Buttery Holiday Sugar Cookies with Spiced Cinnamon Icing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender, buttery sugar cookies decorated with a spiced cinnamon glaze, bringing warmth and festive flavor to your holiday table. This american-inspired christmas ready in about 25 minutes layers (2 sticks), softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, large egg into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 30, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 30 American cuisine 140 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Beat in 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  3. Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low until the dough comes together. Divide dough into two portions, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into holiday shapes and place 1 inch apart on baking sheets.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set and just beginning to brown. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  6. Step 6: For the icing, whisk together 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon until smooth and thick enough to spread.
  7. Step 7: Once cookies are completely cooled, ice them with the cinnamon glaze using a knife or piping bag. Let icing set for 30 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Buttery Holiday Sugar Cookies with Spiced Cinnamon Icing take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Buttery Holiday Sugar Cookies with Spiced Cinnamon Icing?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Buttery Holiday Sugar Cookies with Spiced Cinnamon Icing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Buttery Holiday Sugar Cookies with Spiced Cinnamon Icing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 30 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 30). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Buttery Holiday Sugar Cookies with Spiced Cinnamon Icing?

American christmas like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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