Introduction:
(A Holiday Memory in Every Bite — For Me, It’s Sugar Cookies)
I’ll never forget my first holiday season living away from my family. The cold winter air felt lonelier than ever, and the festive spirit was missing something — warmth, laughter, and the smell of fresh-baked treats filling the house. One chilly December afternoon, I pulled out an old sugar cookie recipe my grandmother had shared and added a little twist: fresh citrus zest and a simple almond glaze.
That small act of baking brought back a flood of memories—family crowded around the kitchen, children giggling as they decorated cookies, and the smell of vanilla and sugar mixing with winter spices. This sugar cookies recipe quickly became my holiday comfort food, a small but meaningful way to connect to home, no matter where I was.
These aren’t just any holiday cookies. They’re easy to make, irresistibly flavorful, and perfect for sharing with friends, family, or neighbors during the busiest season of the year.
The Story Behind This Sugar Cookies Recipe
Sugar cookies are often the star of holiday cookie trays across America. But for me, the classic recipes sometimes felt too plain. So, inspired by my grandmother’s kitchen and my own love for fresh flavors, I started adding citrus zest — mostly lemon and orange — and an almond glaze that gives each cookie a subtle, sophisticated lift.
The idea came during a hectic holiday when I wanted something festive but simple to bake. These cookies were quick, required no fancy tools, and gave me space to make them my own. Since then, I’ve made them every Christmas, and now friends and family ask for this recipe specifically when the holidays roll around.
What’s the most popular holiday cookie? In many U.S. homes, sugar cookies top the list. Their sweet, buttery base, easy shape-holding dough, and endless decorating possibilities make them timeless. But what sets this holiday sugar cookies recipe apart is the fresh citrus zing and almond glaze that make the flavor pop — and keep people coming back for more.
Easy Tips for Holiday Sugar Cookies Success
• Chill your dough: Letting the dough rest for at least 30 minutes makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.
• Use fresh citrus zest: The bright zest from lemons or oranges adds freshness and a holiday twist that makes these cookies stand out from classic versions.
• Swap extracts if needed: Don’t have almond extract? Vanilla works fine, but almond gives the glaze a unique warmth you’ll love.
• Prep ahead: You can make the dough a day before, or bake cookies in advance and store them airtight for a few days. Apply the glaze right before serving to maintain its freshness.
• Make decorating fun: Have fun decorating by adding colored sugar, edible glitter, or just a simple drizzle of almond glaze — every option looks festive and tasty.
Sugar Cookies Recipe:
The Recipe: Holiday Sugar Cookies with Citrus Zest and Almond Glaze
Equipment
- 1 Oven – To bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C).
- 1 Baking Sheets – To arrange and bake the cookies. Make sure they are lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- 1 Parchment Paper – To line the baking sheets, preventing the cookies from sticking and ensuring an even bake.
- 1 Medium Mixing Bowl – For whisking the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt).
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl – To cream together the butter and sugar, and to combine the wet ingredients.
- 1 Electric Mixer or Handheld Mixer – To beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- 1 Whisk – For mixing the dry ingredients and for whisking the glaze.
- 1 Measuring Cups – For accurately measuring the flour, sugar, milk, and other ingredients.
- 1 Measuring Spoons – For measuring smaller quantities like baking powder, salt, vanilla, and almond extract.
- 1 Microplane or Zester – For zesting the lemon to extract the citrus peel.
- 1 Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon – To portion out the dough into 1-inch balls. A cookie scoop is ideal for uniform size.
- 1 Glass or Flat Object – To flatten the cookie dough balls before baking (you can use a drinking glass or measuring cup).
- 1 Cooling Racks – To cool the cookies after baking and allow the glaze to set.
- 1 Small Bowl or Measuring Cup – For mixing the glaze ingredients (powdered sugar, milk, almond extract).
- 1 Small Spoon or Drizzle Bottle – For drizzling the glaze over the cookies.
- 1 Cookie Cutter (if you want to make shapes other than round cookies). Optional
- 1 Decorative Sprinkles (for decorating the cookies after glazing). Optional
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 2 ¾ cup cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbs baking powder
- ½ tbsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 pcs large egg
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp almond extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (or almond milk)
- 1/2 cup almond extract
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.2. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.4. Add egg, vanilla, almond extract, and citrus zest. Mix well.5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.6. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and space them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets..7. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.8. Bake 8–10 minutes, until edges are just golden. Allow the cookies to rest on the sheets for five minutes, then transfer to cooling racks.9. Mix the glaze ingredients with a whisk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies. Let glaze set before serving.
Video
Notes
Watch and learn.
Why These Sugar Cookies Should Be Part of Your Holiday Traditions
The moment these cookies come out of the oven, your kitchen fills with a sweet, fresh aroma — citrusy, nutty, and warm all at once. They strike the perfect balance: sweet but not too sweet, soft yet sturdy, with a festive glaze that makes every bite special.
Friends and family will reach for seconds (and thirds!). These cookies bring people together, whether it’s a casual cookie swap, a cozy night in with hot cocoa, or a centerpiece on your holiday dessert table. It’s more than a recipe — it’s a tradition taking shape, a little joy baked with love.
For a detailed, step-by-step guide, Easy Homemade Baking Powder Biscuits.
For expert tips on cookie baking science and techniques, visit King Arthur Baking’s guide to sugar cookies.
FAQ’s About Sugar Cookies Recipe:
How long do you bake sugar cookies?
Sugar cookies typically bake for 8–12 minutes, depending on their size and thickness. Smaller cookies need less time, while thicker ones require a minute or two more. Look for slightly golden edges and a set center—they will firm up as they cool.
How to make holiday sugar cookies easy?
Use this simple dough recipe with a quick chill time. Bake in batches and decorate with easy glazes or sprinkles.
Can I swap almond extract?
Yes! Vanilla extract is a good substitute, but almond adds a warm, nutty flavor that makes these cookies unique.
What makes a good sugar cookie?
A good sugar cookie balances softness and structure, with a tender, slightly chewy center and lightly crisp edges. Flavor comes from real butter, sugar, and a touch of vanilla. Even spacing on the baking sheet and proper chilling help cookies hold their shape.
How do you make homemade sugar cookies look good?
Chill the dough before rolling to prevent spreading
Roll evenly for consistent thickness
Use cookie cutters for neat shapes
Decorate with sprinkles or icing after baking
Bake in even batches on a lined sheet for uniform browning
How do you make cookies with granulated sugar?
Granulated sugar is the standard sweetener. Cream it with butter first until light and fluffy—this traps air and helps cookies rise slightly. Then add eggs and dry ingredients. It gives cookies a subtle crunch and balanced sweetness.
How long do you bake sugar cookies at 375°F?
At 375°F, sugar cookies usually bake 6–9 minutes for standard-size cookies. Keep an eye on them: the edges should be lightly golden, and the centers soft.
Do sugar cookies need to be refrigerated?
Not always. Dough should be chilled for best shape, but baked cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for several days. Refrigeration is optional for longer storage or if frosting contains perishable ingredients.
