Today my daughter and I made sugar cookies together, which has become one of my favorite traditions. Every Christmas Eve we make sugar cookies for Santa. It’s nothing fancy, just the same recipe I’ve made every year—the one my mom used, which she got from a coworker years ago.

Baking with kids is equal parts sweet and chaotic, but as it turns out, the sticky counters, the crooked candy cane shapes, and the powdered sugar fingerprints everywhere is the magic.

A few things I’ve learned over the years that make the whole process smoother (and more enjoyable for everyone involved):

• Roll your dough out before chilling it. Once it’s mixed, roll it out onto a sheet and then chill. It’s so much easier to work with later, and the dough keeps its shape better.
• Use powdered sugar instead of flour when rolling. It works the same, but it tastes better—and honestly is one of my favorite baking hacks.
• Throw a slice of bread into the cookie container. It keeps the cookies soft and chewy for days. I don’t know the science behind it, but it works every single time.
• You don’t have to do every step together. I mix and prep the dough myself, and my daughter helps with cutting shapes and decorating. That way it stays fun for both of us—and no one ends the day overstimulated and covered in regret.

Here’s my sugar cookie recipe, let me know if you try it out! I halved the recipe this time and it turned out great.

Happy holidays everyone!