A Delicious Journey Through Christmas Cookie Recipes

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The holiday season is synonymous with warmth, joy, and of course, delicious cookies. Whether you’re preparing for family gatherings, gifting sweet treats to friends, or simply indulging in a festive baking spree, the following selection of Christmas cookie recipes is guaranteed to elevate your celebrations. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of mouthwatering cookie creations, from indulgent kitchen sink cookies to light, delicate shortbread, each recipe offering a unique twist on the classic Christmas cookie. So, let’s get ready to make your holiday season even sweeter with these festive recipes!

1. Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

These Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are a perfect blend of everything delightful. Packed with a variety of textures and flavors—from chocolate chips to pretzels and cranberries—this cookie will please everyone at your holiday table. The recipe is simple, but the results are spectacular!

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup crushed pretzels
  • 1/2 cup mini M&Ms
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
  • 1/4 cup toffee bits
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
  5. Fold in the chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, mini M&Ms, cranberries, toffee bits, and chopped nuts.
  6. Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
  8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

These cookies have everything but the kitchen sink—literally! The mix of textures, from crunchy pretzels to chewy cranberries, makes each bite a festive surprise. The perfect Christmas treat to make in large batches and share with loved ones.

 

2. Cherry Chocolate Pink Cookies

These Cherry Chocolate Pink Cookies are a visual delight with their delicate pink hue and delightful blend of cherries and chocolate. These soft, sweet cookies are perfect for a holiday cookie platter, adding a touch of elegance to your festive spread.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  • Pink food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
  4. Fold in the chopped cherries and mini chocolate chips. If desired, add pink food coloring for a festive touch.
  5. Chill the dough for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. Scoop dough into balls, flatten slightly, and place on the baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. Cool on a wire rack.

These cookies are not only delicious but visually stunning. The pink color adds a charming touch to any holiday cookie tray, and the combination of cherries and chocolate is a perfect balance of sweet and tart.

 

3. Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

The Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a festive favorite, with their vibrant red and green swirls that look just like a Christmas tree ornament. These cookies are a fun and creative way to celebrate the holiday season.

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
  • 1/4 cup red food coloring
  • 1/4 cup green food coloring

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl.
  3. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, then beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture to form a dough. Divide the dough into two equal portions.
  5. Add red food coloring to one portion and green food coloring to the other.
  6. Roll each colored dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
  7. Layer the two dough rectangles on top of each other and gently roll them into a log. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  8. Slice the dough into 1/4-inch rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool before serving.

These pinwheel cookies not only taste amazing but also add a cheerful pop of color to your cookie display. The almond extract gives them a subtle, fragrant note that pairs beautifully with the buttery dough.

4. Candy Cane Cookies

For a cookie that screams “Christmas,” look no further than Candy Cane Cookies. These striking cookies are not only visually appealing but are also a delightful combination of buttery dough and minty peppermint flavor. They’re a nostalgic holiday treat that’s perfect for gifting.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Red food coloring

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until combined.
  4. Gradually add the flour and salt to form a dough, then divide the dough into two portions.
  5. Color one portion with red food coloring and leave the other plain.
  6. Roll each dough portion into thin ropes, then twist the red and white ropes together and shape them into candy canes.
  7. Place the candy canes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until set, but not browned.
  9. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

These candy cane-shaped cookies bring both festive cheer and refreshing peppermint flavor, making them a must-have for Christmas cookie platters.

5. Christmas Funfetti Snowball Cookies

The Christmas Funfetti Snowball Cookies are a cheerful and easy-to-make treat that everyone will love. With their vibrant rainbow sprinkles and light, buttery texture, these cookies make a playful addition to your holiday baking repertoire.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ tbsp milk
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in the vanilla extract and milk until smooth.
  4. Gradually stir in the flour, salt, and rainbow sprinkles.
  5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.
  7. Let the cookies cool for a few minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm.
  8. Cool completely and roll again in powdered sugar for an extra snowy effect.

These colorful, snowball-shaped cookies are perfect for spreading holiday cheer. The rainbow sprinkles make them festive and fun, and the powdered sugar coating adds a snowy touch.

6. Melt-In-Your-Mouth Christmas Cookies

These Melt-In-Your-Mouth Christmas Cookies live up to their name with a soft, tender texture that practically dissolves on your tongue. The simple ingredients come together to create a buttery, delicate cookie that’s perfect for sharing.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • Optional: Sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cream the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt, and mix until combined.
  4. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined.
  5. Roll dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass and decorate with sprinkles if desired.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  8. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

These cookies are buttery and soft with a subtle almond flavor, making them an ideal treat for any holiday gathering.

7. Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Light, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, Whipped Shortbread Cookies are a classic Christmas treat that never goes out of style. With their crumbly texture and simple preparation, they’re a holiday favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional: Sprinkles or chocolate chips for decoration

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Beat the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
  3. Gradually mix in the flour, cornstarch, and vanilla extract to form a soft dough.
  4. Scoop dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Optionally, press a small decoration, such as sprinkles or chocolate chips, into each cookie.
  6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  7. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Whipped shortbread is the epitome of melt-in-your-mouth perfection, making it a timeless addition to any Christmas cookie collection.

Conclusion

These festive cookie recipes offer a variety of flavors, textures, and decorations to make your holiday season extra special. From the indulgent kitchen sink cookies to the light-as-air shortbread, each recipe brings something unique to your cookie platter. Whether you’re baking with family or gifting sweet treats to friends, these cookies are sure to spread joy and create lasting memories. So, get your apron on, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the sweet pleasures of the holiday season!

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