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Say what you will about store-bought versus homemade, but there’s a certain charm in Betty Crocker’s blend that brings back memories of childhood Christmases. Each bite seems to hold the warmth of a grandmother’s hug, the giggles of siblings sneaking dough from the mixing bowl, and the sheer joy of the holiday season. I will share a little twist on the classic Betty Crocker’s Christmas Sugar Cookies recipe—a personalized touch that turns a simple packet mix into a canvas for festive creativity.
Table of Contents
How to make Betty Crocker’s Christmas Sugar Cookies
Betty Crocker’s Christmas Sugar Cookies are a popular holiday treat that comes in a ready-to-make mix form. These sugar cookies are typically made from a blend of ingredients such as flour, sugar, and baking powder and are designed for easy preparation.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix
- Ingredients required on cookie mix package (typically includes butter and an egg)
- All-purpose flour (optional for rolling dough)
- Royal icing (store-bought or homemade) or frosting for decoration
- Sprinkles, colored sugars, or edible decorations
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
- Follow the Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix package instructions. This usually involves combining the cookie mix with softened butter and an egg. The back of the package provides the precise amounts of these ingredients.
- Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough is sticky, you might add a little all-purpose flour to make it easier to handle.
Chill the Dough:
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling makes the dough easier to roll out and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Rolling Out the Dough:
- Preheat your oven as directed on the cookie mix package, typically around 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly flour your rolling surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness for uniformly baking cookies.
- Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into festive shapes like Christmas trees, stars, or bells.
Baking:
- Place the cutouts on an ungreased cookie sheet, leaving about 2 inches between them.
- Bake according to the package instructions, usually between 7 to 9 minutes or until the edges are light golden brown.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the cookie sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Decorating:
- Once the cookies have completely cooled, decorate them with royal icing, frosting, and sprinkles.
- Consider using a piping bag with a small tip to outline and fill intricate patterns for detailed designs.
Tips for the Perfect Cookies:
- Roll Evenly: Roll out the dough evenly for uniformly baked cookies. The middle should not be thicker than the edges.
- Keep Dough Cool: If the dough becomes warm and sticky while rolling, place it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Customize Your Colors: Mix food coloring into the icing to create custom colors fitting for your Christmas theme.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add vanilla, almond, or lemon extract to your frosting to give your cookies an extra layer of flavor.
- Storage: If you’ve made a large batch, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
What to serve with
Betty Crocker’s Christmas Sugar Cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with complementary treats and beverages can elevate your festive spread.
Beverages:
- Hot Chocolate: A classic pairing, rich and creamy hot chocolate complements the sweetness of sugar cookies. For an extra treat, top it with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Milk: Sometimes, nothing beats the simplicity of cookies and milk. Opt for whole milk for its creamy texture, or try almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative.
- Mulled Wine: For an adults-only event, mulled wine seasoned with spices like cinnamon and clove creates a warming and aromatic match for the cookies.
- Coffee or Espresso: The robust flavor of coffee is a perfect foil for sugary treats. Serve a well-made espresso or a smooth latte to please the coffee enthusiasts at your table.
- Eggnog: This creamy, spiced holiday beverage is a seasonal favorite that pairs wonderfully with the soft and sweet texture of sugar cookies.
Sweet Accompaniments:
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a warm sugar cookie is a heavenly combination. Seasonal flavors like peppermint or eggnog ice cream can also add a festive touch.
- Fruit Salad: A bowl of fresh fruit salad can offer a refreshing and light counterpoint to the richness of sugar cookies, and it’s a beautiful, colorful addition to the table.
- Nut Mix: Serve a bowl of roasted nuts spiced with cinnamon or nutmeg for a crunchy contrast to the sugar cookies’ tender crumbs.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, especially mild ones like brie or cream cheese, accompanied by grapes or apple slices, can offer a savory balance to the cookies’ sweetness.
Savory Snacks:
- Charcuterie Board: For those who would like a little savory with their sweet, a charcuterie board with an assortment of meats, cheeses, and olives is a great option.
- Vegetables and Dip: A platter of raw vegetables with a side of ranch or blue cheese dip can provide a refreshing and guilt-free balance to the indulgent cookies.
- Crackers and Spread: For guests who might prefer less sugary options, serve a variety of crackers with cream cheese spread, hummus, or a savory tapenade.
Final Thoughts
Baking Betty Crocker’s Christmas Sugar Cookies can become a cherished annual tradition, offering simplicity and the joy of personalization.
More Betty Crocker Recipes:
Ingredients
- 1 package of Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix
- Ingredients required on cookie mix package (typically includes butter and an egg)
- All-purpose flour (optional for rolling dough)
- Royal icing (store-bought or homemade) or frosting for decoration
- Sprinkles, colored sugars, or edible decorations
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Follow the Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix package instructions. This usually involves combining the cookie mix with softened butter and an egg. The back of the package provides the precise amounts of these ingredients.
- Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough is sticky, you might add a little all-purpose flour to make it easier to handle.
Chill the Dough:
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling makes the dough easier to roll out and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Rolling Out the Dough:
- Preheat your oven as directed on the cookie mix package, typically around 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly flour your rolling surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness for uniformly baking cookies.
- Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into festive shapes like Christmas trees, stars, or bells.
Baking:
- Place the cutouts on an ungreased cookie sheet, leaving about 2 inches between them.
- Bake according to the package instructions, usually between 7 to 9 minutes or until the edges are light golden brown.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the cookie sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Decorating:
- Once the cookies have completely cooled, decorate them with royal icing, frosting, and sprinkles.
- Consider using a piping bag with a small tip to outline and fill intricate patterns for detailed designs.
