These classic DIY Christmas cookies are perfect for holiday baking and sharing with family and friends. With a simple dough that can be cut into festive shapes, these cookies are a delightful treat during the festive season.
The recipe allows for customization with various toppings and decorations, making them a fun activity for all ages.
The Joy of Holiday Baking
Holiday baking brings warmth and joy to the season, creating cherished memories with loved ones.
With the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air, the kitchen transforms into a festive haven.
Gathering around the table to decorate cookies is a delightful tradition that everyone can enjoy.
Creating Festive Shapes
When it comes to Christmas cookies, the shapes are just as important as the taste.
Stars, trees, and snowmen are classic choices that evoke the spirit of the season.
Using cookie cutters, you can easily create these festive shapes, making each cookie a unique work of art.
Colorful Icing and Decorations
The real fun begins with decorating!
Colorful icing and sprinkles can turn simple cookies into festive masterpieces.
Mixing food coloring into icing allows for endless creativity, letting everyone express their holiday spirit.
Setting the Scene
Presentation plays a key role in the festive spirit.
Arranging the decorated cookies on a rustic wooden platter adds a charming touch to your holiday display.
Surrounding the platter with pine branches and ornaments enhances the cheerful atmosphere, making it a centerpiece for gatherings.
Sharing the Joy
These cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Whether you package them as gifts or serve them at holiday parties, they spread joy and sweetness.
Each bite is a reminder of the love and effort put into making them.
Making Memories
Holiday baking is more than just creating treats; it’s about making memories.
From mixing the dough to decorating the cookies, each step is an opportunity to bond with loved ones.
These moments become cherished traditions that last for years to come.
Easy Christmas Cookies Recipe
This Christmas cookie recipe yields soft and chewy cookies that can be decorated with icing, sprinkles, or left plain. The preparation takes about 30 minutes, plus additional time for baking and cooling, and it serves approximately 24 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 (optional)
- 3 cups powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles or edible decorations (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well blended.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until fully incorporated.
- Shape Cookies: Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake: Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.
- Prepare Icing: In a bowl, mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
- Decorate: Once cookies are cool, use the icing to decorate as desired and add sprinkles or other decorations.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 24g