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
Scale
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.
