Christmas Cookies
These festive Christmas cookies are buttery, soft, and decorated with vibrant holiday designs. Perfect for baking with family, gifting to friends, or adding to your holiday dessert table, this recipe is easy to follow and endlessly customizable. With just a few simple ingredients, you'll create delicious cookies that capture the magic of the season. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, these cookies are sure to bring holiday cheer to your kitchen!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls (one large and one medium)
- 1 Electric Mixer (hand or stand mixer)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 1 Sifter (for flour and powdered sugar)
- 1 Spatula (for mixing and scraping the bowl)
- 1 Rolling Pin
- Cookie Cutters (various festive shapes like stars, trees, and snowflakes)
- Baking sheet(s)
- 1 Parchment Paper or a Non-Stick Baking Mat
- 1 Cooling rack
- Pastry Bags or Squeeze Bottles (for icing)
- Toothpicks or Small Decorating Tools (for precise designs)
- Small Bowls (for mixing icing colors)
- 1 Plastic Wrap (for chilling the dough)
- Optional:
- Edible Glitter or Sprinkles for decorations.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened Tip: Room-temperature butter ensures a smooth and creamy dough.
- ¾ cup Powdered sugar This gives the cookies their delicate melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- ½ tsp Almond extract (optional but adds a delightful depth of flavor)
- 2 cups All-purpose flour Pro tip: Sift the flour for an extra light and airy cookie.
- ¼ tsp Salt
For Decorating:
- Royal icing or store-bought cookie icing
- Assorted sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored sugar
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.Tip: Use a hand or stand mixer for best results.
- Add the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together.If the dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it’s pliable.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Divide the dough in half, shape it into discs, and wrap each disc in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures the dough is firm enough to roll and prevents spreading during baking.
Step 3: Roll and Cut
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out one dough disc on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use festive cookie cutters (stars, trees, snowflakes) to cut shapes from the dough. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.Tip: Dip the cookie cutters in flour to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Decorate
- Once cooled, decorate your cookies with royal icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter.Pro tip: For crisp, clean designs, let each icing layer dry before adding another.
Notes
Storage Tips: Keeping Your Cookies Fresh
One of the best things about these Melt-In-Your-Mouth Christmas Cookies is that they can be prepared ahead of time and enjoyed throughout the holiday season. Proper storage is key to maintaining their fresh, buttery texture and delightful flavor.- Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to keep them fresh for up to a week. Place sheets of parchment between layers to prevent sticking or smudging of decorations.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Decorated cookies can also be frozen but should be handled carefully to preserve the icing. When ready to serve, allow them to thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
- Gift-Wrapping Storage: If you’re gifting these cookies, wrap them in individual cellophane bags or pack them in festive tins with wax paper for protection. This not only keeps them fresh but also makes for a beautiful presentation!