The holiday season is here, and with it comes the joy of baking sweet treats to share with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, exchanging cookies with friends, or simply enjoying some cozy time at home, Christmas cookies are a must. If you’re looking for quick, easy, and delicious recipes that will impress without hours in the kitchen, look no further. Here are some simple Christmas cookie recipes that are sure to become family favorites!
1. Classic Sugar Cookies
These buttery, sweet cookies are a holiday staple. Perfect for decorating with colorful icing or sprinkles, sugar cookies are a canvas for creativity!
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla (and almond extract, if using) and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to shape into festive designs.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are slightly golden.
- Cool on a wire rack before decorating with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter!
2. Peanut Butter Blossoms
These chewy, peanut butter cookies with a chocolate kiss in the center are a holiday classic that’s always a hit.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 cup sugar (for rolling)
- Hershey’s Kisses (one per cookie)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, sugar, egg, and baking soda until smooth.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and roll in sugar.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove from oven.
- Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Shortbread Cookies
These melt-in-your-mouth buttery cookies are simple to make and have a lovely crumbly texture that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then gently flatten each one with a fork or the back of a spoon.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar, if desired.
4. Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Cookies
Chocolate and peppermint make the perfect holiday flavor combination! These cookies are easy to make and are sure to delight everyone who tries them.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Crushed peppermint candies (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until creamy. Add peppermint extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cookies are just set.
- Once cooled, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip the tops of the cookies into the melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies. Allow to set before serving.
5. Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
These warm, spiced cookies are simple but oh-so-delicious. The combination of cinnamon and sugar gives them a cozy, festive flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sugar (for rolling)
- 2 tsp cinnamon (for rolling)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until combined.
- In a small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Holiday Cookie Success:
- Chill the Dough: If your cookie dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before rolling or shaping. This will make it easier to handle.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Get Creative: You can always add sprinkles, colored sugars, or holiday-themed decorations to make your cookies extra festive!
With these easy Christmas cookie recipes, you’ll have a variety of delicious treats ready to enjoy in no time. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, these cookies will fill your home with holiday cheer and sweet aromas. Happy baking and merry holidays!
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