Christmas Santa Suit Sugar Cookie Cutouts 🎅🏻
A perfect holiday treat that’s as festive as it is delicious, these Santa Suit Sugar Cookie Cutouts will add a bit of cheer to your holiday gatherings. With their buttery texture, sweet vanilla flavor, and bright red and white frosting, they’re sure to be a hit with your friends and family. Whether you’re baking with little helpers or making them for a holiday party, these cookies are a fantastic way to spread joy—and a sprinkle of magic!
Introduction:
Sugar cookies are a staple during the holiday season, and there’s no better way to spread some Christmas cheer than by baking sugar cookies in the shape of a Santa suit! These cookies are a fun twist on a classic favorite, featuring the iconic red and white of Santa’s ensemble, complete with a belt and buttons. Whether you’re serving them as a sweet treat for kids or gifting them to friends, these sugar cookies make for an incredibly festive—and tasty—addition to your Christmas celebrations.
The history of sugar cookies dates back to the 1700s in Europe, where they were first made with simple ingredients like butter, flour, and sugar. Over time, they evolved, and the modern sugar cookie was born. As traditions grew, these cookies became a go-to for holiday festivities. Today, they are often decorated in all kinds of creative ways, like these Santa Suit shapes, which are perfect for adding some fun and creativity to your cookie decorating sessions!
Ingredients for Sugar Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but recommended for a subtle flavor)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Ingredients for Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (or more to reach desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red food coloring
- Black food coloring (optional for belt and buttons)
- Yellow food coloring (optional for buckle)
Instructions:
1. Make the Sugar Cookies:
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until the dough forms. It should be soft but not too sticky.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill. This step makes it easier to roll the dough out later and helps prevent spreading during baking.
2. Roll and Cut the Dough:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use a Santa suit cookie cutter (or any other Christmas-themed cutter you like) to cut out shapes. If you don’t have a Santa suit cutter, a simple rectangle shape with a “belt” design can work well.
- Place the cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a bit of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Prepare the Frosting:
- While the cookies are cooling, make the frosting by beating the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Once all the sugar is added, mix in the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk. Continue adding milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach a spreadable consistency.
- Divide the frosting into separate bowls, and add a few drops of red food coloring to one bowl, black food coloring to another, and yellow food coloring to a third (for the belt buckle).
4. Decorate the Cookies:
- Using a small spatula or piping bag, spread red frosting on the top half of each Santa suit cookie for the jacket.
- Use white frosting to create the bottom portion of the suit, making a clear line between the red and white frosting. You can use a piping bag for more precision here.
- Pipe a black belt across the middle of the suit, and add yellow frosting in the center of the belt to create a buckle.
- Optional: You can also use black frosting to add little buttons down the front of Santa’s suit.
5. Let the Cookies Set:
- Allow the frosting to dry completely before serving or packing them into containers for gifting.
History of Sugar Cookies:
The sugar cookie’s origins can be traced to the early settlers of Pennsylvania, who made simple, sweet cookies using the ingredients they could grow or obtain locally. Over the centuries, these cookies became a holiday tradition, as their sweet taste and versatility lent themselves well to festive occasions. Decorating cookies became a particularly popular tradition in the 1800s, and it’s no surprise that sugar cookies remain one of the most decorated cookies today, especially during the holiday season. Their buttery flavor and the ease with which they can be decorated make them a perfect canvas for all sorts of holiday creativity!
Formation of the Santa Suit Design:
The idea of using a Santa suit design for sugar cookies takes inspiration from the iconic image of Santa Claus—his red suit with a white fur trim, black belt, and gold buckle is a symbol instantly recognized worldwide. By cutting the cookies into the shape of a Santa suit and using frosting to mimic his outfit, bakers pay homage to this beloved holiday figure. The festive nature of these cookies makes them not only fun to decorate but a great way to get kids involved in the holiday preparations.
Conclusion:
These Santa Suit Sugar Cookie Cutouts are not just cookies—they’re a holiday experience! From the simple, buttery taste to the fun decorating process, these cookies will add a sprinkle of holiday magic to your celebrations. Whether you’re baking with loved ones or giving them away as a homemade gift, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Plus, they’re a perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter. So, grab your cookie cutters and get baking—Santa’s suit is waiting to be devoured!
For the Cookie Lovers:
If you’re someone who loves a good sugar cookie, you’re not alone. Sugar cookies are universally adored for their light, crisp texture and sweet, simple flavor. These Santa Suit cookies, however, take it up a notch with their festive charm and detailed decoration. Whether you’re a sugar cookie purist or someone who loves to go wild with frosting and sprinkles, these cookies offer something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, and bake up a batch of Christmas cheer!