Easy Christmas Cookies

Christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and of course, delicious treats! And what better way to spread holiday cheer than with a batch of homemade Christmas cookies? Baking cookies is a wonderful tradition, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide is filled with easy and delicious Christmas cookie recipes that are perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, you’ll find something here to delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of easy Christmas cookies!

Why Bake Christmas Cookies?

Baking Christmas cookies is more than just making a treat; it’s about creating memories. The aroma of warm cookies filling your home, the fun of decorating them with loved ones, and the joy of sharing them with neighbors and friends – these are the things that make the holiday season special. Plus, homemade cookies always taste better than store-bought ones! They’re made with love and care, and you can customize them to your own preferences.

The Joy of Sharing

Christmas cookies are a fantastic gift. A beautifully arranged box or platter of homemade cookies shows thoughtfulness and effort. It’s a gesture that’s sure to be appreciated by anyone who receives it. Consider packaging your cookies in festive tins, cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or even repurposed cookie jars. Presentation matters, and a little extra effort can make your gift even more special.

Baking as a Family Activity

Get the whole family involved in the baking process! Baking Christmas cookies can be a wonderful way to spend quality time together. Even young children can help with simple tasks like measuring ingredients, stirring batter, and decorating cookies. It’s a fun and educational activity that everyone can enjoy.

Essential Baking Tools and Ingredients

Before you start baking, it’s important to make sure you have the right tools and ingredients. Here’s a list of essentials:

Baking Tools

• Mixing bowls (various sizes)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters (Christmas shapes are a must!)
• Spatulas
• Wire rack for cooling
• Cookie scoops (optional, but helpful for uniform cookies)

Essential Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Butter (unsalted, softened)
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Various spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves)
• Powdered sugar (for icing)
• Milk or cream (for icing)
• Food coloring (optional, for decorating)
• Sprinkles, candies, and other decorations
• Chocolate chips (various types)
• Nuts (chopped)
• Dried fruits

Classic Christmas Cookie Recipes

Here are some classic and easy Christmas cookie recipes that are sure to be a hit:

Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are a Christmas staple, and they’re incredibly versatile. You can use different cookie cutters to create festive shapes, and then decorate them with icing and sprinkles.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
9. Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Decorate with icing and sprinkles as desired.

Icing Recipe:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)

Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add food coloring if desired. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve the desired consistency. Spread or pipe the icing onto the cooled cookies and decorate with sprinkles.

Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are another Christmas favorite, known for their warm spices and festive shapes. They’re perfect for decorating and make a beautiful addition to any holiday cookie platter.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the molasses and egg.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
9. Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm.
11. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Decorate with icing and candies as desired.

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a simple yet delicious cookie that’s always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is irresistible!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
7. Roll each ball in granulated sugar.
8. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes.
10. Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
11. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are rich, fudgy, and have a beautiful cracked appearance. They’re easy to make and always a hit at Christmas parties.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar, for coating

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and vegetable oil.
2. Stir in the melted chocolate, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Cover the dough and chill for at least 2 hours.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
8. Roll each ball in powdered sugar.
9. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
11. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Snowball Cookies

Snowball cookies, also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, are buttery, nutty, and covered in powdered sugar. They resemble little snowballs, making them perfect for Christmas.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
• Powdered sugar, for coating

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in the chopped nuts.
7. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
8. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
10. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
11. While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar.
12. Let cool completely, then roll them in powdered sugar again.

Tips for Baking Perfect Christmas Cookies

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Christmas cookies turn out perfectly:

Use Softened Butter

Softened butter is crucial for creaming together with sugar and creating a light and airy dough. Make sure the butter is soft but not melted. You should be able to easily press your finger into it.

Measure Ingredients Accurately

Baking is a science, so accurate measurements are essential. Use measuring cups and spoons designed for baking, and level off dry ingredients with a knife.

Don’t Overmix the Dough

Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix the ingredients until just combined.

Chill the Dough

Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also makes the dough easier to handle and roll out.

Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats

Parchment paper or silicone baking mats prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and make cleanup easier.

Bake Evenly

Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure the cookies bake evenly.

Let Cool Completely

Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating or storing. This prevents them from becoming soggy.

Creative Cookie Decorating Ideas

Decorating Christmas cookies is half the fun! Here are some creative ideas to inspire you:

Royal Icing

Royal icing is a classic choice for decorating sugar cookies. It dries hard and smooth, making it perfect for intricate designs.

Royal Icing Recipe:

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons meringue powder
• 6-8 tablespoons warm water

In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and meringue powder. Gradually add the warm water, mixing until smooth. Adjust the amount of water to achieve the desired consistency. Divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring as desired. Use piping bags and tips to create detailed designs on the cookies.

Sprinkles and Candies

Sprinkles and candies are a simple and fun way to decorate cookies, especially for kids. Use a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes to create festive designs.

Edible Markers

Edible markers are great for adding fine details and writing messages on cookies.

Fondant

Fondant can be rolled out and cut into shapes to decorate cookies. It’s a great way to add a smooth and polished look.

Chocolate Drizzle

Drizzle melted chocolate over cookies for a simple yet elegant decoration.

Nuts and Dried Fruits

Use chopped nuts and dried fruits to add texture and flavor to your cookies.

Storing Christmas Cookies

Proper storage is essential to keep your Christmas cookies fresh and delicious. Here are some tips:

Cool Completely

Make sure the cookies are completely cool before storing them.

Airtight Containers

Store the cookies in airtight containers to prevent them from drying out. Layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

Separate Flavors

Store different flavors of cookies in separate containers to prevent them from absorbing each other’s flavors.

Freezing Cookies

You can freeze baked cookies for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving.

Freezing Cookie Dough

You can also freeze cookie dough for up to 3 months. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Christmas Cookie Ideas

Feeling adventurous? Here are some more advanced Christmas cookie ideas to challenge your baking skills:

Linzer Cookies

Linzer cookies are delicate sandwich cookies filled with jam and dusted with powdered sugar. They’re a beautiful and delicious treat.

Macarons

Macarons are notoriously difficult to make, but they’re worth the effort. These delicate meringue-based cookies are filled with buttercream or ganache and come in a variety of flavors and colors.

Stained Glass Cookies

Stained glass cookies are made by cutting out shapes in the dough and filling them with crushed hard candies. When baked, the candies melt and create a beautiful stained glass effect.

3D Gingerbread Houses

Building a 3D gingerbread house is a classic Christmas tradition. You can use a template to cut out the pieces from gingerbread dough and then assemble and decorate the house with icing and candies.

Piped Christmas Trees

Use a star-shaped piping tip to create Christmas tree cookies. Start with a large star at the base and pipe smaller stars on top, gradually decreasing in size. Decorate with sprinkles and edible glitter.

Adapting Recipes for Dietary Needs

It’s important to be inclusive during the holiday season. Here’s how to adapt your cookie recipes for common dietary needs:

Gluten-Free Cookies

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for blends that are specifically designed for baking, as they often contain a combination of different gluten-free flours and starches.

Vegan Cookies

Substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). Use plant-based milk instead of dairy milk.

Nut-Free Cookies

Omit nuts from recipes or substitute them with seeds, such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Always check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are processed in a nut-free facility.

Sugar-Free Cookies

Substitute granulated sugar with sugar substitutes like erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit. Keep in mind that sugar substitutes can affect the texture and flavor of the cookies, so you may need to adjust the recipe accordingly.

Creating Your Own Christmas Cookie Traditions

Baking Christmas cookies is a wonderful way to create your own family traditions. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Annual Cookie Exchange

Host a cookie exchange with friends and neighbors. Each person bakes a batch of their favorite cookies and brings them to the exchange. Everyone gets to sample a variety of cookies and take home a selection to enjoy.

Cookie Decorating Party

Host a cookie decorating party for kids and adults. Provide a variety of cookies, icing, sprinkles, and other decorations. Let everyone get creative and decorate their own cookies.

Baking with Grandparents

Invite grandparents to bake cookies with the grandchildren. It’s a wonderful way to pass on family recipes and traditions.

Delivering Cookies to Neighbors

Bake a batch of cookies and deliver them to your neighbors. It’s a simple way to spread holiday cheer and build community.

Christmas Eve Baking

Bake a batch of cookies on Christmas Eve to enjoy with your family while opening presents or watching a Christmas movie.

Troubleshooting Common Cookie Baking Problems

Even the most experienced bakers can encounter problems from time to time. Here are some solutions to common cookie baking issues:

Cookies Spread Too Much

• Make sure the butter is not too soft.
• Chill the dough for a longer period of time.
• Don’t grease the baking sheet. Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat instead.
• Use a higher baking temperature.

Cookies are Too Dry

• Don’t overbake the cookies.
• Add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to the dough.
• Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.

Cookies are Too Hard

• Don’t overmix the dough.
• Use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Add a tablespoon or two of butter or shortening to the dough.

Cookies are Burning on the Bottom

• Use a double baking sheet.
• Lower the baking temperature.
• Move the baking sheet to a higher rack in the oven.

Cookies are Sticking to the Baking Sheet

• Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Make sure the cookies are completely cool before trying to remove them from the baking sheet.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Sweetness of Christmas

Baking Christmas cookies is a cherished tradition that brings joy, warmth, and deliciousness to the holiday season. With these easy recipes, helpful tips, and creative decorating ideas, you’re well-equipped to create a batch of cookies that will delight your friends, family, and neighbors. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to spread some holiday cheer with the sweet aroma of freshly baked Christmas cookies. Happy baking!