As the holiday season approaches, the air in my kitchen fills with the sweet scent of baking cookies, a tradition that brings my family together year after year. There’s something truly magical about the simple act of mixing flour, sugar, and eggs, especially when it results in a batch of Ugly Christmas Sweater Cookies. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re a canvas for creativity and a wonderful way to bond with loved ones. I remember the first time I baked these with my kids. Their eyes lit up as they decorated each sweater with bright colors and fun designs, giggling at the “uglier” the sweaters got. It’s this joy and warmth that make these cookies a family favorite, and I’m thrilled to share the recipe with you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Family Fun
Decorating these cookies is an activity everyone can enjoy. It’s a great way to involve kids in the kitchen and spark their creativity. As you gather around the table with bowls of colorful frosting and sprinkles, you’ll find that the process is as rewarding as the final product. Children, in particular, take great delight in creating the most outrageous designs, from zigzags and polka dots to miniature Christmas trees and reindeer. The experience becomes a cherished family tradition, with each year’s batch being more imaginative than the last.
Simple Ingredients
One of the beauties of this recipe is its simplicity. You likely already have most of what you need in your pantry, making these cookies both convenient and budget-friendly. Flour, sugar, eggs, and vanilla are staples in most homes, and even the buttermilk can be substituted with a simple mixture of milk and lemon juice if you’re in a pinch.
Versatile Designs
The frosting allows you to create any design you imagine. From classic holiday patterns to quirky, colorful sweaters, the sky’s the limit. You can customize each cookie to reflect your family’s unique style or even host a friendly competition to see who can craft the most creative sweater. This versatility is what makes these cookies perfect not just for eating, but as a festive decoration for your holiday table.
Perfect for Gifting
These cookies make delightful gifts. Pack them in a festive box, and you’ve got a homemade present that’s sure to bring smiles. With their unique designs and personal touch, they’re more than just a treat—they’re a gesture of warmth and thoughtfulness. Whether you’re gifting them to a neighbor, a teacher, or a friend, these cookies convey the holiday spirit in a way that store-bought gifts simply cannot.
Deliciously Soft
Thanks to the buttermilk in the dough, these cookies are tender and soft, providing the perfect base for that sweet, creamy frosting. The texture is crucial: it’s firm enough to hold the frosting yet soft enough to melt in your mouth with each bite. The subtle tang of the buttermilk adds a layer of complexity to the flavor, balancing the sweetness and making these cookies truly irresistible.
The Recipe
Prep time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Cook time: 8-10 minutes
Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
Calories: 250 per cookie
Ingredients
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable shortening (Crisco)
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
Frosting
- 3/4 cup vegetable shortening
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 7 cups (2 pounds) confectioner’s sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk, as needed
- Gel food coloring
- Piping bags and tips (small star tip and round tip)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the vegetable shortening, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Once combined, add half of the dry ingredients. Begin to mix and pour in the buttermilk, then add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Refrigerate the dough for at least four hours or overnight. This resting period is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, making it easier to handle and cut.
Roll and Cut: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. On a well-floured surface, roll out about a quarter of the dough to a 1/8 – 1/4-inch thickness, depending on your preference. Cut out the dough using a sweater-shaped cookie cutter. Transfer each cutout to an ungreased cookie sheet. If you don’t have a sweater-shaped cutter, you can use a knife to carefully shape rectangles and add small details to mimic a sweater, embracing the rustic charm that comes with homemade treats.
Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the first sign of browning appears on the surface. This subtle browning indicates that the cookies have developed a slight crust, which is essential to hold the frosting. Remove from the oven and transfer the cookies to a cutting board or your countertop to cool completely. It’s important that the cookies are fully cooled before decorating to prevent the frosting from melting and running off.
Make the Frosting: While the cookies cool, prepare your frosting. With a mixer, cream together the vegetable shortening and butter. Slowly add the confectioner’s sugar, one cup at a time. Mix in the vanilla extract. Add milk as needed for a smoother consistency. Divide the frosting into smaller bowls and add gel food coloring to achieve the desired colors. Gel colors are preferred over liquid as they provide vibrant hues without altering the frosting’s consistency.
Decorate: Place the frosting in a piping bag with the desired tip. A small star tip is great for the sweater texture, and a round tip is recommended for details and dots. Once your cookies have cooled, use the prepared piping bags to create designs on your sweater cookies. This is where your creativity can truly shine. Encourage your family to experiment with different techniques and designs, making each cookie a unique work of art.
Set and Store: Allow the frosting to set before packing and storing the cookies in an airtight container. This ensures that your designs remain intact and the cookies stay fresh.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To make these Ugly Christmas Sweater Cookies, you’ll want to have the following tools on hand:
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment
- Large mixing bowls
- Sifter
- Rolling pin
- Sweater-shaped cookie cutter
- Un-greased cookie sheets
- Cooling rack
- Piping bags and tips (small star tip and round tip)
- Airtight container for storage
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect cookie:
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed to hold the cookies’ shape. It’s important to measure the flour accurately to prevent the dough from becoming too dense.
- Baking soda: Ensures that the cookies rise slightly, giving them a tender texture. This leavening agent works in tandem with the buttermilk to create an ideal crumb.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. A pinch of salt can make sweet flavors pop, adding depth to the cookie’s taste.
- Vegetable shortening: Gives the cookies a softer texture compared to butter alone, which is crucial for maintaining the intricate designs. It also helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps them achieve a nice, even browning. This ingredient also contributes to the cookies’ tender texture and golden hue.
- Eggs: Bind the dough together and add richness. They provide moisture and act as a leavening agent, contributing to the cookies’ structural integrity.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile. It complements the sweetness and provides a subtle aromatic note that elevates the overall taste.
- Buttermilk: Makes the cookies soft and adds a slight tanginess, which balances the sweetness. This ingredient is key to achieving the tender crumb and helps activate the baking soda.
What to Serve With This Dish
These Ugly Christmas Sweater Cookies are excellent on their own, but if you’re looking to create a more festive experience, consider pairing them with:
- Hot Chocolate: A warm mug of cocoa complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly. The creamy richness of the chocolate enhances the flavor of the cookies, creating a cozy, indulgent treat. You can find a delightful hot chocolate recipe on my blog here.
- Eggnog: For those who enjoy a traditional holiday drink, a glass of eggnog enhances the festive spirit. Its creamy texture and spiced flavor make it an ideal companion for these sweet treats.
- Tea or Coffee: These beverages serve as a nice contrast to the sweetness, making them a great choice for an afternoon treat. A robust black tea or a smooth coffee can balance the sugary notes of the frosting, providing a harmonious pairing.
Storage & Leftover Tips
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious:
- Store in an Airtight Container: Once the frosting has set, store your cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. This prevents them from drying out and losing their soft texture.
- Freezing: If you want to make them ahead of time, these cookies freeze well. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving. This is a great way to manage your holiday baking schedule, ensuring you have delightful treats on hand whenever needed.
- Leftover Frosting: If you find yourself with extra frosting, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Simply bring it back to room temperature and re-whip before using. This way, you can quickly whip up another batch of cookies or use the frosting for other holiday treats.
Creating these Ugly Christmas Sweater Cookies is more than just making a dessert; it’s about crafting memories with your family that will last a lifetime. From the first mix to the last sprinkle of sugar, these cookies are an expression of love and creativity. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your home as it does to mine. Happy baking, and remember, the “uglier” the sweater, the sweeter the memory! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these cookies offer a chance to unwind, enjoy the moment, and celebrate the joy of the holiday season with those you love most.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by preparing the cookie dough. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the vegetable shortening, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Once combined, add half of the dry ingredients. Begin to mix and pour in the buttermilk. Then add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Refrigerate the dough for at least four hours or overnight.
- After your dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- On a well-floured surface, roll out about a quarter of the dough to a 1/8 – 1/4-inch thickness, depending on your preference. Cut out the dough using a sweater-shaped cookie cutter. Transfer each cut out to an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes or until the first sign of browning appears on the surface of the cookies. Remove from the oven and transfer the cookies to a cutting board or your countertop to cool completely.
- While the cookies cool, prepare your frosting. With a mixer, cream together the vegetable shortening and butter. Slowly add the confectioner’s sugar, one cup at a time. Mix in the vanilla extract. Add milk as needed for a smoother consistency. Divide the frosting into smaller bowls and add gel food coloring to achieve the desired colors.
- Place the frosting in a piping bag with the desired tip. A small star tip is great for the sweater texture, and a round tip is recommended for details and dots.
- Once your cookies have cooled, use the prepared piping bags to create designs on your sweater cookies.
- Allow the frosting to set before packing and storing the cookies in an airtight container.