Christmas cookies

Name: Christmas cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Ingredients: 3 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened); 1 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 large Egg; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 3 cups Powdered Sugar; 0.33 cup Milk; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 0 Food Coloring (Optional)

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What are the best Christmas Cookies? The very words conjure up images of twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and the sweet aroma of baking. What is wafting through the house? This year, I’m sharing a recipe that isn’t just one recipe, it’s .a tradition. Is Christmas magic passed down through generations? Is it finally getting shared? We’re talking about the kind of **Christmas cookies** that disappear faster than Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Day. Forget store-b What are the real deal, the kind that warm your heart and fill your home with pure joy. What are some of the best holiday recipes? What are some variations on gingerbread men? What makes them irresistible? You’re going to love these.

What are Christmas cookies?

Think of these as the ultimate holiday treat, a delightful symphony of flavors and textures. These **Christmas cookies** are soft, chewy, and packed with festive flavors. They’re essentially a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth experience, kissed with cinnamon and a hint of spice, and dressed in a simple, elegant glaze. The name “Christmas Cookies” is pretty self-explanatory; they’re the cookies we *always* make for Christmas. But, I swear, we start hinting for them in November. They’re perfect for cookie exchanges, gifting to neighbors, or just having a sweet treat on hand for those cozy winter evenings. The joy of making these is half the fun. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of turning simple ingredients into something so delicious and cherished.

Why you should try this recipe?

Let me tell you why these **Christmas cookies** are so special. First off, the flavor is incredible. They’re a beautiful balance of sweet, a touch of warm spice from the cinnamon and nutmeg, and a subtle hint of vanilla that just ties everything together. Then there’s the texture; they’re soft and chewy, with a slight crispness around the edges – pure perfection. Second, they’re surprisingly easy to make. Honestly, even if you’re not a confident baker, you can totally nail these. There’s no fancy equipment needed, just basic kitchen staples and a little bit of love. They’re the kind of recipe that’s perfect for baking with kids, too! Finally, they’re budget-friendly. The ingredients are things you probably already have in your pantry, especially during the holiday season. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize them by adding different extracts, spices, or toppings. You can make them big or small, thick or thin – the possibilities are endless! They’re just as good as that classic Shortbread Recipe but with a touch of something special that truly screams Christmas. They’re a reminder of all the good things the season has to offer.

How do you make Christmas cookies?

Quick Overview

The process is simple. You just need to know the We start by whisking together dry ingredients, then cream the butter and sugar, add the wet ingredients. What are the ingredients, and combine. Then, we chill the dough (crucial for the best texture!). How do you roll out dough, cut out shapes, and bake until golden brown. How do I make a glaze for cookies? In baking, the whole process takes about an hour. What are some of the best recipes for sweets? What is the best way to share with your loved ones Trust me, you’ll be making these year after year.

Ingredients

For the Main Batter: What are some examples?
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free blend, see tips below!), measured correctly – I always weigh my flour for the best results, but you can use a spoon and level method.
* 1 teaspoon baking powder – Make sure it’s fresh! Old baking powder can lead to flat cookies.
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – I’m a big fan of Penzeys cinnamon; the flavor is just unmatched.
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Freshly grated nutmeg is a luxury, but ground works too.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt – It enhances all the flavors. Don’t skip this!
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Not melted, but soft enough that your finger leaves an imprint. Let it sit out for about an hour.
* 1 cup granulated sugar – The classic sweetness!
* 1/2 cup powdered sugar – Adds extra tenderness!
* 1 large egg – Room temperature is best.
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Always use the good stuff!

For the Filling:
What are some of the best chocolate chips?

For the Glaze:
* 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar – Make sure it’s sifted to avoid lumps. * 2-4 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream for extra richness) – Start with 2 and add more until you have a full stomach. How do I reach the desired consistency? * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Same as before: quality matters. * Food coloring (optional) – For a festive touch!

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First thing first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This is a MUST for easy cleanup and ensures your **Christmas cookies** don’t stick. If you don’t have parchment, you can grease the sheets. But parchment is really the way to clean. How do I get my workstation ready? Clear off your counter, gather your ingredients, and have your measuring cups ready. How do I make a mise en place recipe?

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. What is the best way to make sure everything is evenly distributed and prevents clumps. Make sure to whisk until everything is well combined. Set the dry ingredients aside. I always test my spices in this step to ensure they are still fresh. Sometimes they can lose their potency over time, and you might need to add more.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Set aside. How do I mix powdered sugar and sugar until light and fluffy? What is the easiest way to do this? Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. The mixture should look pale and fluffy. Do not rush this step; it’s what gives the cookies their light and airy texture. What are some good hand mixers? If you’re using a hand mixer, make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl several times. Everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix! If you overmix the flour, it will cause the gluten in the cookies to stick together. Is it okay if there are a few streaks of flour remaining? The dough will come together as you chill it. The texture of the dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Once the dough is combined, cover it with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Why is chilling important? It allows the gluten to relax, resulting in more tender cookies, and it prevents the cookies from sticking to your fingers. Do you spread too much during baking? I sometimes chill the dough for an hour or even overnight for the best results.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

While dough is chilling, feel free to make some filling. You can customize this to your liking. Add chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts. I often go with the classics but sometimes add a bit of fun.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Stars, trees, snowmen, and gingerbread men. Place the cut-out cookies onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. If the dough gets too warm during rolling, pop it back into the fridge for a few minutes. Can you fill cookies with filling if you wish?

Step 7: Bake

Is it safe to bake cookies for 8-10 minutes? How long does it take to bake a cake? I find my oven bakes a bit faster, so I usually start checking after 7 minutes. The cookies should be set around the edges but still soft in the center. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to cling film. Once they cool, transfer them back to the wire rack. To cool completely. Do not overbake cookies, or they will be dry. If you prefer a softer cookie, bake for longer time. For a crispier cookie, you can bake longer. Is it safe to test cookies after they’ve been baked?

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

While cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside. Add more milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to drizzle but not so thick that it’s difficult to work with. If you’re using food coloring, add a few drops now and mix until the color is evenly distributed. Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over them, using a spoon or an electric mixer. Decorate with sprinkles or other festive toppings, if desired. Let the glaze set completely before stacking or storing the cookies. I always test the glaze on a single cookie before glazing them all. This allows me to adjust the consistency if needed.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Once the glaze is set, you can slice and serve. If you followed all the directions, your **Christmas cookies** will be perfectly shaped, soft, and delicious. What are the best ways to serve these at room temperature? Is it possible to put them on a platter and admire your handiwork? What are some of the best cookies to serve with a hot drink?

What is the best way to serve it?

What are some of the best Christmas cookies? Can you pair them with anything, depending on the occasion?

For Breakfast:Is it good to serve these with a hot cup of coffee?

For Brunch:Offer a few cookies along with some fresh fruit. What are the best accompaniments to a sparkling cider?

As Dessert:What are some good desserts to serve as part of a dessert platter? A scoop of vanilla Ice Cream is a nice touch.

For Cozy Snacks:What’s a good snack to make on chilly winter evenings? What are some of the best holiday movies to watch on a movie night? I love to make these with my family on Christmas Eve and enjoy them while we open presents. What is my favorite family tradition? I always make a big batch, and we share them with neighbors and friends. We like to add different flavors or decorations to each batch.

What are some tips for perfecting Christmas cookies?

What are some things I can learn to make the most perfect Christmas gift for you? Is it possible to use cookies every single time?

Flour Prep:How much flour should I use for cookies? I usually weigh my flour, but if you’re measuring with a cup, be sure to spoon the flour into the bowl. How do I level a measuring cup with the knife?

Butter Matters: WhatIs butter softened but not melted? If the butter is too soft, the cookies will spread too much, and if it’s too cold, they will stick to the cookie. If they’re too hard, it will cause a cookie to break. What is the best way to use good quality butter?

What is the key to chillDon’t skip the chilling step! How do you chill Cookie Dough? How do flavors meld together?

Oven Temperature:Ovens can vary in size. If your cookies are browning too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly. If they’re not browning enough, you might need to increase the temperature a bit.

Mixing Advice:How do I make dough without overmixing it? Overmixing can result in tough cookies.

Glaze Variations:Don’t be afraid to experiment with glazes! Add different extracts, like almond or peppermint, or add a pinch of spice for extra flavor.

Don’t Overbake: The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges, but still soft in the middle. They will continue to cook a little bit after you take them out of the oven.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Proper storage is key to keeping your **Christmas cookies** fresh and delicious.

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can place a piece of parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking together.

Refrigerator Storage: If you want to store the cookies for a bit longer, you can refrigerate them. Place the cookies in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The glaze may get slightly sticky, but the cookies will still taste delicious.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the cookies. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for a few hours. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the cookies, it’s best to glaze them after they’ve thawed. This prevents the glaze from cracking or becoming sticky during the freezing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture. I’ve found that Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour works great. You might need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly, so start with a little less and add more if needed. The cookies might be a bit more delicate, so handle them gently.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Yes! Chilling the dough is an essential step in this recipe. It allows the gluten to relax, which results in softer, more tender cookies. It also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, so they keep their beautiful shape. You can chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, but I often chill it for an hour or even overnight for even better results.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

While this recipe is designed for cookies, you can adapt it to make muffins! To do this, fill muffin cups about 2/3 full with the cookie dough. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The muffins will be slightly less sweet than the cookies, and they might require a bit more liquid in the batter, so keep an eye on them. Let cool completely, and then drizzle with glaze.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar slightly, but I wouldn’t recommend cutting it by more than a tablespoon or two. You can also use a sugar substitute, but keep in mind that it might affect the texture of the cookies. Experiment with a few cookies first to make sure you’re happy with the result! If the cookies are still too sweet, try using a glaze made with less powdered sugar or a glaze made with a touch of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of glaze, or just want to try something different, there are lots of other options! You could dust the cookies with powdered sugar, add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or drizzle with melted chocolate. You can also top them with chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even a dollop of cream cheese frosting. The possibilities are endless!

Final Thoughts

These **Christmas cookies** aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience, a taste of home, and a sweet reminder of the magic of the season. They’re the perfect way to spread holiday cheer, and I promise, they’ll become a favorite in your family, too. If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Gingerbread Cookie recipe or the classic shortbread. And if you try making these, please, please let me know how they turned out! Share your photos, your variations, and any tips you learned along the way in the comments below. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with sweetness!

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