Christmas Cookies Recipes

The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without Christmas cookies recipes. Whether you’re baking for a festive family gathering, giving homemade gifts, or simply indulging in some seasonal treats, Christmas cookies add a sweet touch to any celebration. Here’s a collection of delicious and easy-to-follow cookie recipes that will bring joy to your holiday baking.

Why These Christmas Cookies Recipes Are a Must-Try

1. Festive and Fun: Baking cookies together is a time-honored holiday tradition.
2. Variety of Flavors: From spicy gingerbread to gooey chocolate, there’s a flavor for every taste.
3. Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make wonderful gifts for friends, neighbors, and teachers.
4. Quick and Easy: Most recipes are simple to make and require minimal ingredients.

Top Christmas Cookies 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 decoration

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture, then mix in milk until dough comes together.
5. Roll dough into balls, flatten with a glass, and sprinkle with sugar or colored sprinkles.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden at the edges. Cool before decorating.

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. Whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until smooth, then mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.
4. Divide dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough on a floured surface, cut into shapes, and bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool and decorate with icing.

3. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in vanilla and eggs.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared sheets and bake for 9-11 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack.

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 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

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

Decorating Your Christmas Cookies

• Icing and Sprinkles: Use royal icing or buttercream to decorate sugar and gingerbread cookies. Add colorful sprinkles for a fun touch.
• Candy Toppings: Top your cookies with small candy pieces, mini marshmallows, or chocolate chunks before baking for extra sweetness.
• Themed Cutouts: Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes like stars, trees, and snowflakes for a traditional look.

Storage and Gift Ideas for Christmas Cookies

• Storage: Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
• Gift Idea: Pack your cookies in festive tins or jars with a ribbon and a personalized tag for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Conclusion

These Christmas cookies recipes will help make your holiday season even sweeter. Whether you’re making traditional gingerbread, chocolate chip, or snickerdoodles, these cookies are sure to please your family and friends. Don’t forget to get creative with your decorations and share your baked goods with those you love!