The holidays are here, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to whip up some incredible Christmas cookies. Imagine biting into a warm, gooey cookie, its aroma wafting through your kitchen like a cozy hug on a cold winter’s day. Italian wedding cookies These delightful treats are not just cookies; they are holiday cheer encapsulated in baked goodness.
As I reminisce about my childhood, I recall the annual cookie-baking marathon with my family. Flour dust and laughter filled the air as we rolled out dough and decorated each cookie like it was a work of art. Whether it’s the classic sugar cookie or something a bit more adventurous, these Christmas cookies bring people together, making memories sweeter than the treats themselves. For more inspiration, check out this Easter Shortbread Cookies recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas cookies are not only easy to make but also packed with festive flavors that will delight everyone.
- With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies ready for sharing in no time.
- The vibrant colors from the icing and sprinkles make them visually stunning and perfect for any holiday gathering.
- Plus, you can easily customize them to suit your taste or dietary needs!
Ingredients for Christmas Cookie
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for a perfect texture light and fluffy.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while brown sugar gives a chewy texture.
- Butter: Softened unsalted butter is best for rich flavor and easy mixing.
- Eggs: Large eggs help bind the ingredients together; they add moisture too!
- Baking Powder: This is your secret weapon for fluffy cookies that rise beautifully.
For the Frosting:
- Powdered Sugar: Essential for making creamy frosting that’s sweet but not overly so.
- Milk: Just enough to achieve that perfect spreadable consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and richness to your frosting.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Christmas Cookie
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line baking sheets with parchment paper so that your beautiful cookies don’t stick.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy around three minutes should do the trick!
Step 3: Add Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time until well combined. This ensures every bite has that magical blend of flavors.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients until everything is just combined don’t overmix; we want those cookies tender!
Step 5: Scoop onto Baking Sheets
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto your prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. This gives them room to spread without crowding.
Step 6: Bake
Pop those beauties in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let them cool slightly before transferring them to wire racks!
Once cooled, you can frost them with your dreamy vanilla icing and sprinkle colorful decorations on top! Serve them at holiday gatherings or leave them out for Santa you know he’ll appreciate it!
You Must Know
- This delightful Christmas cookie recipe not only fills your home with festive aromas but also brings joy to every gathering.
- You can easily modify the ingredients based on family preferences.
- These cookies are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of cocoa.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugars until fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients before folding in chocolate chips or nuts. Bake at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes for perfectly chewy cookies.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chocolate chips for dried fruits or nuts. For a festive twist, add peppermint extract or sprinkle colored sugar on top before baking. The possibilities are as endless as your holiday spirit!
Storing & Reheating
Store these Christmas cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’re feeling fancy, freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw before enjoying!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and prevent spreading.
- Use parchment paper to ensure easy removal and avoid sticking.
- Don’t overbake; cookies will continue to cook on the tray after removing them from the oven.
It reminds me of the time I baked these Christmas cookies for a neighborhood party. The aroma filled my house, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in! It was a hit!
FAQs :
What are the best ingredients for a Christmas Cookie?
Using high-quality ingredients is crucial for making the best Christmas cookie. Start with all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, and granulated sugar. Adding brown sugar gives cookies a chewy texture, while eggs bind everything together. For flavor, consider vanilla extract and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. white chocolate peppermint cookies Don’t forget baking powder for leavening and a pinch of salt to balance sweetness. peanut butter cookies chocolate kiss cookies Incorporating chocolate chips or dried fruits can elevate your Christmas cookie to festive perfection.
How long do Christmas Cookies last?
Properly stored Christmas cookies can last up to two weeks at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. For longer-lasting options, you can freeze cookies for up to three months. Ensure they’re wrapped well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them at room temperature and they will taste as good as freshly baked.
Can I decorate my Christmas Cookies?
Absolutely! Decorating your Christmas cookies is part of the fun. Use royal icing or fondant to create beautiful designs. You can also use colored sprinkles or edible glitter for added flair. Let your creativity shine by crafting holiday themes like snowflakes, Santa faces, or Christmas trees. Allow the icing to dry completely before stacking or packaging the cookies for gifting.
Are there gluten-free options for Christmas Cookies?
Yes, you can make delightful gluten-free Christmas cookies easily! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends available in stores. Almond flour or coconut flour also work well but may require additional adjustments in liquid ingredients. Just ensure that other components like baking powder are gluten-free too. With these alternatives, everyone can enjoy delicious holiday treats!
Conclusion for Christmas Cookie :
In summary, creating delicious Christmas cookies involves using quality ingredients and proper storage methods to maintain freshness. Decorating these festive treats adds joy and creativity to your baking experience, ensuring they look as good as they taste. Additionally, gluten-free options allow everyone to join in on the fun during the holiday season. By following these tips and tricks, you’ll have an array of delightful Christmas cookies ready for sharing and enjoying with loved ones.
Christmas Cookies
Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful Christmas cookies that are perfect for sharing during the holiday season. With a soft, chewy texture and vibrant icing, each cookie is a sweet reminder of cherished holiday traditions. Easy to prepare and customizable to suit any taste, these cookies are sure to become a beloved addition to your festive celebrations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 4 tbsp milk (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder; gradually add to wet ingredients until just combined.
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden; let cool before transferring to wire racks.
- Once cooled, frost with vanilla icing and add sprinkles if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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