If you have a festive spirit and a sweet tooth, the Holly and Berry Sugar Cookies Recipe will become your new favorite holiday treat. These delightful cookies combine a buttery, tender texture with simple, classic flavors that come alive when cut into charming shapes like holly leaves and berries. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a batch of cookies that not only taste amazing but also bring a warm, joyful vibe to any gathering or gift plate. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe invites you to spread some sweetness and celebration in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Holly and Berry Sugar Cookies Recipe, we keep it simple yet perfect. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that soft, flavorful cookie with a beautiful golden edge, so none are to be skipped or substituted lightly!
- 1 cup butter or 1 cup margarine: The base of rich flavor and tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- 1 cup sugar: Balances the buttery richness with the perfect hint of sweetness.
- 1 large egg: Adds moisture and binds the dough, helping the cookies hold their shape.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings depth and warmth, elevating the humble sugar cookie.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the cookies rise just enough for a light texture without spreading too much.
- 2 3/4 cups flour: Gives structure and that satisfying, tender bite we all love in sugar cookies.
How to Make Holly and Berry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by combining the butter (or margarine) with sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and looks almost like a cloud of sweetness. This creaming process is key because it incorporates air into the dough, giving you soft cookies with a tender bite.
Step 2: Mix in the Egg and Vanilla Extract
Once your butter and sugar are beautifully creamed, add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix them in thoroughly until the dough looks smooth and cohesive, making sure the vanilla aroma is evenly spread throughout your dough.
Step 3: Combine Flour and Baking Powder
In a separate bowl, whisk together your baking powder and flour to evenly distribute the leavening agent. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing gently but thoroughly until it’s all incorporated. The dough should be soft but not sticky, ready to be shaped.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour a clean surface and roll your dough out to the thickness you prefer. For this recipe, around 1/4 inch thick is perfect — thick enough to hold shape but thin enough to offer a satisfying crunch.
Step 5: Cut Out Your Cookies
Use your favorite cookie cutters — holly leaves, berries, hearts, or classic rounds about 2 1/2 inches wide work beautifully. Cutting the dough into festive shapes is where this recipe gets a touch of fun and flair, ideal for spreading holiday cheer.
Step 6: Bake Until Lightly Golden
Place your cookies on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 7 to 10 minutes. Look for just a hint of golden color on the edges; this signals a perfect balance between soft centers and crispy edges.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
After baking, let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack before frosting or decorating. This waiting step might be tough, but it means your icing won’t melt and your decorations will stay crisp and cheerful.
How to Serve Holly and Berry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To keep your cookies festive and pretty, try decorating with classic red and green icing, sugar crystals, or edible glitter. These simple garnishes not only look delightful but also add a subtle crunch or extra sweetness that takes your cookies to the next level.
Side Dishes
Pair your Holly and Berry Sugar Cookies Recipe with a warm cup of spiced tea or a rich hot chocolate for a cozy treat. Seasonal favorites like cinnamon sticks or peppermint stirrers also complement the flavors beautifully, making your snack feel like a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider arranging your cookies on a festive platter shaped like a wreath or a holiday centerpiece. Wrapping them in cellophane bags tied with red ribbons makes for charming gifts, perfect to share the joy of baking with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Holly and Berry Sugar Cookies Recipe cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Just make sure they’ve fully cooled and the icing has set to avoid any sticky messes.
Freezing
If you want to prepare well ahead or save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Store them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies as if freshly baked, simply let them thaw at room temperature. If you like them a bit warm, pop them in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for just a few minutes to refresh that soft texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute margarine for butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter. However, butter tends to offer a richer flavor and better texture, while margarine can work well if you need a dairy-free option or prefer its specific characteristics.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
Rolling the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness hits that perfect balance between crunchy edges and tender centers, though you can adjust slightly thinner or thicker depending on how soft or crisp you prefer your cookies.
Do I need to chill the dough before cutting out cookies?
For this particular Holly and Berry Sugar Cookies Recipe, chilling the dough is not necessary, which makes it quick and convenient, especially during busy holiday baking sessions.
Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding a few drops of food coloring to the dough before rolling it out is a fun way to make your cookies even more festive and tailored to your holiday color scheme.
What is the best way to store decorated cookies?
Store decorated cookies in a single layer in an airtight container to avoid smudging the icing. If stacking is needed, place parchment paper between layers to protect your beautiful decorations.
Final Thoughts
With its simple ingredients and joyful spirit, the Holly and Berry Sugar Cookies Recipe is more than just a dessert — it’s an experience that brings warmth and brightness to any occasion. I encourage you to bake a batch, share them with your loved ones, and create sweet memories that last well beyond the holidays.
Print
Holly and Berry Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Holly and Berry Sugar Cookies are classic, buttery treats perfect for holiday celebrations or any festive occasion. Soft yet slightly crisp at the edges, they are easy to decorate with frosting and sprinkles, making them a delightful activity for all ages.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter or 1 cup margarine
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter or margarine with the sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly until fully combined to enhance the flavor and texture of the cookies.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder and flour, then gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until well incorporated to form a smooth dough.
- Roll Out Dough: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to your preferred thickness, adapting to your desired cookie size and crispness.
- Cut Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out different shapes such as hearts or rounds about 2 1/2 inches in diameter, making festive and uniform cookies.
- Bake: Arrange the cutouts on an ungreased baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 7 to 10 minutes until the edges are slightly browned and the cookies are light in color.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting and decorating as desired.
Notes
- Do not grease the baking sheet as it can cause the cookies to spread too much.
- For even baking, space cookies at least 1 inch apart on the tray.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it becomes too soft to handle easily.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to one week.
