The holiday season is incomplete without the warm, inviting aroma of Christmas Cookies wafting through the house. These festive treats have been a cherished tradition for generations, bringing families together in the spirit of love, laughter, and indulgence. From classic sugar cookies to rich gingerbread, each bite is a taste of the holiday season.
Whether baking for a family gathering, hosting a cookie swap, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, Christmas Cookies are a must-have. This recipe will guide you through creating delicious, beautiful cookies that will make your holidays special. Let’s dive into the joy of baking these timeless treats!
Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Rolling, cutting, and decorating make it a perfect activity for children.
- Customizable: Use different cutters, colors, and decorations to create a unique cookie platter.
- Versatile: These cookies are delicious plain or with icing.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for later use.
- Festive and Giftable: Ideal for holiday parties, gifts, or just spreading Christmas cheer.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
- 1 tsp vanilla or almond extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Ingredients and Substitutions
1. Unsalted Butter
- Provides the cookies with a rich, buttery flavor.
- Substitution: Salted butter can be used, but omit the added salt in the recipe.
2. Almond Extract
- Adds a hint of nutty flavor for an elevated taste.
- Substitution: Skip or replace with extra vanilla extract if you prefer.
3. All-Purpose Flour
- The backbone of the cookie, giving it structure.
- Substitution: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a GF version.
4. Food Coloring
- Adds vibrant hues to your icing.
- Substitution: Natural food dyes like beet or spinach powder for a healthier option.
How to Make Christmas Cookies (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Ensure you have cookie cutters, parchment paper, and mixing tools ready. This will streamline the process and make baking more enjoyable.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Creaming the butter and sugar properly is crucial for light and tender cookies. Incorporate dry ingredients slowly to avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough.
Step 3: Chill for Precision
Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to roll and cut into clean shapes. This step is non-negotiable for picture-perfect cookies.
Step 4: Roll and Bake
Work quickly when rolling out the dough to prevent it from softening too much. Use a lightly floured surface and roll evenly for uniform cookies.
Step 5: Let Creativity Shine
Decorating is where the magic happens! Involve the family in a fun and festive activity.
Expert Tips for Success
- Keep Your Ingredients Cold: Chilled butter and dough are essential for crisp edges and proper texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies as soon as the edges begin to turn golden to ensure a soft and tender bite.
- Invest in Quality Tools: Sharp cookie cutters and good baking sheets make a noticeable difference.
- Batch Your Baking: Work with half the dough at a time, keeping the rest refrigerated.
Variations and Customizations
1. Chocolate Christmas Cookies
Replace ¼ cup of flour with cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
2. Spiced Holiday Cookies
Add ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves for a warm, festive flavor.
3. Vegan-Friendly
Use plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) for a vegan version.
4. Gluten-Free
Substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free baking mix.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage
- Keep undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Decorated cookies should also be stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Freezing
- Freeze unbaked dough for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside hot cocoa or spiced cider for the ultimate holiday treat.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert.
- Use as edible decorations for gingerbread houses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for three months.
Q: My cookies are spreading—what went wrong?
A: Ensure your butter is not too warm, and always chill the dough before baking.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Absolutely! This recipe doubles well for large batches.
Related Recipes
- Gingerbread Cookies: A spiced alternative perfect for the holidays.
- Sugar Cookie Bars: All the flavor of Christmas cookies with less effort.
- Peppermint Bark Cookies: A minty and chocolatey treat.
Conclusion
Baking Christmas Cookies is more than just creating delicious treats—it’s about building memories and sharing love during the holiday season. With this versatile and easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll have a batch of beautifully festive cookies ready to impress.
So grab your favorite cutters, don your apron, and let the holiday magic begin. Happy baking! 🎄
Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
- 1 tsp vanilla or almond extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the DoughIn a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and mix until combined.Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Step 2: Chill the DoughDivide the dough in half, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step helps the dough hold its shape during baking.
- Step 3: Roll and CutPreheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to create your desired shapes.
- Step 4: BakePlace the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
- Step 5: DecorateMix powdered sugar, milk, and extract to create the icing. Divide into bowls and add food coloring as desired. Use piping bags or a spoon to decorate your cookies. Let the icing set for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for clean-cut shapes.
- Adjust the icing consistency with more milk (thinner) or powdered sugar (thicker).
- Store decorated cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.