Classic Holiday Sugar Cookies with Icing

There’s something magical about baking sugar cookies during the holidays — the sweet aroma filling the kitchen, the soft glow of the oven, and the joy of decorating each cookie with family. These classic holiday sugar cookies are buttery, crisp on the edges, and tender inside — perfect for Christmas gatherings or cozy winter afternoons.

And when baked on a French kitchen range, every batch turns out evenly golden, thanks to its superior heat control and precision craftsmanship — ensuring your cookies look as good as they taste.

24–30 cookies
1 hour 30 minutes
~ 135 cal/cookie

Ingredients

all-purpose flour2¾ cups
baking powder1 teaspoon
salt½ teaspoon
unsalted butter, softened1 cup(226g)
granulated sugar1 cup(200g)
large egg1
pure vanilla extract2 teaspoons
almond extract(optional, for flavor depth)½ teaspoon

For the icing:

powdered sugar2 cups(240g)
milk2–3 tablespoons
light corn syrup(for shine)1 teaspoon
vanilla extract½ teaspoon
food coloring(optional, for decorating)

01 Prepare the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, cream the butter and sugar using a mixer until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract, and beat until combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

02 Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal parts, flatten into disks, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour — this helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

03 Roll and Cut

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use your favorite holiday cookie cutters — stars, snowflakes, or Christmas trees — to cut out shapes.

Place them about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

04 Bake to Perfection

Bake in the center rack of your French range oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden.

Let them cool for 5 minutes on the pan before transferring to a wire rack.

(Tip: Precision temperature control on a French kitchen range ensures perfectly even baking every time.)

05 Make the Icing

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed — thick for outlining, thin for filling.

Add food coloring for festive flair and use piping bags or simple spoons to decorate.

06 Decorate and Set

Let your creativity shine! Outline, fill, and sprinkle to your heart’s content.

Allow the icing to set completely before storing the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.

A Sweet Tradition Worth Keeping

These sugar cookies are more than just a holiday treat — they’re a memory in the making. Whether you bake with your kids, friends, or simply for yourself, they bring warmth and joy to every kitchen.

For those who love precision and artistry, baking on a French kitchen range turns every festive bake into a masterpiece.

Classic Holiday Sugar Cookies with Icing