Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for the holidays: These cookies are as decorative as they are delicious, making them ideal for Christmas celebrations.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the design or add extra flavor to suit your preferences.
• Fun activity: Great for involving kids in the kitchen for some festive baking fun.
• Make-ahead friendly: These cookies store well, so you can prepare them in advance for your holiday events.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For decorating:

• Royal icing (red and white)
• Food coloring (red and green)
• Black food coloring gel
• Small candy eyes
• Red sugar sprinkles

Directions

1. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix wet and dry ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Roll and cut: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use Christmas-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
5. Bake: Place the cutouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Decorate: Use royal icing to create Santa suit designs. Apply red icing for the suit, white icing for the trim, and black gel for the belt and boots. Add candy eyes and red sugar sprinkles as desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 24 cookies (depending on cutter size)
• Prep time: 30 minutes
• Cook time: 8-10 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 45 minutes

Variations

• Flavor twist: Add almond extract or a hint of peppermint to the dough for a festive flavor upgrade.
• Colorful dough: Mix red or green food coloring into the dough for added holiday flair.
• Different designs: Use other Christmas-themed cutters like stars or stockings for variety.
• Sprinkle fun: Incorporate festive sprinkles into the decorations for extra charm.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Freezing: Freeze undecorated cookies for up to three months. Thaw and decorate when ready to serve.
• Reheating: While these cookies don’t require reheating, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for a softer texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator.

2. How do I keep the dough from sticking while rolling?

Lightly flour your rolling surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.

3. Can I use store-bought icing?

Absolutely! Store-bought royal icing works well if you’re short on time.

4. What’s the best way to get vibrant red icing?

Use concentrated gel food coloring for a bright, festive red hue.

5. How do I avoid spreading during baking?

Chill the cutouts on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before baking to reduce spreading.

6. Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour in a 1:1 ratio.

7. How do I make the royal icing?

Combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water, mixing until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.

8. Are there alternatives to royal icing?

You can use buttercream or a simple powdered sugar glaze as alternatives.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled for larger batches.

10. How do I ensure the cookies are evenly baked?

Roll the dough to a uniform thickness and rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking.

Conclusion

Christmas Santa Suit Sugar Cookie Cutouts are a delightful addition to your holiday festivities. With their cheerful designs and irresistible taste, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite for both kids and adults. Whether you’re baking for a party or creating a family tradition, these cookies are a fun and tasty way to spread holiday joy.