These classic holiday sugar cookies are everything you want in a Christmas cookie: soft centers, lightly crisp edges, and that nostalgic vanilla-almond flavor that fills the kitchen with holiday warmth. The dough rolls out easily, holds clean shapes, and bakes into a sturdy yet tender cookie that’s perfect for royal icing. They're great for festive decorating sessions, cookie swaps, neighbor gifts, and any holiday dessert spread. Make the dough ahead to keep cookie baking stress-free all season.

Quick Info

⏱️ 185 min • 🍽️ 3 servings • ⭐ 100%

Tags

[Desserts]

Ingredients

• 24 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• 1 large egg
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon McCormick® vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon McCormick® almond extract
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 ½ cups all purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon McCormick® vanilla extract
• gel food coloring, of your choice
• water, as needed
• ¼ cup pasteurized egg white

Instructions Preview

1. Make the cookie dough: In a large bowl, cr…
2. Add the egg, egg yolks, McCormick® vanilla…
3. Add the salt, then sift the flour, baking …

…and 10 more steps

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Recipe by: Brent Bennett, Kelly Paige • From: Tasty