Transform your skincare routine into a festive treat with this Christmas Cookie Sugar Scrub!
Inspired by the warm, comforting scents of freshly baked cookies, this delightful scrub combines the cozy aromas of cinnamon and vanilla with the exfoliating power of sugar to leave your skin feeling smooth, soft, and oh-so-sweet.
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Perfect for gifting or indulging in a little holiday self-care, this easy recipe brings a touch of Christmas cheer to every scrub.The best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry!
Get ready to experience the joy of the season – one sugar scrub at a time.
Table of Contents
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Christmas Cookie Sugar Scrub Ingredients
1 cup Fine Grain White Sugar
1/4 cup Brown Sugar
1/2 cup Solid Coconut Oil
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon Powder
10 drops Vanilla Botanical Extract
3 drops Nutmeg essential oil (optional)
1/4 teaspoon Vitamin E oil (optional)
It’s important to maintain the recommended proportions for the cookie scent blend to complement the base recipe while maintaining a delicious but not overpowering aroma.
You can use only white or only brown sugar but the color of your homemade Christmas cookie sugar scrub will be different. I like using a mix of both to get a mild brown color – not too light, not too dark.
Solid coconut oil provides the homemade sugar scrub with a better consistency for applying. Liquid coconut oil will make it too viscous and difficult to apply. I been using this solid coconut oil for all my sugar scrub recipes – it’s works wonderfully.
Vanilla botanical extract provides the primary sweet, bakery-like base note. Do not use the vanilla food coloring in this sugar scrub recipe. It contains alcohol, which will dry your skin and may cause irritation.
Cinnamon adds warmth and that classic Christmas cookie aroma. You can add cinnamon bark essential oil instead of cinnamon powder but you won’t get that brown cookie color.
If you choose to use cinnamon essential oil instead of cinnamon powder, add 1/4 teaspoon brown mica powder to the recipe.
Nutmeg is optional but it gives depth and complexity to the aroma.
Vitamin E oil acts as a natural preservative and will extend the shelf life of your homemade sugar scrub while providing additional skin benefits. I added 1/4 teaspoon to this recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions To Make Christmas Cookie Sugar Scrub
Step 1: Mix the Sugars and Coconut Oil
Combine the sugar, brown sugar, and coconut oil in a mixing bowl.
Mix the ingredients together gently until they form a uniform, crumbly texture.
Step 2: Add the Cinnamon Powder
Gradually sprinkle in the cinnamon while continuing to mix.
Adjust the amount of cinnamon to your preference—add more for a deeper color and stronger aroma or less for a subtler touch.
Step 4: Add the Vanilla Extract
Drip 10 drops of vanilla extract into the mixture while continuing to stir.
Stirring the mixture while adding vanilla ensures the heavenly cookie scent is evenly distributed.
Vanilla has a strong aroma. If you prefer a lighter scent, start with 7 drops and keep increasing one drop at a time.
Everyone has different scent preferences. If you find the scent too spicy, add more vanilla extract to soften the spice notes.
If you find the scent too sweet, add a pinch more cinnamon or nutmeg.
Step 4: Check Consistency & Adjust If Necessary
The Christmas sugar scrub should hold together and should spread easily when rubbed between your fingers. This is the perfect consistency and will make it easy to apply.
It should not be overly oily or drippy as this would be difficult to apply.
If the sugar scrub is too dry, add ½ teaspoon coconut oil at a time and stir till it reaches the right consistency.
If the sugar scrub is too wet, add ½ teaspoon white sugar at a time and stir till it reaches the right consistency.
Step 5: Transfer to a Jar for Storage
Happy with the consistency? Spoon the scrub into a clean large-mouthed glass jar with an airtight lid.
A large-mouthed jar makes it easier to scoop the contents with a spoon. Mason jars are perfect for storing your homemade Christmas cookie sugar scrub.
If you live in a hot, humid climate, refrigerate the scrub to extend its shelf life. The mixture will become slightly firmer when stored in cool conditions. Leaving it out for some time before using will resolve this issue.
Stir gently before each use if you find the contents have separated.
Keep water out of container during use to prevent contamination.
How To Use Homemade Christmas Cookie Sugar Scrub
The ideal time to use your sugar scrub is during your shower or bath routine when your skin is warm and slightly damp. The warm water helps soften the skin, making exfoliation more effective and gentle.
Take a small amount of scrub (about a tablespoon) into your palm using clean, dry hands or a wooden spoon.
Gently massage the scrub onto your skin using circular motions, paying special attention to rough areas like elbows, knees, and feet.
The sugar granules will gradually dissolve as you massage, leaving behind nourishing coconut oil that helps moisturize your skin.
When applying to more sensitive areas, use lighter pressure and less product.
Avoid rubbing too vigorously – let the sugar granules do the work.
After massaging for about 30 seconds to a minute per area, rinse thoroughly with warm water. You’ll notice your skin feels incredibly smooth, and a light layer of moisture remains from the coconut oil.
Recommended Frequency
For best results, use the scrub 1–2 times per week. Over-exfoliating can irritate the skin, so it’s important to space out your usage.
If you have sensitive skin start with once per week or 10 days and adjust based on your skin’s response.
During winter months, when skin tends to be drier, you might benefit from once-weekly exfoliation, but be mindful not to over-exfoliate, as this can irritate the skin.
If you notice any redness or irritation, reduce the frequency of use or apply with lighter pressure.
Remember that exfoliation is about maintaining healthy skin, not about aggressive removal of dead skin cells.
Safety Precautions When Using Homemade Christmas Cookie Sugar Scrub
While this sugar scrub is made with natural ingredients, it’s important to keep in mind a few safety considerations:
Never use the scrub on broken skin, sunburned areas, or areas with active acne or other skin conditions. The sugar granules can cause further irritation and potentially lead to infection. Wait until your skin has fully healed before resuming scrub use.
If you have sensitive skin or allergies, perform a patch test 24 hours before full application. Apply a small amount of the scrub to the inside of your wrist and monitor for any adverse reactions. While the ingredients are generally well-tolerated, cinnamon can be irritating for some people.
Remember to label each variation clearly with ingredients and scent profile, especially when gifting. Consider creating small test batches first to perfect your custom combinations before making larger quantities for gifts.
Creative Gift Packaging Ideas
Transform your sugar scrub into a memorable gift with thoughtful packaging. Begin with a perfectly filled container, leaving a half-inch headspace, and ensure the rim is spotlessly clean before sealing.
From here, use your creativity with decorative elements that capture the holiday spirit.
For a traditional Christmas look, wrap red and green ribbon around the jar’s neck and accent with small artificial holly berries. A fabric jar topper made from festive plaid adds a homey touch, while a gold-lettered label provides elegant finishing.
Tgift by creating a complete spa experience. Include a wooden application spoon, natural loofah, or soft muslin washcloth. A beautifully designed care instruction card not only adds to the presentation but ensures your recipient gets the most from their scrub.
For bulk gifting, arrange sets of three to four small jars in decorative boxes or baskets, coordinating tissue paper and description cards to create a cohesive presentation.
Remember to include essential information with each gift: a complete ingredient list for allergy awareness, usage instructions, recommended storage conditions, and shelf life details. This thoughtful touch shows care for your recipient’s safety and enjoyment of their handmade gift.
2 Unique Ways To Gift Your Homemade Christmas Cookie Sugar Scrub
Christmas cookie sugar scrubs packed in miniature 2-oz glass jars are a brilliant stocking stuffer gift idea. Their compact size and festive scent make them an unexpected but welcome stocking stuffer that elevates the usual holiday treats and trinkets.
Your homemade Christmas Cookie Sugar Scrub makes a delightful addition to an aromatherapy gift basket, where its natural vanilla and spice fragrances can complement other aromatic items like essential oils and scented candles.
Package a few 4-oz jars of Christmas sugar scrubs in different holiday scent variations to add both variety and a hands-on spa element to a thoughtfully curated aromatherapy gift basket.
These are a few other homemade gifts you can add in an aromatherapy gift basket: shea butter soap with floral essential oils, whipped body butter, rose-petal bath bombs, and lots of vanilla-scented gift ideas.
Bring the magic of Christmas to your skincare routine with this delightful Christmas Cookie Sugar Scrub! Its cozy aroma and luxurious texture make it the perfect way to pamper yourself or create thoughtful, homemade gifts for loved ones.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a festive scrub that leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and smelling like a holiday treat.
Whether you’re indulging in a little self-care or spreading the joy of the season, this scrub is sure to add a touch of Christmas cheer.
Christmas Cookie Scrub FAQs
Can I use vanilla extract used in food flavoring as a substitute?
No, you shouldn’t. Vanilla extracts for food flavoring contain alcohol, which can be drying and potentially irritating to the skin. For the best results and a skin-friendly scent, use this vanilla botanical extract.
How should I store the sugar scrub?
Store the scrub in a clean, airtight glass jar to keep it fresh. If you live in a warm climate, refrigerating it can extend its shelf life.
How long will this sugar scrub last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, the sugar scrub can last 2–3 months at room temperature or up to 6 months in the refrigerator.
Can I use this sugar scrub on my face?
This scrub is designed for body use, as the cinnamon may be too strong for sensitive facial skin. For a facial scrub, make a sugar scrub without cinnamon.
Is this sugar scrub safe for sensitive skin?
While this scrub is gentle, cinnamon can be irritating to some skin types. Test a small amount on a patch of skin before using it all over. If you experience any redness or irritation, discontinue use.
