If you’re searching for that perfect festive treat, this Christmas Cookies Recipe is absolutely the one to add to your holiday baking list. These delightful cookies bring together a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture with just the right hint of vanilla and a touch of almond, creating a classic flavor that evokes warm family memories. Simple to make yet irresistibly charming, these Christmas cookies shine beautifully whether adorned with colorful sprinkles or elegantly iced. Trust me, every bite is a mini celebration of the season’s joy and coziness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Christmas Cookies Recipe means gathering some straightforward pantry staples that are anything but boring. Each ingredient plays a key role in building the cookie’s tender crumb, balanced sweetness, and inviting aroma.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Softened butter adds rich flavor and creates that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps cookies achieve a light, crisp edge.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together, adding moisture and structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Delivers that warm, comforting vanilla note which is essential for holiday baking.
- Almond extract (1/2 tsp, optional): A special touch that adds a subtle nutty aroma for an extra layer of flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The foundation of the dough, providing structure and the perfect base for all the goodies.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Gives a gentle lift, ensuring tender but not cakey cookies.
- Sprinkles or colored sugar: For the fun and festive decorating finish that everyone loves.
How to Make Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get a baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy—this makes the cookies wonderfully tender. Then, add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it, and continue beating until everything is combined smoothly.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder in another bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies light.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness—that perfect thickness for baking up soft yet slightly crisp cookies. Use your favorite holiday cookie cutters to create festive shapes, like stars, trees, or gingerbread men. Transfer the cutouts to the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each.
Step 5: Decorate
Before popping them into the oven, sprinkle with colored sugar or fun sprinkles, or save this step for after baking if you prefer to get creative with icing. This is where your personality shines—playful, elegant, or somewhere in between!
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, watching for the edges to just begin turning golden. Remove them from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, ready for any finishing touches.
How to Serve Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkles and colored sugars are a classic choice, but you can also garnish with delicate icing details, edible glitter, or tiny candy pearls for extra festive flair. Each garnish adds a unique texture and visual appeal that makes these cookies irresistible to both the eyes and the palate.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of cocoa, spiced cider, or your favorite holiday tea. The combination of a sweet bite and a comforting drink creates a cozy holiday moment perfect for sharing stories and laughter with loved ones.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies and tying them with a pretty ribbon for delightful edible gifts. Or arrange them on a festive platter with some fresh holly sprigs, pine cones, or a dusting of powdered sugar snow for a centerpiece that’s both charming and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, keep your Christmas cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy your baking efforts throughout the holiday season without worrying about spoilage.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about an hour. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. When stored this way, your cookies will keep their flavor and texture for up to three months.
Reheating
If you love your cookies a bit warm, pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for just a few minutes. This will refresh their soft texture and bring out the lovely buttery aroma again without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I make this Christmas Cookies Recipe without almond extract?
Absolutely! The almond extract is optional and adds a subtle nutty flavor, but the cookies taste fantastic with just the vanilla extract if you prefer a simpler flavor profile.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted and that you don’t overmix the dough. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling can also help maintain the cookie shape.
What icing works best for decorating these cookies?
A simple royal icing made from powdered sugar, egg whites (or meringue powder), and a bit of lemon juice or vanilla is perfect for decorating since it sets firm and smooth.
Can I use other types of flour for this recipe?
All-purpose flour is ideal here for the best texture. Using whole wheat or gluten-free flours will change the texture and flavor, so if you experiment, be prepared for slight differences in the outcome.
Are these cookies suitable for kids to make with help?
Definitely! This Christmas Cookies Recipe is fun and simple enough for kids to join in, especially when it comes to rolling out dough and decorating. Just keep an eye on younger bakers during the oven steps for safety.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Christmas Cookies Recipe enough for your holiday baking plans. It’s straightforward, lovingly nostalgic, and yields delicious results that will fill your kitchen with warmth and cheer. Give it a try, share it with people you love, and let these festive cookies become a treasured tradition in your home.
Print
Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic Christmas Cookies are perfect for the holiday season, featuring a buttery, tender texture and a hint of vanilla and almond extract. Easy to make and fun to decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar, these cookies bring festive cheer to any celebration.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Decorations
- Sprinkles or colored sugar for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Then add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and beat until well combined.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll and Cut the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Decorate Before Baking: Sprinkle the cut-out cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles if desired before baking. Alternatively, you can leave them plain to decorate later with icing.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with icing if desired.
Notes
- For a stronger almond flavor, add a little more almond extract, but be careful as it is potent.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling out can make it easier to handle and cut.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies or dough for up to 3 months.
