Introduction
These Christmas powdered sugar cookies are the perfect holiday treat: crispy on the edges, chewy in the center, and tender enough to melt in your mouth. They are simple, elegant, and dusted in soft powdered sugar that makes them look like little snowballs. This recipe is great for family baking days, cookie exchanges, school parties, or gifting. The dough is easy to prepare and the cookies bake quickly, giving you a batch of festive sweetness with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
Additional powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
Cream the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well. Add vanilla and mix again.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt.
Add the dry mixture into the wet mixture slowly and mix until a soft dough forms.
Cover the dough and chill for 30 minutes to help the cookies hold shape.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Scoop tablespoons of dough, roll into smooth balls, and place on the tray.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes until edges are slightly golden but centers still soft.
Cool for 5 minutes, then roll warm cookies gently in powdered sugar.
Let cool completely and dust with powdered sugar again before serving.
Methods
Creaming method for butter and sugar to create airiness.
Quick-chill method for firming the dough.
Double-coating method for a snowy powdered sugar finish.
Soft-bake method to keep centers chewy and tender.
History
Powdered sugar cookies originated from old European holiday cookies such as Russian tea cakes, snowballs, and Mexican wedding cookies. Each culture had its own version of a buttery, sugar-coated cookie made during celebrations. Over time, American bakers adapted the concept by making a lighter, chewier cookie with both powdered and granulated sugar. Today, these cookies are a Christmas classic known for their snowy look and melt-in-mouth texture.
Benefits
Simple ingredients available all year
Quick baking time
Perfect for gifting
Kid-friendly and easy for beginners
Soft, chewy centers with crisp edges
Festive appearance without decorating
Formation
The dough forms best when the butter is fully softened but not melted. The cornstarch helps the cookies stay tender. Chilling the dough prevents spreading, giving the cookies a round and even shape. Rolling them in powdered sugar while warm helps the coating stick smoothly.
Nutrition (approx per cookie, depending on size)
Calories: 130
Fat: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Sugar: 12 g
Protein: 1 g
Fiber: 0 g
Conclusion
These crispy, chewy, tender Christmas powdered sugar cookies are a must-have holiday treat. They look beautiful, taste even better, and require no special equipment or decorating skill. Make a big batch to share, to serve with hot chocolate, or to enjoy fresh from the oven.
Lovers
These cookies are loved by holiday bakers, kids who enjoy soft sweet treats, families who bake together during December, and anyone who prefers simple cookies with classic flavor. They’re also perfect for cookie platter lovers, Christmas party hosts, and fans of melt-in-your-mouth textures.
If you want this recipe in Arabic, French, or an ultra-big version, just tell me.