When it comes to Christmas, you might find yourself searching for the perfect cookie recipes to impress your family and friends. From classic sugar cookies that invite creativity to gingerbread men that become a cherished tradition, each option offers a unique touch to your holiday celebrations. And let's not forget the irresistible flavors of snickerdoodles and chocolate peppermint bark cookies. But there's one recipe that stands out, combining unexpected ingredients for a delightful twist. Curious about which cookie could enhance your holiday baking?
Classic Sugar Cookies
Classic sugar cookies are a quintessential treat during the holiday season, perfect for decorating or simply enjoying with a glass of milk. Their soft, buttery texture and sweet flavor make them a favorite among both kids and adults.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of these delightful cookies to share with friends and family or to leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 to 4 tablespoons sugar for decoration
Instructions:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
Gradually blend in the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and then roll the balls in sugar.
Place the cookies onto ungreased cookie sheets, and press them slightly to flatten. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Extra Tips:
For a fun twist, you can add almond extract or citrus zest to the dough for a burst of flavor.
When decorating, consider using royal icing or colored sprinkles for a festive touch. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out to achieve cleaner edges if you're using cookie cutters.
Additionally, storing your sugar cookies in an airtight container will help maintain their softness and freshness for days!
Gingerbread Men Delight
Gingerbread men are a classic holiday treat that brings warmth and cheer to any Christmas gathering. With their delightful spice blend and charming shapes, these cookies aren't only delicious but also a fun activity for the whole family.
Whether you're decorating them with icing or enjoying them plain, gingerbread men are certain to become a beloved tradition in your home. Gather your ingredients and get ready to create these festive cookies that will fill your kitchen with the sweet aroma of ginger and molasses.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Royal icing (for decorating)
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out gingerbread men shapes using cookie cutters and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm. Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating with royal icing.
Extra Tips:
To guarantee your gingerbread men turn out perfectly, make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour while rolling it out. For an extra festive touch, consider adding candy decorations or sprinkles to your icing.
Store your gingerbread men in an airtight container to keep them fresh, and if you plan to decorate them, let the icing dry completely before stacking them to avoid smudging.
Enjoy your baking and happy holidays!
Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies
Indulge in the festive flavors of the season with these delightful Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies. These treats combine the richness of chocolate with the invigorating taste of peppermint, making them a perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter.
With their chewy texture and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake a batch of these delicious Christmas cookies!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips and half of the crushed peppermint candies. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the tops with the remaining crushed peppermint candies. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Extra Tips:
For an extra festive touch, you can drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a beautiful contrast against the chocolate base.
Make sure to crush the peppermint candies into small pieces to confirm they stick well to the cookies. If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, consider adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, but these cookies are so tasty they may not last that long!
Snickerdoodle Bliss
Snickerdoodle Bliss cookies are a delightful and classic holiday treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the soft, chewy texture of sugar cookies. Their signature crackled tops and sweet, buttery taste make them a favorite at any holiday gathering.
These cookies aren't only easy to make but also a joy to eat, as they melt in your mouth and offer a comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with a glass of milk or a warm cup of cocoa.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons sugar (for rolling)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined.
In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for rolling. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture before placing them on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Allow to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Extra Tips:
To guarantee your Snickerdoodles come out perfectly chewy, avoid overbaking them; they should look a little underdone when you take them out of the oven.
For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. You can also chill the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it into balls, which helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Enjoy your baking adventure, and don't forget to share these delightful cookies with friends and family!
Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies
Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic oatmeal cookie, combining the tartness of dried cranberries with the bright, zesty flavor of fresh orange. These cookies are perfect for the holiday season, offering a chewy texture and a burst of flavor that will leave everyone wanting more.
With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up a batch in no time, making them an ideal treat for holiday gatherings or gifting to friends and family.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
To make the Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then mix in the orange zest. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined. Fold in the dried cranberries and walnuts if using.
Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
When making Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies, consider using fresh orange juice in place of some of the butter for a lighter version. If you prefer a chewier cookie, let the dough rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
For added flavor, you can also experiment with different mix-ins such as white chocolate chips or coconut flakes. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Enjoy these festive treats with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for the perfect holiday snack!