Christmas Sugar Cookies

Grated lemon zest adds fresh flavor to traditional cut-out sugar cookies. The dough is made in the food processor, so preparation is a breeze.

The warmth of ground cinnamon makes these rolled sugar cookies stand out. The cookies can be decorated before baking with colored sprinkles, or decorate after baking, using a paste of confectioners' sugar and water to affix nonpareils or whichever candies you desire.

This basic, all-butter recipe for cut-out sugar cookies can be cut and decorated any way you like. Follow the how-to instructions to create the Christmas-themed cookies shown here, or experiment with your own decorating ideas. The cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to a week.

Lime juice and zest lend a tropical, tangy twist to this rolled sugar cookie recipe. Simply cut the dough with flower-shaped cookie cutters or any other shapes you like. After baking, sift some confectioners' sugar on top of each cookie for an easy, pretty decoration.

If you seek a thin, delicate, and beautiful cookie, look no further. The elegant design is created by carefully cutting out tiny shapes with an aspic cutter to create a doily pattern, after the dough has been rolled out and chilled. These intricate, crisp cookies are perfect for Christmas gift-giving.

This is the perfect cut-out sugar cookie to decorate with holiday cheer. The recipe makes a substantial sugar cookie that acts as a great base to embellish with frosting, royal icing, sprinkles, and candy decorations. Note: This recipe is used to make the charming Santa Cookie.

These big, chewy sugar cookies are made with a simple butter dough that has hints of lemon zest and brown sugar. A double sprinkling of sanding sugar creates a crackly top.

Make your own menagerie with this sugar cookie recipe. Feel free to experiment with any shaped cutters you like (even intricate ones); freezing the cut cookies before baking will help them keep their shape.