Oh, the joy of baking during the holiday season! There’s just something magical about filling your kitchen with the warm, sweet scents of freshly baked goodies. These Christmas cookies are the perfect treat to get you into the festive spirit. I absolutely love how simple and delicious they are—seriously, they come together in no time! With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll have a batch of soft, buttery cookies that are perfect for decorating or just enjoying as is. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking those lovely Christmas cookies!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful Christmas cookies. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing, and grab a large egg to help bind everything together. I always use all-purpose flour for the perfect texture, and don’t forget the vanilla extract—it’s the secret to that warm, holiday flavor. Here’s the full list:
- 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
How to Prepare Christmas Cookies
Let’s dive into the fun part—making these scrumptious Christmas cookies! I promise you, this process is as delightful as the cookies themselves. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to holiday cookie bliss in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want those cookies to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden!
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until it’s nice and smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. It’s a crucial step for that fluffy texture!
- Add the egg and vanilla: Next, crack in the large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well combined. You’ll start to see that lovely, creamy consistency coming together.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent, making sure your cookies rise just right.
- Mix wet and dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Don’t overmix—just blend until everything is combined. You want to maintain that light texture!
- Form the cookies: Now, roll the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each ball as they will spread out a bit while baking.
- Bake to perfection: Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as every oven is a little different!
- Cool and decorate: Once they’re done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled completely, dust them with powdered sugar and sprinkle on those festive decorations. Wow!
And there you have it! A straightforward, delightful process to whip up these Christmas cookies. I can already imagine the joyful chaos in your kitchen as you bake and decorate them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Deliciously soft and buttery cookies that melt in your mouth.
- Festive flavors that capture the spirit of Christmas.
- Easy to decorate with powdered sugar and sprinkles, making them a fun activity.
- A crowd-pleaser that kids and adults will adore alike!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, make sure to measure your flour correctly—spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid dense cookies. Also, don’t skip the chilling step if you find the dough too soft; chilling for about 30 minutes can help them hold their shape while baking. Keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of the baking time; they should be just lightly golden around the edges. Finally, let them cool completely before decorating to prevent the powdered sugar from melting. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delightful Christmas cookies fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them too. Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to three months! When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to get that soft, gooey goodness back. Yum!
FAQ Section
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can substitute margarine for butter, I recommend using unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture. Margarine can sometimes lead to cookies that don’t hold their shape as well, so keep that in mind!
What if my dough is too sticky?
Don’t worry if your dough feels a bit sticky! Just sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface and your hands while rolling. If it’s still too sticky to handle, chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes to make it easier to work with.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts can elevate your Christmas cookies to the next level. Just fold in about a cup of your favorite mix-ins right before you form the cookies for a delightful surprise!
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for the edges to be lightly golden and the centers to look set but slightly soft. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit after you take them out, so don’t overbake!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to three days. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before rolling and baking. This way, you can enjoy fresh cookies whenever the mood strikes!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for these delightful Christmas cookies, based on a standard serving size of one cookie. Each cookie contains approximately 150 calories, 7g of fat, 2g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find around 10g of sugar and 50mg of sodium in each treat. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and measurements. Enjoy your cookies, and remember—everything in moderation makes for a joyful holiday season!
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas cookies are perfect for enjoying in a variety of delightful ways! For a classic treat, pair them with a glass of cold milk—there’s nothing quite like that creamy goodness with a soft cookie! If you’re feeling a bit fancy, serve them alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon snack. Planning a holiday gathering? Arrange these festive cookies on a beautiful platter and sprinkle some extra sprinkles or powdered sugar on top for added flair—your guests will be impressed! No matter how you serve them, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and holiday cheer!