Oh, the joy of baking during the holiday season! There’s something magical about filling your home with the warm, inviting aromas of freshly baked Christmas cookies. I have fond memories of gathering in the kitchen with my family, rolling out dough and decorating each cookie with colorful sprinkles. These festive little treats are not just delicious; they embody the spirit of togetherness and celebration. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or just to enjoy by the fireplace, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and create lasting memories. Trust me, they’re a delicious way to spread holiday cheer!
Ingredients for Christmas Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best Christmas cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of your cookie dough, giving it structure. Make sure to spoon and level the flour for accuracy.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetness is essential, and this will add that delightful sugary crunch.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – I prefer using unsalted butter to control the saltiness. Let it sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing for the best results.
- 1 large egg – This helps bind the ingredients together and adds a bit of richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For that warm, cozy flavor that says “holiday” with every bite!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – This is your leavening agent, ensuring those cookies rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
- 1 cup powdered sugar for decoration – This will give your cookies a lovely snowy finish.
- Sprinkles for decoration – Because who doesn’t love a little festive color on their cookies?
How to Prepare Christmas Cookies
Preparing these delightful Christmas cookies is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be savoring them in no time! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of festive goodness ready to share (or keep all to yourself, no judgment here!).
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important, so your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this, but a good old-fashioned whisk works too! Just mix until it’s smooth and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add in that lovely egg and the fragrant vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined. You want that buttery goodness to really shine through!
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout your flour.
- Now it’s time to combine the dry and wet ingredients! Gradually add the dry mixture to the bowl with the wet ingredients, stirring gently until they’re just combined. Don’t overmix! You want your cookies to be soft and tender.
- Once your dough is ready, roll it into small balls—about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each ball because they’ll spread a little while baking.
- Bake those beauties in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Oops, but don’t forget to set a timer!
- After they’re done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This way, they’ll firm up nicely!
- Finally, once they’ve cooled completely, get creative with your decorations! Dust them with powdered sugar and add sprinkles for that festive touch. Wow, are you ready to dig in?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Deliciously sweet with a buttery texture that melts in your mouth.
- Festively fun to decorate with powdered sugar and colorful sprinkles.
- Great for sharing with friends and family, spreading holiday cheer.
- Yielding 24 cookies means there’s plenty to go around (or keep for yourself!).
Tips for Success with Christmas Cookies
To make your Christmas cookies truly shine, here are some of my top tips! First, make sure your butter is softened but not melted—this helps achieve that perfect creamy texture. Also, don’t skip the chilling step if you have time; it can help the cookies maintain their shape while baking. If you find your dough too sticky, a light dusting of flour on your hands will help you roll those balls without a mess. And remember, every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Trust me, a little attention goes a long way!
Variations of Christmas Cookies
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up these Christmas cookies! For a burst of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract instead of vanilla for a delightful twist. You can also mix in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added crunch and richness. How about a festive touch with crushed candy canes on top? They’ll add a lovely minty flavor and a pop of color! You could even make a batch of icing to decorate them in different shapes or colors—let your creativity shine and make these cookies your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Christmas cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature. No need to reheat—just bite into that soft, festive goodness straight from the container!
Nutritional Information for Christmas Cookies
Now, let’s talk about the numbers behind these delightful Christmas cookies! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Here’s a breakdown per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
So there you have it! Indulging in these cookies can definitely be part of your festive fun, all in moderation, of course. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas Cookies
Got questions? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear about making these delicious Christmas cookies:
Can I use margarine instead of butter? Sure! Margarine will work, but keep in mind it may change the flavor slightly.
What if my dough is too sticky? If that happens, just sprinkle a little flour on your hands and the work surface—it’ll help a ton!
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for later baking.
How can I make these gluten-free? Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and you’re good to go!
What’s the best way to decorate the cookies? I love using powdered sugar and sprinkles, but you can also use melted chocolate or royal icing for more elaborate designs!
For more festive recipes, check out this Christmas cookie recipe!
Print
Christmas Cookies: 7 Steps to Festive Joy
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas cookies perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar for decoration
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Roll dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool before decorating with powdered sugar and sprinkles.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas cookies