Why Make This Recipe
Christmas Cookies are a beloved tradition during the holiday season. They bring joy, warmth, and a sweet aroma to your home. Baking these cookies is a fun activity for families and friends, allowing you to create beautiful treats to share with loved ones. They are perfect for celebrations, gifts, or just a sweet snack for yourself!
How to Make Christmas Cookies
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 to 4 cups royal icing
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 sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients from the small bowl.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass, and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Let cool on wire racks before decorating with royal icing.
How to Serve Christmas Cookies
Serve Christmas Cookies on a festive plate or tray. They look great at holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just as a sweet treat for family gatherings. Pair them with milk, hot cocoa, or coffee for a delightful experience!
How to Store Christmas Cookies
Store your Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh for several days. If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Christmas Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Don’t overmix the cookie dough; this helps keep the cookies tender.
- Use different cookie cutters for fun shapes to decorate.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before icing to prevent melting.
Variation
For a twist on the classic Christmas Cookie, try adding chocolate chips, sprinkles, or dried fruits to the dough. You can also enjoy them with different flavored icing, like chocolate or mint.
FAQs
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Yes, you can use margarine, but the cookies may have a slightly different texture.
Q: How long do these cookies last?
A: If stored properly in an airtight container, they can last about a week at room temperature or a few months in the freezer.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a bit before rolling.
Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to form a soft dough.
- Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until firm enough to roll.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about ¼-inch thickness, then use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
- Carefully transfer the cut cookies to the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, prepare your royal icing by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Divide the icing and add food coloring as desired, then decorate the cookies and add sprinkles before the icing sets.