Okay, friends, gather ’round! What are some of my favorite Christmas cookies recipes? Forget those complicated sugar cookie recipes that require a PhD in baking—these are simple, and delicious. What a Christmas miracle! What are some of the best peanut butter cookies? What are some of the best Christmas cookie recipes? How do I get in the Christmas spirit?
What are some Christmas cookies?
Christmas Cookies Recipes: Think of Christmas cookies as tiny clouds of buttery goodness. Is it a shortbread cookie? Why do they dissolve in your mouth? The recipe has been around for ages, and every family seems to have their own twist on it. Some people add nuts, some add sprinkles (we’ll get to that soon), but the core concept is always the same: a nut. A sprinkle. An almond. Simple ingredients, amazing flavor, and ridiculously easy to make. Seriously, even my kids can whip these up – with a little supervision, of course!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best Christmas cookies recipes? What I love most about this is that they are a family tradition that anyone can keep alive. I have so many memories of making this recipe with my grandmother and now my daughter loves making them.
- Flavor:What are some of the best buttery, slightly sweet flavors? They’re not overly sweet like some Christmas cookies, which makes them perfect for pairing with a party. What is the best way to enjoy hot cocoa or coffee? Plus, the touch of vanilla extract adds a warm, comforting aroma to your kitchen.
- Simplicity:Is this recipe foolproof? What are some of the best ingredients to make this recipe? No fancy equipment needed! Just a couple of mixing bowls, and your trusty oven.
- Cost-With the rising prices of groceries, it’s nice to have a Christmas cookie recipe that won’t break the bank. What are the ingredients for baking in large batches? Share with friends and neighbors.
- Versatility:Is it possible to customize these to your liking? Add chopped nuts, sprinkles, chocolate chips, or even a hint of citrus zest to create your own. Signature version. I sometimes drizzle them with melted chocolate for an extra touch of decadence!
What are some of the best Christmas cookie recipes I’ve ever made? What’s to be brought to table?
How do I make Christmas cookies?
Quick Overview
What are some easy Christmas cookies recipes? How do I start by creaming together butter and sugar, then add in dry ingredients. After that, you form the dough into little balls, bake until lightly golden, and optionally dust with flour. What is powdered sugar? What makes Christmas cookies so special? I am intimidated by fancy cookie recipes. What are some of the best recipes you’ve ever tried?
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s *really* soft!)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (I sometimes use brown sugar for a hint of molasses flavor)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sift it for an even lighter texture)
- What is the best vanilla extract?
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (balances sweetness)
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (a classic touch)
- What are my kids’ favorite sprinkles?
- Why is chocolate melted for drizzling?
How do I get
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do you clean cookies? I always do this because I’ve learned the hard way that unlined baking sheets and these cookies are great. What is a disaster waiting to happen?
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. What is the best way to create a melt-in-your-mouth texture? I usually use an electric mixer, but you can definitely do it by hand if you’re feeling ambitious. Just make sure the butter is soft enough to incorporate easily.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Salt
Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Stir well. The vanilla adds a warm, comforting flavor, while the salt balances the sweetness. I’ve experimented with different extracts, and I find that vanilla is the best for these cookies.
Step 4: Gradually Add Flour
Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not over mix cookies, as this can result in tough cookies. I usually add flour in three additions, mixing until each addition is just incorporated.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie. Is it possible to use a cookie scoop for uniform size?
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily. I always set a timer and check them frequently.
Step 7: Cool and Dust
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to the wire rack. To cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Can you drizzle them with chocolate or sprinkles?
Step 8: Serve
Serve and enjoy! Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but can also be stored in an airtight container.
What is the best way to serve it?
These Christmas Cookies Recipes are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of beverages and snacks. Here are some of my favorite combinations:
For a Cozy Christmas Morning: Pair them with a warm mug of hot chocolate or a frothy cappuccino. The buttery flavor of the cookies complements the richness of the chocolate and coffee perfectly.
For an Elegant Holiday Brunch:Serve them alongside a fruit platter and cheeses. The sweetness of cookies balances the tartness of the fruit and the savory flavors of these cookies.
For a Simple Christmas Dessert:What are some good side dishes to serve with ice cream? The warm cookies and cold ice cream create a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
What are some good Christmas snacks?Pack them in a decorative tin and give them as gifts to friends and neighbors. What are some of the best holiday cookies?
We like to pair them with a glass of milk!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Christmas Cookies Recipes
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to ensure these Christmas Cookies Recipes turn out perfectly every time. Here are my top tips:
Use Softened Butter: This is crucial for creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure the butter is *really* soft, but not melted. I usually leave it out at room temperature for about an hour before baking.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix the flour in until just combined, and then stop. It’s okay if there are a few streaks of flour remaining.
Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much. This is especially helpful if your kitchen is warm.
Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I highly recommend this!
Don’t Overbake: These cookies should be lightly golden around the edges, but still soft in the center. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies.
Add Sprinkles or Chocolate Chips: For a festive touch, add sprinkles or chocolate chips to the dough before baking. My kids love this!
The best tip of all is to be patient. The dough will be a little sticky, but the reward is worth it!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Christmas Cookies Recipes are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later. Here are some tips for storing and reheating them:
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They may become slightly softer over time, but they will still taste delicious.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: To freeze the cookies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
I always like to store them at room temperature to keep their original texture!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Cookies Recipes are more than just a cookie; they’re a taste of Christmas, a slice of nostalgia, and a reminder of simpler times. Their ease, combined with that unforgettable melt-in-your-mouth texture, makes them a holiday staple. If you’re looking for other easy Christmas cookie recipes, you can check out my gingerbread or sugar cookies ones! Now, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s spread some Christmas cheer, one cookie at a time. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to see all your variations in the comments! Don’t forget to rate this recipe and share it with your fellow baking enthusiasts!
Christmas Cookies Recipes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- 1 cup Unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 0.5 tsp Baking powder
- 0.25 tsp Salt
Frosting (Optional)
- 4 cups Powdered sugar
- 0.5 cup Milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- Food coloring optional
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
- Place cookies on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If desired, frost cookies with the frosting and decorate with sprinkles.
