Christmas Cookies

Introduction

There’s something magical about baking cookies during the holiday season. The warmth of the oven, the enticing aroma wafting through the house, and the joyous spirit of sharing delicious treats with family and friends create cherished memories that last a lifetime. This Christmas Cookies recipe is a family favorite in our home, bringing smiles and a sense of togetherness every year. The buttery sweetness of these cookies, combined with festive decorations, makes them perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.

Ingredients

• 🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 🍬 1 cup granulated sugar
• 🥚 1 large egg
• 🥄 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 🥄 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
• 🥄 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 🥄 1/4 tsp salt
• 🥄 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 🌈 Sprinkles or colored sugar for decorating

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and beat until well combined.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; just blend until combined.

Roll and Cut the Dough

5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite holiday cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
6. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Decorate

7. Sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles before baking, or leave them plain to decorate with icing after baking.

Bake

8. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Keep an eye on them, as oven times may vary.

Cool and Decorate

9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with icing if desired.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: 120
• Total Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 16g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 1g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve

• As a festive platter: Arrange cookies on a colorful platter for a beautiful holiday display.
• With hot beverages: Serve alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or tea for a cozy treat.
• At gatherings: Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or family gatherings.
• For gifts: Package cookies in festive boxes or tins for thoughtful homemade gifts.

Additional Tips

1. Chill the dough: If you find the dough too soft to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling out.
2. Use various shapes: Mix up your cookie shapes using different holiday-themed cookie cutters to make the platter visually appealing.
3. Experiment with flavors: Try adding different extracts such as lemon or peppermint for a unique twist.
4. Icing decorations: Use royal icing for intricate designs or simple powdered sugar glaze for a quick finish.
5. Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Recipe Variations

• Gingerbread Cookies: Substitute some of the flour with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses for a classic gingerbread flavor.
• Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies: Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious twist.
• Nutty Cookies: Fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor.
• Holiday Spritz Cookies: Use a cookie press to create beautiful shapes and designs.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your Christmas cookies with festive drinks like eggnog or mulled wine.
• Include them in a holiday dessert buffet with other sweets like pies and tarts.
• Create a fun cookie decorating station for kids and adults alike during holiday parties.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Bake cookies and let them cool completely. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: To thaw, simply remove from the freezer and allow to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

• Yes, but using unsalted butter provides the best flavor and texture.

1. What can I substitute for the almond extract?

• You can omit it or use an equal amount of another extract, such as hazelnut or maple.

1. Can I add food coloring to the dough?

• Absolutely! Just add a few drops of gel food coloring to the wet ingredients before mixing in the flour.

1. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

• Look for edges that are just starting to turn golden. The centers may appear soft but will firm up as they cool.

1. Can I decorate the cookies after they cool?

• Yes! You can use icing or sprinkles after the cookies have cooled completely.

1. What if my dough is too crumbly?

• If the dough is too dry, you can add a tablespoon of milk to help bring it together.

1. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

• Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

1. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

• Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

1. What’s the best way to store decorated cookies?

• Store decorated cookies in a single layer in an airtight container to avoid smudging the icing.

1. Can I double the recipe?
   • Yes, simply double all the ingredients and bake in batches as needed.

Conclusion

Baking Christmas Cookies is a delightful tradition that brings joy and warmth to the holiday season. With their buttery goodness and festive decorations, these cookies are not only delicious but also a perfect way to spread holiday cheer. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones, gifting them, or enjoying them solo, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and create sweet memories this Christmas!

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