This collection of Christmas cookies and candies brings joy and sweetness to your holiday celebrations. With a variety of flavors and textures, these treats are perfect for sharing with family and friends or for enjoying at festive gatherings.
The recipes are simple to follow and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. From classic sugar cookies to rich chocolate truffles, there’s something for everyone in this delightful assortment.
Creating a Festive Display
Setting up a beautiful platter of Christmas cookies and candies can instantly elevate the holiday spirit in your home.
With a mix of colors and textures, a well-arranged display not only looks inviting but also tempts everyone to indulge in the seasonal treats.
Consider using a decorative platter that complements your holiday decor, enhancing the overall presentation.
Colorful Sugar Cookies
One of the highlights of any Christmas cookie assortment is the vibrant sugar cookies.
Shaped like stars and trees, these cookies can be decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles, making them a visual delight.
Their sweet flavor and soft texture are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Gingerbread Men
No holiday cookie platter is complete without gingerbread men.
These charming cookies can be adorned with icing to create fun faces and outfits, adding a personal touch to your festive spread.
The warm spices of ginger and cinnamon create a comforting aroma that fills the kitchen, making them a favorite among many during the holiday season.
Rich Chocolate Truffles
For those who crave something indulgent, chocolate truffles are a perfect addition.
These rich, creamy bites can be rolled in cocoa powder or crushed nuts, offering a luxurious treat that melts in your mouth.
Their elegant appearance and decadent taste make them a standout on any dessert table.
Layers of Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark brings a refreshing twist to your cookie platter.
With layers of semisweet and white chocolate, topped with crushed peppermint candies, this treat combines sweetness with a hint of minty freshness.
It’s not only delicious but also visually appealing, adding a festive touch to your assortment.
Creating a Cozy Atmosphere
The backdrop of your cookie display can enhance the overall experience.
Twinkling lights and holiday decorations create a warm and inviting environment, encouraging guests to gather around and enjoy the treats.
Consider adding some seasonal decor, like pinecones or holly, to complement the festive theme.
Delicious Christmas Cookies and Candies
This selection includes recipes for traditional sugar cookies, gingerbread men, peppermint bark, and chocolate truffles. Each recipe is designed to be easy to prepare, making them perfect for holiday baking sessions. The total time for preparation and baking varies, but you can expect to create a delightful spread of treats in just a few hours.
Ingredients
- For Sugar Cookies:
- 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
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- For Gingerbread Men:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- For Peppermint Bark:
- 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- For Chocolate Truffles:
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder or crushed nuts for coating
Instructions
- For Sugar Cookies: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in dry ingredients. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, place on ungreased cookie sheets, and flatten with a glass. Bake for 8-10 minutes.
- For Gingerbread Men: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Beat in egg and molasses. Gradually add dry ingredients. Roll out dough and cut into shapes. Bake for 8-10 minutes.
- For Peppermint Bark: Melt semisweet chocolate in a double boiler. Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Melt white chocolate and pour over the semisweet layer. Sprinkle crushed peppermint on top. Refrigerate until set, then break into pieces.
- For Chocolate Truffles: Heat cream until just boiling, then pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth. Add vanilla extract. Chill until firm, then scoop and roll into balls. Coat with cocoa powder or crushed nuts.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 2-3 hours
- Servings: Varies by recipe
- Calories: Varies by recipe
- Fat: Varies by recipe
- Protein: Varies by recipe
- Carbohydrates: Varies by recipe