The holiday season brings with it a delightful array of festive treats, and nothing captures the spirit quite like Christmas cookies. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, these Christmas cookies recipes are sure to bring joy and warmth to your loved ones. From classic favorites to unique twists, let’s explore 10 delectable recipes that will make your Christmas celebrations even more special.
1. Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe
Nothing says Christmas quite like the aroma of freshly baked sugar cookies. This timeless recipe is a staple in every baker’s repertoire. With its buttery texture and delicate sweetness, these cookies are perfect for decorating and sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
2. Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
Gingerbread cookies are a beloved Christmas tradition, and their warm, spicy flavors are simply irresistible. This recipe will guide you in creating beautifully decorated gingerbread cookies that embody the essence of the holiday season.
Ingredients:
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the molasses and egg until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to approximately ¼ inch thickness.
- Cut out desired shapes using cookie cutters and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
3. Peppermint Meltaways Recipe
Indulge in the refreshing taste of peppermint with these delightful melt-in-your-mouth cookies. Their delicate texture and subtle minty flavor make them a perfect addition to any Christmas cookie platter.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Crushed candy canes (for rolling)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the peppermint extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, cornstarch, and salt, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before rolling them in crushed candy canes.
- Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
4. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
These decadent chocolate crinkle cookies are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. Their crackled exterior, fudgy center, and dusting of powdered sugar make them a delightful addition to your Christmas cookie collection.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape the chilled dough into small balls and roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
5. Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Add a burst of tangy sweetness to your Christmas cookie platter with these delightful cranberry white chocolate cookies. The combination of tart cranberries and creamy white chocolate creates a perfect balance of flavors that will leave everyone craving for more.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Conclusion
This collection of Christmas cookies recipes offers a delightful assortment of flavors and textures that will make your holiday season even more memorable. Whether you choose to stick with the classics or venture into new and exciting combinations, the joy of baking and sharing these sweet treats is unparalleled. So, gather your loved ones, preheat the oven, and let the aroma of freshly baked cookies fill your home with warmth and love this Christmas.