Christmas Cookies: A Holiday Favorite
The holiday season is a time for warmth, joy, and delicious treats, and nothing embodies that spirit quite like Christmas cookies. These festive bites are perfect for sharing with friends and family, or simply indulging in yourself while sipping hot cocoa. Soft, chewy, and topped with sweet glaze and colorful decorations, Christmas cookies bring joy and a sense of nostalgia to any gathering. Let’s dive into why these cookies are a must-make this season!
Why Make This Christmas Cookies
Christmas cookies aren’t just dessert; they’re an experience. The act of baking cookies fills the kitchen with a delightful aroma that signals the holidays are here. This particular recipe offers a perfect balance of texture and sweetness, making them irresistible to both kids and adults. These cookies are versatile enough to decorate for various holiday themes, and the fun of creating colorful designs adds a creative twist to your baking. Plus, they make wonderful gifts when wrapped in festive packaging, spreading cheer to your loved ones.
How to Make Christmas Cookies
Baking these delightful Christmas cookies is straightforward and can even be a fun family activity. With simple ingredients and easy directions, you can whip up a batch in no time. The best part? The cookies come out soft and chewy, with just the right amount of sweetness coupled with a lovely vanilla-almond flavor. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring and sprinkles for decoration
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until well combined.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets with space between each.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are golden and the center is just set.
- Mix confectioners’ sugar and milk in a bowl to create a smooth glaze.
- Once cooled, decorate with the glaze and sprinkle with festive toppings. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
For each cookie (assuming 24 cookies per batch):
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 45mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 1g
How to Serve Christmas Cookies
These Christmas cookies can shine as a standalone treat or be part of a festive dessert platter. Serve them with hot chocolate, coffee, or a glass of cold milk for an indulgent snack. For parties, pair with other seasonal favorites like eggnog or spiced cider. They also make great additions to holiday gift baskets or can be shared at cookie exchange parties!
How to Store Christmas Cookies
To keep your Christmas cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and seal them well in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Cookies
- Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted. This helps achieve that creamy texture when creaming with the sugar.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft, chilling it for 30 minutes can help firm it up for easier rolling.
- Don’t Overbake: For chewy cookies, take them out of the oven as soon as the edges are golden.
- Creative Decorations: Use various colors of food coloring and fun sprinkles to get creative with your cookie designs!
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Chips: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips for a delightful chocolatey twist.
- Nuts: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped almonds or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Spices: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger for a hint of warmth and spice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in your recipe to maintain the right balance of flavors.What can I use instead of almond extract?
If you’re allergic to nuts or don’t have almond extract on hand, vanilla extract works wonderfully as a substitute. You can also try coconut extract for a different flavor profile.How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. It’s a simple swap that ensures great texture and taste.
Conclusion
These Christmas cookies are not just sweet treats; they’re a way to create memories and share joy with those around you. With their delightful flavors and festive decorations, they are sure to impress at any holiday gathering. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and spread some holiday cheer through baking. We hope you try this recipe and share your delicious results! Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your cookie creations with friends and family.
Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until well combined.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets with space between each.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are golden and the center is just set.
- Mix confectioners' sugar and milk in a bowl to create a smooth glaze.
- Once cooled, decorate with the glaze and sprinkle with festive toppings.