These Christmas sugar cookies are a healthy twist on the classic treat, made with a soft dough that’s easy for kids to roll and cut out into fun shapes. Topped with simple vanilla frosting, they have that classic flavor you love with less sugar and more wholesome ingredients.
For more delicious holiday treats, try my Easy Christmas Butter Cookies, Spinach and Cheese Christmas Tree Appetizer, and Christmas Chex Mix next.
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The Best Sugar Cookie Recipe
Baking holiday sugar cookies with kids is fun with this easy recipe. The cookies turn out soft and chewy every time, with just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy holiday cravings. I like to set aside time for decorating with icing and sprinkles—it’s one of our favorite traditions. These also hold up well for a cookie exchange, so I like to bake an extra batch to share with family and friends.
What Makes These Christmas Sugar Cookies Healthy?
- Naturally sweetened. These cookies use pure maple syrup instead of refined white sugar, adding gentle sweetness and trace minerals.
- Whole grain base. Whole wheat flour adds fiber, making the cookies more filling and nutrient-dense than traditional sugar cookies.
- Lower in sugar. Since the sweetness comes from maple syrup and not frosting-heavy layers, they’re a lighter option for kids.
- Kid-friendly ingredients. No artificial dyes, shortening, or processed sugar — just simple pantry staples you can feel good about.
- Balanced treat. They still taste like classic sugar cookies but with more wholesome ingredients that make them better for everyday baking.
What is the secret to a good sugar cookie?
Sugar cookies are known for their soft, buttery texture and mild sweetness, making them perfect for decorating and sharing during the holidays. This version keeps that same classic feel but uses wholesome ingredients and maple syrup for a naturally sweet flavor. The result is a batch of soft, chewy cookies that taste just as good as the traditional kind.
Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookies
- Whole wheat flour: Adds a wholesome, hearty texture while keeping the cookies soft and tender.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a light, chewy bite.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a rich, buttery base that keeps the cookies soft.
- Pure maple syrup: Naturally sweetens the dough and adds a hint of warm maple flavor.
- Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and gives the cookies structure.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, giving that familiar sugar cookie aroma.
- Almond extract: Optional but adds a nostalgic, classic sugar cookie flavor.
Vanilla Frosting
- Powdered sugar: Forms the base of the frosting for smooth sweetness.
- Milk: Thins the frosting to your desired consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of flavor that ties perfectly with the cookies.
- Natural food coloring or sprinkles: Optional but fun for decorating and adding a festive touch.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies
Make the Dough
I start by preheating the oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. In another bowl, I beat the butter and maple syrup until smooth, then mix in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract before slowly adding the dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
Chill Dough
If the dough feels sticky, I sprinkle in a little extra flour until it’s easy to handle. I wrap it in plastic and chill it for about 30 minutes so it’s easier to roll out.
How to Make Sugar Cookie Cutouts
Once it’s firm, I roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Then we use Christmas cookie cutters to make fun shapes—my favorite part of making holiday sugar cookies.
Bake and Cool
I place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn golden. After baking, I let them cool completely on a wire rack before decorating. They smell incredible, and you’d never guess these are healthy sugar cookies made with wholesome ingredients.
Make the Frosting
For the frosting, I whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. I adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker one. If I’m feeling creative, I tint the frosting with natural food coloring before decorating.
Decorate
When it’s time to decorate, I set up small cups of icing and hand out clean paintbrushes so the kids can “paint” their cookies—it’s less messy and more fun. I also like to fill a muffin tray with sprinkles, shredded coconut, and crushed freeze-dried fruit for easy topping options. It turns decorating into an activity that everyone can enjoy together.
Storing Sugar Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If they’re frosted, place a layer of parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. For longer storage, refrigerate the cookies for up to a week to keep them fresh.
You can also freeze them—either frosted or unfrosted—by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Chill the dough. Letting the dough rest in the fridge for 20–30 minutes makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Don’t overbake. Remove the cookies when the edges are just turning golden to keep them soft and chewy.
- Use parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
- Adjust frosting consistency. Add more milk for a thinner glaze or extra powdered sugar for thicker icing, depending on how you plan to decorate.
- Keep toppings simple. Using natural sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried fruit keeps the cookies fun and festive without adding too much sugar.
- Freeze the dough. You can prepare and freeze the dough ahead of time—just thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling and baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a healthy sugar substitute for cookies?
Yes, there are several healthy sugar substitutes you can use in cookies. In this recipe, pure maple syrup replaces refined sugar, adding natural sweetness along with a hint of flavor. Other options include honey or coconut sugar, but maple syrup works best here because it keeps the dough soft and the texture chewy.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dough up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before rolling it out.
Can I skip the frosting?
Yes, these cookies taste great plain too. The vanilla frosting just adds a fun, festive touch, especially when decorating with kids.
More Cookie Recipes
Strawberry Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies
Spiced Cranberry Thumbprint Cookie Recipe
Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies for Babies
DID YOU MAKE THIS HOLIDAY SUGAR COOKIE RECIPE?
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Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract optional, but adds that classic sugar cookie flavor
Vanilla Frosting:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 –2 tablespoons milk start with 1, add more for a thinner consistency
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: natural food coloring or sprinkles
Instructions
Make the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and maple syrup together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Whisk until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour (1 tablespoon at a time) until manageable.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use Christmas cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
- Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Make the Frosting
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Adjust consistency as needed — add more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker frosting.
- If desired, divide the frosting and tint each portion with natural food coloring.
Decorate
- Give each child a small cup of icing and a clean paintbrush or pastry brush to “paint” their cookies. It’s an easy, mess-free decorating method that helps build fine motor skills.
- For an organized topping station, fill a muffin tray with sprinkles, crushed freeze-dried fruit, shredded coconut, or mini chocolate chips so kids can decorate easily.
