These festive Christmas cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and make a delightful treat for friends and family. With a variety of shapes and decorations, they are not only delicious but also visually appealing.
This recipe is simple and allows for customization with different flavors and toppings. You can use cookie cutters to create fun shapes and decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter.
Creating a Festive Atmosphere
Setting the scene for your holiday gathering is essential, and nothing brings joy quite like a beautifully arranged platter of Christmas cookies.
With vibrant colors and delightful shapes, these cookies can transform any table into a festive display.
Imagine twinkling lights and holiday decorations surrounding a platter filled with stars, trees, and snowflakes, each cookie a work of art.
Choosing the Right Shapes
When it comes to cookie shapes, the options are endless.
Using cookie cutters, you can create an array of festive designs that appeal to both children and adults.
Stars, Christmas trees, and snowflakes are traditional favorites, but feel free to get creative with other shapes that reflect your holiday spirit.
Decorating with Color
The decoration process is where the magic truly happens.
Vibrant icing can be applied in various colors, allowing you to personalize each cookie.
Consider using edible glitter and sprinkles to add a touch of sparkle, making your cookies not only tasty but visually stunning.
Incorporating Flavor Variations
While the classic sugar cookie base is a crowd-pleaser, experimenting with flavors can elevate your cookie game.
Adding almond extract or different flavorings can give each batch a unique twist.
This customization allows you to cater to different tastes and preferences, ensuring everyone finds a cookie they love.
Presentation Tips
Once your cookies are baked and decorated, presentation is key.
Arrange them on a decorative platter, mixing shapes and colors for a vibrant display.
Consider adding holiday-themed decorations around the platter, such as pinecones or small ornaments, to enhance the festive feel.
Sharing the Joy
These cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or gifting a box of treats, the cheerful appearance and delightful flavors will surely spread joy.
Encourage guests to take a cookie or two, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the holidays.
Easy Christmas Cookie Recipe
These Christmas cookies are soft and chewy, made with basic ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter. The recipe yields about 24 cookies and takes around 30 minutes to prepare and bake.
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 confectioners’ sugar for decoration
- Food coloring for icing optional
- Sprinkles or edible glitter for decoration optional
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.
- 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 until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- 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 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.
- Decorate: Once cooled, use icing and sprinkles to decorate the cookies as desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 18g