A Guide to Holiday Cookie Baking

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The holiday season is often associated with spending time with loved ones, gift exchanges, and, of course, delightful homemade treats. Baking cookies not only fills the kitchen with mouth-watering aromas, but it also brings joy and warmth to the home. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, creating gifts, or simply indulging in sweet treats, holiday cookies are a must-have.

In this article, we’ll explore seven fantastic cookie recipes that will elevate your holiday baking. Each recipe offers unique flavors, textures, and combinations that will delight your family and friends. From the rich creaminess of white chocolate and cherries to the comforting flavors of banana pudding and buttermilk, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. So, let’s dive into these seven irresistible cookie recipes!

1. White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread cookies are a timeless favorite, known for their buttery texture and simple ingredients. This recipe combines the classic shortbread base with the sweetness of white chocolate chips and the tartness of dried cherries, making it a perfect treat for the holiday season.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup dried cherries, chopped
  • 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
  3. Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
  4. Fold in the chopped dried cherries and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball.
  6. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.
  7. Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.

These white chocolate cherry shortbread cookies are sure to impress with their delicate texture and delightful blend of flavors. They make a lovely addition to any cookie tray and are perfect for gifting.

2. Christmas Butter Cookies

When you think of holiday cookies, butter cookies are often at the top of the list. Their rich, tender texture and buttery flavor make them a holiday classic. This recipe adds a festive touch by decorating the cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles, making them a fun and colorful treat.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
  4. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork or cookie stamp.
  5. Decorate the cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles for a festive touch.
  6. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and cool on wire racks.

These Christmas butter cookies are simple to make but always a crowd-pleaser. Their buttery flavor and festive appearance make them a perfect addition to any holiday cookie spread.

3. Crumble-Topped Cranberry Cookies

The combination of tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate chips in these crumble-topped cookies offers a perfect balance of flavors. The crumble topping adds a delightful texture that enhances the overall experience. These cookies are a great option for anyone who loves a mix of sweet and tart in their treats.

Ingredients:

For the cookies:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

For the crumble topping:

  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the 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 separate bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
  4. Stir in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
  5. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
  6. For the crumble topping, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the cookies.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the crumble topping is slightly crisp. Cool on a wire rack.

These cranberry cookies are perfect for those who enjoy a bit of tartness paired with the sweetness of white chocolate. The crumble topping adds an extra layer of texture that makes these cookies stand out.

4. Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

Raspberry jam adds a vibrant color and fruity sweetness to these shortbread cookies, creating a visually appealing and flavorful treat. The swirl effect not only looks stunning but also enhances the texture and flavor with every bite.

Ingredients:

For the shortbread dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp raspberry jam

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
  5. Divide the dough into two portions. Roll one portion out between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/4-inch thickness.
  6. Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam over the rolled dough.
  7. Roll the second portion of dough and place it on top of the jam-covered dough. Gently press to seal.
  8. Slice the dough into 1-inch strips and twist them to create a swirl effect.
  9. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
  10. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.

These raspberry swirl shortbread cookies are as delicious as they are beautiful. The tangy raspberry jam pairs perfectly with the buttery shortbread, making for a delightful holiday treat.

5. Banana Pudding Cookies

Inspired by the classic Southern dessert, banana pudding cookies are an innovative way to enjoy the flavors of banana pudding in cookie form. The addition of white chocolate chips and crushed vanilla wafers brings the iconic flavors to life, while the mashed banana keeps the cookies soft and chewy.

Ingredients:

For the cookies:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 small ripe banana, mashed
  • 1 box (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed banana.
  4. Mix in the banana pudding mix until well combined.
  5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  7. Fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed vanilla wafers.
  8. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

Banana pudding cookies are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of a classic dessert in cookie form. The white chocolate chips and vanilla wafers add a delightful crunch, while the banana pudding mix gives the cookies a rich, creamy flavor.

6. Amish Christmas Cookies

Amish Christmas cookies are a festive and flavorful treat, combining buttermilk, chocolate chips, and nuts in a soft, chewy cookie dough. The red and green sprinkles add a touch of holiday cheer, making these cookies a perfect choice for your Christmas cookie tray.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup red and green sprinkles

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, until combined.
  5. Fold in the chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips.
  6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart.
  7. Sprinkle the cookies with red and green sprinkles for a festive touch.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Cool on the baking sheets before transferring to wire racks.

Amish Christmas cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor. The combination of chocolate chips, nuts, and festive sprinkles makes them a hit at any holiday gathering.

These seven cookie recipes provide a delightful mix of flavors and textures, from the buttery richness of shortbread to the fruity sweetness of raspberry jam. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to bring joy and deliciousness to your celebrations. Happy baking!

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