These delightful Christmas cookies are perfect for kids to make and enjoy during the holiday season. With fun shapes and colorful decorations, they bring joy and creativity to your festive baking.
This recipe is simple and involves basic techniques, making it an excellent activity for families to bond over while preparing delicious treats.
Creating a Festive Atmosphere
Transforming your kitchen into a holiday haven can be a delightful experience.
The aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, while colorful decorations set the mood.
Consider using a red and green holiday-themed plate to showcase your cookies, enhancing the festive spirit.
Surround your plate with twinkling fairy lights and pine branches for an enchanting touch.
This setup not only looks beautiful but also creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for family and friends.
Fun Shapes and Decorations
One of the joys of baking Christmas cookies is the opportunity to get creative with shapes and decorations.
Using cookie cutters, you can create stars, trees, and snowmen, each one a canvas for your imagination.
The bright icing and colorful sprinkles add a playful element that kids will love.
Encourage little ones to express themselves by decorating their cookies in unique ways.
This activity fosters creativity and brings everyone together, making it a cherished holiday tradition.
Simple Baking Techniques
Making these festive cookies is straightforward, making it an ideal project for families.
Start by preparing your ingredients and preheating the oven, setting the stage for a fun baking session.
Mixing the dry ingredients and creaming the butter and sugar are essential steps that kids can help with.
Rolling the dough into balls and flattening them can be a fun hands-on activity.
Once baked, the cookies are ready for the final touch—decorating with icing and sprinkles!
Sharing the Joy
Once your cookies are beautifully decorated, it’s time to share the joy.
Arrange them on your festive plate and invite family and friends to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
These cookies make wonderful gifts, perfect for sharing with neighbors or bringing to holiday gatherings.
Encouraging others to join in the fun can create lasting memories and strengthen bonds during the holiday season.
Storing Your Cookies
After all the baking and decorating, it’s essential to store your cookies properly to maintain their freshness.
Place them in an airtight container, layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
This way, you can enjoy your festive treats throughout the holiday season.
Consider labeling the container with a festive note to add a personal touch.
This small gesture can make your cookie gift even more special for those who receive them.
Making Lasting Memories
Baking festive cookies is more than just a culinary activity; it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories.
Gathering around the kitchen, sharing laughter, and enjoying the process fosters a sense of togetherness.
These moments become cherished traditions that families look forward to year after year.
As you bake and decorate, take the time to appreciate the joy of the season.
The colorful cookies you create will not only be a treat for the taste buds but also a celebration of love and creativity.
Easy Christmas Cookies Recipe
These cookies are soft and chewy, flavored with vanilla and decorated with icing and sprinkles. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and yields around 24 cookies.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/4 cup colored sprinkles or icing for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully incorporated.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Decorate: Once cooled, decorate with icing and sprinkles as desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g