Christmas cookie recipes

The holiday season is the perfect time to bake and share sweet treats with family and friends. Christmas cookie recipes bring festive joy to your kitchen, offering a variety of flavors and textures that are sure to delight. Whether you prefer classic sugar cookies, spicy gingerbread, or rich chocolate chip, there’s something for everyone. Here are some must-try recipes to make your Christmas merry and bright!

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cookie Recipes

1. Festive Fun: Baking Christmas cookies is a wonderful tradition that brings people together.
2. Perfect for Gifting: Homemade cookies make thoughtful gifts for neighbors, teachers, and loved ones.
3. Versatile: From simple to elaborate, there’s a recipe for every level of baking skill.
4. Customizable: Decorate your cookies with sprinkles, icing, and candy for a personal touch.

Top Christmas Cookie Recipes to Try

1. Classic Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• Sprinkles or colored sugar (for decorating)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until combined.
6. Roll dough out on a floured surface, cut into shapes with cookie cutters, and place on a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Let cool before decorating with sprinkles or icing.

2. Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients:

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• ½ cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a separate large bowl, beat together butter, brown sugar, and molasses until smooth.
3. Add the egg and vanilla, and gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
4. Divide dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Roll dough out, cut into shapes, and bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool before icing.

3. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, combine sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
4. Chill dough for at least 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll dough into balls, then roll in powdered sugar.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Cookies should crack on top when done.

4. Snickerdoodle Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs and vanilla, and gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
5. Roll dough into balls, then roll in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set. Let cool before serving.

Decorating Tips for Your Christmas Cookies

• Royal Icing: Use royal icing to create intricate designs on sugar cookies.
• Sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles or edible glitter to your cookies before baking.
• Candy Toppings: Place mini candy canes or chocolate chips on top of cookies before baking for added sweetness.

Serving and Storing Your Christmas Cookies

• Serve: Arrange cookies on festive platters and serve with hot cocoa or a glass of milk.
• Store: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
• Gift: Pack cookies in decorative tins for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Conclusion

These Christmas cookie recipes will bring joy to your holiday celebrations. From the classic sugar cookie to spiced gingerbread and fudgy chocolate crinkles, there’s something to suit every taste. Bake these delicious treats to share with family and friends, and enjoy the festive spirit of the season!