Christmas Cookies – Embracing Holiday Joy Through Sweet Traditions
Welcome back, friends! Christmas is around the corner, and we’re continuing our holiday cookie journey with even more cheer, love, and sugar (the gluten-free kind, of course). At From Scratch Farm, the holidays are about more than just presents and decorations—it’s about spending quality time together, creating memories, and letting the warmth of the season fill your heart and your home.
In the second part of our Christmas cookie blog, I want to share another family favorite—the classic sugar cookie. This cookie is a blank canvas for creativity, perfect for decorating with the family. Whether you’re making stars, snowflakes, or Santa hats, the joy of cooking with love and decorating together is what makes the holidays truly magical.
Baking Memories
For me, baking sugar cookies has always been about family time. I remember rolling out the dough with my parents, trying to make sure it was the perfect thickness, and pressing cookie cutters into it with such delight. The excitement of decorating the cookies with sprinkles, icing, and a bit of imagination made each one unique.
It didn’t matter if some cookies ended up looking a little wonky or if the icing wasn’t perfect—what mattered was the laughter, the mess, and the shared experience. At From Scratch Farm, we embrace that sense of joy and togetherness, especially during the holidays. It’s not about perfection—it’s about the love and care that go into each cookie, each decoration, and each shared moment.
The Magic of Decorating Together
One of the best things about sugar cookies is that they bring out the creativity in everyone. Young or old, everyone loves decorating cookies with colorful icing and sprinkles. This is where the magic really happens—when you gather around the kitchen table, with bowls of icing in front of you, and start creating little works of art.
At From Scratch Farm, we believe in making these holiday moments inclusive. That’s why our sugar cookie recipe uses gluten-free flour, so everyone can enjoy decorating and eating these sweet treats. It’s part of our farm-to-table philosophy—using quality ingredients and making sure everyone feels welcome and included.
Cooking with Purpose and Joy
Holiday baking is a wonderful way to bring the spirit of purposeful cooking into your home. It’s a reminder that cooking is an act of love, that each step—from mixing the dough to icing the cookies—is a way to bring people together and share something meaningful.
These cookies might be simple, but they’re a perfect reflection of what the holidays are all about—love, connection, and joy. Whether you’re baking with family, friends, or even just for yourself, there’s something incredibly special about making and decorating these cookies. And, of course, the best part is sharing them!
Recipe Highlight: Alton Brown’s Sugar Cookies with a Gluten-Free Twist
These sugar cookies are a holiday classic. They’re easy to roll out, hold their shape well, and are perfect for decorating. Here’s my version, made with gluten-free flour, so everyone can join in on the fun.
Ingredients:
3 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 7-9 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let cool completely before decorating with your favorite icing and sprinkles.
The holiday season is about more than gifts and decorations—it’s about creating moments that last a lifetime. Baking Christmas cookies together is one of those traditions that brings joy, laughter, and a little bit of sweetness to the holidays.
This year, I encourage you to gather with your loved ones, roll out some cookie dough, and get creative. Let the holiday spirit fill your kitchen as you bake, decorate, and share these special treats. From our family at From Scratch Farm to yours, Merry Christmas, and may your holidays be filled with love, laughter, and lots of cookies!