Easy and Delicious Christmas Cookie Recipes

The festive season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate it than by making some delicious Christmas cookies? Whether you want to gift them to loved ones or simply indulge in a sweet treat yourself, homemade cookies are always a hit. Although it may seem like an intimidating task, baking cookies is an easy and fun activity that you can do with your family or friends. In this article, we’ll go over some basic tips on how to make Christmas cookies like a pro.

Firstly, let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need. The basics include flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, butter, and salt. To give your cookies a Christmassy twist, you can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Other festive ingredients you can use include cranberries, chocolate chips, and peppermint. Don’t worry if you don’t have all of these items on hand; you can always improvise with what you have in your pantry. Now, let’s get started on making some scrumptious Christmas cookies!

Introduction:

Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate the festive season than baking and indulging in delicious Christmas cookies! Whether it’s gingerbread, sugar cookies, or fruit and nut cookies, there’s no denying that they’re a perfect treat for your family and friends. In this article, we’ll be sharing some handy tips and tricks to make your Christmas cookie-baking a success.

1. Choose Your Cookie Recipe:

Before you start baking, it’s important to select the right recipe. With a wide range of options available, it can be overwhelming, but try sticking to the traditional ones like gingerbread or sugar cookies. Look for recipes that have easy-to-follow instructions and fewer ingredients for easier preparation.

2. Gather Your Ingredients:

Once you have your recipe, gather your ingredients. This is the most important step in making great Christmas cookies. Make sure to check your pantry for everything you need before you start. Most cookie recipes will need baking essentials like flour, sugar, and butter, as well as spices and flavorings.

3. Preheat Your Oven:

Preheat your oven for 10-15 minutes before you start baking. This helps to ensure even baking, which is important for cookies.

4. Mix Your Dough:

Mix your dough according to the recipe’s instructions. Make sure not to over mix or under mix your dough as it can affect its texture. Once you’ve mixed your dough, leave it to chill for at least 30 minutes before you start cutting your cookies.

5. Cut Your Cookies:

Choose your desired cookie cutter for your shapes, and start cutting out your cookies.

6. Place Your Cookies on the Baking Sheet:

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper, then place your cut-out cookies on it. Leave sufficient space between the cookies to prevent them from sticking together.

7. Bake Your Cookies:

Bake your cookies for the time recommended in your recipe. Keep an eye on them to ensure they’re not overbaked or burnt.

8. Decorate Your Cookies:

Once your cookies are baked, let them cool, and then decorate them according to your preference. You can use frosting, sprinkles, or candy to make them look more festive.

9. Store Your Cookies:

Make sure to store your cookies in an airtight container to ensure their freshness for a longer period. You can also wrap them in cellophane bags with a ribbon for a lovely look.

10. Share Your Cookies:

Finally, share your cookies with friends and family to spread the Christmas cheer. Nothing beats homemade cookies as a gift!

Conclusion:

Making Christmas cookies can be a fun activity for the whole family, and it’s an excellent way to indulge your sweet tooth. Follow these tips and tricks, and you’re bound to make some delicious holiday treats that everyone will love.

Tools Needed for Making Christmas Cookies

When it comes to baking, having the right tools is essential, and making Christmas cookies is no exception. Here is a list of tools that you’ll need to get baking:

Cookie Sheets

You’ll need a few cookie sheets to bake your Christmas cookies. It’s best to have at least two, but having four cookie sheets is ideal. This way, you can have two sheets baking in the oven while the other two are cooling down.

Rolling Pin

A rolling pin is an essential tool for making Christmas cookies. Whether you’re making sugar cookies or gingerbread cookies, you’ll need to roll out the dough to the desired thickness. If you don’t have a rolling pin, you can use a tall drinking glass or a wine bottle.

Cookie Cutters

Cookie cutters are a must-have when it comes to making Christmas cookies. You can find cookie cutters in all sorts of holiday-themed shapes like gingerbread men, Christmas trees, snowflakes, and more. Look for cookie cutters with a sharp edge that will cut through the dough cleanly.

Parchment Paper

Parchment paper is a baking essential that will make your life so much easier. It prevents your cookies from sticking to the cookie sheet, which means you won’t have to spend time scrubbing burnt-on dough off your pans.

Mixing Bowls and Spatulas

You’ll need a mixing bowl or two to mix your cookie dough. The size of your mixing bowl will depend on how much dough you’re making. It’s best to use a sturdy bowl that won’t tip over when you’re mixing. You’ll also need a spatula to mix your dough and scrape the bowl.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Measuring cups and spoons are an important tool when it comes to baking. You’ll need them to measure out your ingredients accurately. Look for measuring cups with both metric and imperial measurements, so you can easily follow recipes from both sides of the pond.

Cooling Racks

Cooling racks are essential for cooling your Christmas cookies. They allow air to circulate around your cookies, which prevents them from getting soggy. If you don’t have cooling racks, you can use the back of a baking sheet.

Electric Mixer

While it’s possible to mix your cookie dough by hand, an electric mixer will make your life so much easier. You can use a stand mixer or a handheld mixer, but a stand mixer is best if you’re making a large batch of cookies.

Sprinkles and Decorations

What’s a Christmas cookie without sprinkles and decorations? Stock up on festive sprinkles, icing, and other decorations to make your cookies look and taste amazing.

Cookie Tins

Once your cookies are baked and decorated, you’ll need a place to store them. Cookie tins or airtight containers are perfect for storing Christmas cookies, and they make a lovely gift too.

Types of Christmas Cookies You Can Make

Christmas cookies come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and flavors. Each type boasts a unique character and texture that complements the spirit of the holiday season. Here are five popular types of Christmas cookies you can make:

Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are an absolute must-make during the Christmas season. They are easy to make, fun to decorate, and a classic cookie that the whole family will enjoy. Here is a simple recipe for sugar cookies:

Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until the dough is formed.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
7. Once chilled, roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into shapes and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Once cooled, decorate with icing, sprinkles, or other fun toppings.

Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a nostalgic favorite during the holidays. They bring back memories of baking with family and decorating gingerbread houses. Here is a recipe for gingerbread cookies:

Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1/3 cup unsulfured molasses
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions:
1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg and molasses until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until the dough is formed.
5. Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into shapes and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Once cooled, decorate with icing or candy.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are a crowd-pleaser all year round, but adding holiday-colored chocolate chips or M&M’s makes them even more festive. Here is a recipe for chocolate chip cookies:

Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 cups chocolate chips or M&Ms

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until the dough is formed.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips or M&M’s.
7. Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 8-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Once cooled, serve and enjoy with friends and family.

Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread cookies are a buttery delight that can be cut into different shapes and decorated with festive touches. Here is a simple recipe for shortbread cookies:

Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the flour, vanilla extract, and salt until a dough is formed.
4. Roll the dough into a ball, then flatten slightly into a disk shape.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/2 inch thickness.
7. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into shapes and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Once cooled, decorate with icing, sprinkles, or other fun toppings.

Snickerdoodle Cookies

Snickerdoodle cookies are aromatic and simple, often rolled in a blend of sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for an irresistable finish. Here is a recipe for snickerdoodle cookies:

Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until the dough is formed.
6. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
7. In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg.
8. Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and roll in the sugar mixture.
9. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Once cooled, serve and enjoy with friends and family.

Happy Baking and Merry Christmas!

Thanks for reading and I hope you feel inspired to make some delicious Christmas cookies this holiday season! Remember to have fun and experiment with different flavors and decorations. Don’t forget to share them with your loved ones and spread the festive cheer. I’ll be back with more easy and yummy recipes, so make sure to visit again soon. Wishing you all a merry and bright Christmas!