I remember the first Christmas that I really put my heart into baking. My husband, Tom, and I had just moved into our first home, and the air was filled with the spirit of the season. The twinkling lights outside our window made everything feel magical, and I wanted to create special memories for our family. That’s when we decided to start a new tradition: making Christmas cookies together.
With our two children, Lucy and Max, excitedly running around, I started to gather my ingredients in the kitchen. The flour dusted the counters like a fresh snowfall, and the aroma of butter and sugar filled the air as we began the baking process. We shared laughter, stories, and plenty of messes, but those little moments together were what truly made the holidays special.
Every year since then, we’ve taken that same recipe and made it our own, adding sprinkles of joy and bits of creativity. As I share this recipe for Classic Christmas Cookies, I invite you to partake in our family tradition and create your own wonderful memories.
Why Make This Recipe
This Christmas Cookies recipe is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a vessel for love and joy. Every cookie brings back the fond memories of our family gatherings, laughter, and the warmth of the holiday season. These cookies are incredibly easy to make and perfect for decorating! Whether you’re having a party or simply cozying up with your family, these cookies bring smiles and sweetness to the table.
Moreover, the mixture of vanilla and almond extracts adds a delightful aroma to your kitchen. Kids love helping out, whether it’s measuring ingredients or decorating with colorful sprinkles. And let’s not forget the smell that fills the house while they bake—it’s the scent of joy, love, and the holiday spirit wafting through every corner.
How to Make Christmas Cookies
This recipe is simple and straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Let’s dive into how you can create your own batch of Christmas Cookies that can be shared, gifted, or enjoyed while watching holiday movies.
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
- Sprinkles or frosting for decoration
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth. It’s always a fun task when Lucy and Max take turns mixing the batter with me!
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the butter and sugar mixture. As I do this, I often tell my kids stories from my own childhood. It’s amazing how these recipes carry memories through generations!
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients from the smaller bowl, making sure everything is well combined.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass. Sometimes, if the weather is just right, I let the kids press their tiny hands onto the dough instead—embracing a little mess is part of the fun!
- If you wish, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles on top for a festive touch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden. The anticipation is always fun as we gather around the oven, waiting for that delightful aroma to fill the air!
- Let the cookies cool on wire racks.
How to Serve Christmas Cookies
There’s something special about presenting Christmas Cookies that emanates warmth. For a delightful display, I like to arrange them on a beautiful platter, often adding a few festive decorations like red and green napkins or twinkling fairy lights around the cookies. These cookies are perfect for sharing with neighbors or guests who stop by. Sometimes, I pack them in little bags tied with ribbon and share with friends, just like my mom did when I was a kid.
If we have leftovers, we love to enjoy them with a cozy cup of hot cocoa or a bowl of warm milk. There’s nothing better than sitting together, nibbling on cookies while the snow flakes gently fall outside.
How to Store Christmas Cookies
To keep your Christmas Cookies fresh, it’s best to use an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper before stacking the cookies to prevent them from sticking. They can stay fresh for about a week, but trust me, they won’t last that long if your kids—like mine—discover them!
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap each cookie in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag to maintain their delicious taste. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
Tips to Make Christmas Cookies
- Experiment with Flavors: While vanilla and almond extract are traditional, feel free to switch things up with peppermint extract or spices like cinnamon for a festive twist!
- Use Fun Cookie Cutters: If you’re feeling adventurous, roll out the dough and use holiday-themed cookie cutters. It’s an exciting way to engage the kiddos!
- Decorate Together: Allow everyone to take part in decorating. It’s a fantastic bonding moment and always leads to laughter when things get a little messy.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies. If you want them chewier, take them out when they’re just golden around the edges.
Variation
You can easily create different versions of these Christmas Cookies by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts to the dough. It’s a fun opportunity to incorporate international flavors, like adding some orange zest for a hint of citrus, a nod to Christmases celebrated around the world. It’s a great way to pass down stories of culinary traditions with my children.
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the butter with margarine?
Yes, margarine can be used as a replacement, but the cookies may not be as rich in flavor. Butter adds a yummy taste!
2. How do I make the cookies softer?
To achieve a softer cookie, make sure not to overbake them. Pull them out of the oven when they are lightly golden, and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
3. Can I decorate these cookies with frosting?
Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for frosting. Just ensure they completely cool before you start decorating; otherwise, the frosting will melt!
Baking Christmas Cookies is not just about the cookie itself; it’s about creating a space for laughter, connection, and tradition. Each bite tells a story just like the ones I share with my family every holiday season. May your holiday season be filled with warmth, love, and, of course, delicious cookies!
Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the butter and sugar mixture.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients from the smaller bowl, making sure everything is well combined.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or with hands, if desired.
- Sprinkle some colorful sprinkles on top if you wish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden.
- Let the cookies cool on wire racks.