Christmas cookies are a holiday classic, bringing joy to kitchens and taste buds alike. With their buttery flavor, tender texture, and customizable decorations, these cookies are perfect for family baking sessions, holiday gifting, or as a sweet treat for Santa on Christmas Eve. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that will fill your home with the warm, comforting scent of the holidays.
What Are Christmas Cookies?
Christmas cookies are festive treats traditionally baked during the holiday season. Made with a simple sugar cookie base, they are rolled out and cut into festive shapes like stars, trees, and snowflakes. What makes these cookies truly special is the chance to decorate them with icing, sprinkles, and other edible adornments to capture the holiday spirit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
- Customizable Decorations: Let your creativity shine with sprinkles, icing, or edible glitter.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun and engaging activity for the whole family.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance for stress-free holiday baking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227 g) butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Assorted sprinkles, icing, or edible decorations
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar using a mixer until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt, forming a smooth, non-sticky dough.
Shaping the Cookies
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness.
- Use festive cookie cutters to create holiday shapes. Gather and re-roll scraps as needed.
Baking the Cookies
- Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Decorating the Cookies
- Once cooled, decorate the cookies with icing, sprinkles, or other edible decorations. Allow decorations to set before storing.
Serving Suggestions
- Arrange on a festive platter and serve with hot cocoa or mulled cider.
- Package in decorative tins for gifting to friends, neighbors, or teachers.
- Pair with a tall glass of milk for Santa Claus!
Storing and Freezing
Storage Tips
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Keep decorated cookies separated by layers of parchment paper to prevent smudging.
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze dough: Wrap in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.
- Freeze baked cookies: Undecorated cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and decorate as desired.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and ensure decorations are dairy-free.
- Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a bright flavor.
- Spiced Cookies: Mix in ½ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm holiday spice.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Why did my cookies spread during baking?
Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, and chill the dough if it feels too warm before rolling.
Can I use royal icing for decorating?
Absolutely! Royal icing works well for intricate designs and sets firmly for easy storage.
These Christmas cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the season, bringing festive cheer to every bite. Whether you’re baking them for loved ones, holiday parties, or Santa himself, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it out, and don’t forget to share your creations with family and friends!
Print
Christmas Cookies: Festive and Delicious Treats for the Holidays
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
A festive classic, these buttery Christmas cookies are easy to make, fun to decorate, and perfect for the holiday season. Ideal for gifting, sharing, or leaving out for Santa.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227 g) butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Assorted sprinkles, icing, or edible decorations
Instructions
- Prepare for baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt to form a smooth dough.
- Roll and cut: Roll dough on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to shape cookies.
- Bake: Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and decorate: Allow cookies to cool completely on wire racks. Decorate with icing, sprinkles, or other edible adornments.
Notes
- Chill the dough: If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Layer parchment paper between decorated cookies to prevent smudging.
- Freezing: The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.
- Custom decorations: Get creative with food coloring, edible glitter, or royal icing for a festive touch!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: ~120 per serving