is usually something that takes you away. Perhaps it’s the perfect menu for Christmas dinner, or the scrambling to please everyone with your time. Whatever it is, take a moment to step back and breathe, thanking God for all He has given you, even in the midst of the stress. I know I have to do that, many times a day, but that is okay. He’s there. He’s here. He has come.
Though my sentimental Christmas cookies I’ve shared today and this week have nothing to do with the birth of Jesus, they bring me back to family, back home, back to the well-worn yellow recipe card and afternoons of my youth and beyond spent baking up a storm. I’m not sure what my blogging will look like over the next week as I’ll be spending time with my family and my Ben, celebrating the season but I hope that you enjoy it as much as I am planning to!
Classic Sugar Cookies [from Mom]
printable version
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons whipping cream
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions:
Mix together flour, sugar, and baking powder. Cut in softened butter until mixture crumbles, then mix in whipping cream, egg, and vanilla until a soft dough forms. Add more cream if necessary. Cover and refrigerate for one hour.
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll out dough on a well floured surface, incorporating more flour into dough if necessary to roll out well. Cut into shapes and place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool and then frost.
Frosting [from Mom]
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons whipping cream
- optional: food coloring, sprinkles, etc. for tinting frosting and topping
Directions:
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Swirl in whipping cream, beating until frosting reaches a spreading consistency. Add more whipping cream to thin out if necessary.
Time: 4 hours.
Yield: Varies based on size of cookie cutters, but about 2 good sized Tupperwares.
The Pajama Chef 
I pray the same for you! There’s always something that has the potential to take us away from that place of Jesus-centered meditation, isn’t there? Thanks for the encouragement to not let anything get in the way this year. And Merry Christmas! I’ll be out until after the New Year, but I’ll see you back around then!
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Sugar cookies are totally the best and I’m always looking for the “ultimate” recipe. These sound fabulous! Definitely trying them. Hope you had a great Christmas and happy new year!
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