30 Pretty Christmas Cookies Easy Recipes
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
Explore a delightful collection of 30 easy-to-make Christmas cookie recipes that are perfect for the holiday season.
These Christmas cookies are not only pretty but also incredibly delicious. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, each recipe offers a unique flavor and festive flair that will brighten up your holiday celebrations.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- A variety of flavors and designs to suit everyone's taste
- Fun and easy to decorate with family and friends
- Perfectly festive for holiday gatherings and gifting
The Joy of Baking Together
Baking cookies during the holiday season is a cherished tradition that brings families and friends together. Gather your loved ones in the kitchen and enjoy the process of mixing, rolling, and shaping the dough. It's a wonderful opportunity to bond, share stories, and create lasting memories. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice, these easy Christmas cookie recipes provide a fun way to connect with those you care about.
As you bake and decorate these cookies, you'll find that the kitchen becomes a lively hub of laughter and creativity. Each cookie is a canvas for your imagination, allowing everyone to express their unique style through festive designs. From colorful sprinkles to intricate icing patterns, the possibilities are endless. Make it a competition or simply enjoy the collaborative spirit as everyone contributes their personal touch.
A Festive Treat for Every Taste
The beauty of these Christmas cookie recipes lies in their variety. With different flavors and designs, there’s a cookie to suit everyone's palate. From classic gingerbread to mint chocolate chip, you can create a delightful assortment that will please both traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike. These cookies are not just treats; they can also serve as stunning centerpieces for your holiday gatherings.
Additionally, these cookies make perfect gifts for neighbors, friends, and family. Package them in festive boxes or jars, adding a personal touch with handmade cards. The act of gifting homemade cookies is a heartfelt gesture that spreads cheer and warmth during the holiday season. Your loved ones will appreciate the time and effort you put into creating something special just for them.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your beautiful Christmas cookies:
Basic Cookie Dough
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Decorations
- Royal icing
- Colored sprinkles
- Edible glitter
- Candy canes, crushed
- Chocolate chips
Make sure to have your decorations ready for a fun decorating session!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Christmas cookies:
Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to make it easier to handle.
Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters. Place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Bake
Bake cookies for 10-15 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow to cool on racks.
Decorate
Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, and other toppings as desired.
Enjoy your festive cookies with family and friends!
Tips for Perfect Cookies
To achieve the best results with your Christmas cookies, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour, as even a slight variation can affect the texture of your cookies. Additionally, ensure your butter is softened but not melted, as this will help create a light and fluffy dough that holds its shape during baking.
Chilling the dough is another crucial step that many bakers overlook. This not only makes the dough easier to handle but also prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. If you're short on time, you can chill the dough for a minimum of 30 minutes, but ideally, aim for at least an hour for the best results.
Storing Your Christmas Cookies
Once your cookies are baked and decorated, you'll want to store them properly to maintain freshness. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Most cookies will stay fresh for up to a week, but you can extend their shelf life by freezing them. Just ensure they are completely cooled before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. This way, you can always have a stash of delicious holiday cookies on hand, perfect for unexpected guests or a sweet treat for yourself.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before using.
→ What can I substitute for butter?
You can use margarine or coconut oil as substitutes for butter.
→ How long do the cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies can last for up to 2 weeks.
→ Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
30 Pretty Christmas Cookies Easy Recipes
Explore a delightful collection of 30 easy-to-make Christmas cookie recipes that are perfect for the holiday season.
Created by: Natalie Evans
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 30 cookies
What You'll Need
Basic Cookie Dough
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Decorations
- Royal icing
- Colored sprinkles
- Edible glitter
- Candy canes, crushed
- Chocolate chips
How-To Steps
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to make it easier to handle.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters. Place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Bake cookies for 10-15 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow to cool on racks.
Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, and other toppings as desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g