These classic Christmas cookies from the 80s are a nostalgic treat that brings back fond memories of holiday gatherings. With their festive flavors and colorful decorations, they are perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.
This recipe features a simple dough that can be cut into various shapes and decorated with icing and sprinkles, making it a fun activity for all ages.
Creating a Festive Atmosphere
Setting the scene for your holiday gathering can be as delightful as the treats themselves. A vibrant red and green tablecloth instantly brings a festive touch, making it the perfect backdrop for your colorful cookie platter.
Enhancing the atmosphere with twinkling fairy lights adds warmth and charm. These lights create a magical ambiance, inviting guests to indulge in the holiday spirit. The soft glow complements the bright colors of the cookies, making them even more appealing.
Cookie Shapes and Decorations
The beauty of holiday cookies lies in their shapes and decorations. Opt for classic designs like stars, trees, and candy canes to capture the essence of the season. Each shape offers a unique canvas for creativity.
Vibrant icing and an array of sprinkles transform simple cookies into eye-catching delights. Encourage everyone to join in the decorating fun, allowing for a personal touch on each cookie. This activity not only creates festive treats but also fosters memorable moments with family and friends.
Making the Dough
Preparing the cookie dough is a straightforward process that can be enjoyed by bakers of all ages. Start by mixing together the dry ingredients, ensuring a smooth blend for the perfect cookie texture.
Creaming the butter and sugar together creates a light and fluffy base, essential for soft cookies. Adding eggs and extracts infuses the dough with delightful flavors, making each bite a nostalgic reminder of holiday gatherings.
Baking the Cookies
Once the dough is ready, rolling it out and cutting it into shapes is where the fun begins. Aim for a thickness of about a quarter inch to achieve that ideal chewy texture.
Baking the cookies until they are golden brown ensures a delightful crunch on the outside while remaining soft on the inside. Allowing them to cool on wire racks is crucial, as it prepares them for the exciting decoration phase.
Decoration Techniques
Decorating your cookies is where creativity truly shines. Use a variety of colored icing to bring each shape to life, and don’t shy away from sprinkles! They add a festive flair that makes the cookies irresistible.
Consider setting up a decorating station where guests can unleash their creativity. Providing different icing colors and sprinkle options allows for a fun and interactive experience, making each cookie unique.
Sharing the Joy
Once your festive platter is complete, it’s time to share the joy! Presenting the cookies on a beautifully arranged platter not only showcases your hard work but also invites others to partake in the holiday cheer.
These cookies are perfect for gifting, sharing at parties, or simply enjoying with loved ones. The warmth of the season is encapsulated in each bite, making them a cherished tradition for years to come.
Easy 80s Christmas Cookies Recipe
This recipe yields soft and chewy cookies that are perfect for decorating. The preparation time is about 20 minutes, and the baking time is approximately 10-12 minutes, making it a quick and enjoyable holiday baking project.
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 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
- Assorted colored sprinkles and icing for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. If the dough is too dry, add milk one tablespoon at a time until the dough is soft but not sticky.
- Cut Out Cookies: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.
- Decorate: Once cooled, decorate with icing and sprinkles as desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 30-32 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 22g