As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of freshly baked cookies filling the home. Whether you’re preparing for family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply enjoying a sweet treat with loved ones, these five cookie recipes are perfect for the occasion. From delicate shortbread to indulgent chocolate treats, each recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors that will surely add joy to your holiday festivities. Let’s dive into these delicious, easy-to-make cookies that will leave everyone asking for more!
1. Whipped Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies are a classic during the holidays, and these whipped shortbread cookies take the traditional treat to a whole new level. With their light, crumbly texture and melt-in-your-mouth consistency, these cookies are perfect for any celebration. The best part is how simple they are to prepare. This recipe requires only a few basic ingredients, yet it delivers an indulgent taste that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- Optional additions: dark chocolate chunks, sprinkles, melted chocolate for dipping
Directions:
- Prepare the Dough: Start by mixing the butter, powdered sugar, and cornstarch in a mixer. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the flour, continuing to mix slowly until the dough becomes light and fluffy.
- Customize the Cookies (Optional): If you’d like to add extra flavor, fold in dark chocolate chunks for a rich contrast or prepare sprinkles to top the cookies after baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop out small portions of dough and shape them into cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Decorate: Let the cookies cool on a wire rack. For extra flair, dip them into melted chocolate and top with sprinkles. These cookies are buttery, delicate, and perfect for the holidays.
2. Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters
Chocolate pecan turtle clusters are a decadent, crunchy, and chewy treat that combines the richness of chocolate, the sweetness of caramel, and the nuttiness of pecans. These bite-sized clusters are easy to make and are perfect for gifting or serving at a holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pecan halves (or pieces)
- 1 ½ cups caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 12 oz milk chocolate or dark chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)
Directions:
- Prepare the Pecans: Lay out a sheet of parchment or wax paper on a baking sheet. Arrange the pecans in small clusters of 5-6 pecan halves each.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and optional vegetable oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Make the Caramel: Warm the caramel sauce in a saucepan or microwave so it’s pourable, or prepare homemade caramel and let it cool to a slightly thick consistency.
- Assemble the Turtles: Spoon a small amount of caramel over each cluster of pecans. Then pour the melted chocolate over the pecans and caramel, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Let them Set: Allow the clusters to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
These chocolate pecan turtle clusters are not only delicious but also make a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family during the holidays.
3. Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies
Red velvet cookies are a festive and striking treat, especially when paired with the classic Hershey’s Kiss. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, offering a beautiful contrast between the deep red hue of the dough and the shiny, chocolatey kiss placed right in the center.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 30 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Roll the Cookies: Scoop a tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, and coat each ball in powdered sugar.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the powdered-sugar-coated dough balls onto a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
These Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies are perfect for sharing and will surely bring a festive touch to your holiday gatherings.
4. Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies offer a delightful twist on a traditional sugar cookie. The combination of sweet maraschino cherries and almond extract creates a deliciously festive flavor, while the glaze adds a sweet finish that takes these cookies to the next level.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- ½ cup sliced almonds
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Directions:
- Make the Dough: Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until fluffy. Beat in the vegetable oil, eggs, and almond extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped cherries and sliced almonds.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden.
- Prepare the Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and garnish with extra sliced almonds and maraschino cherry halves.
These cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and nutty, making them a great addition to your holiday cookie platter.
5. Christmas Butter Cookies
These Christmas Butter Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, with a rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking them for a family celebration or a gift exchange, these cookies are sure to bring joy to anyone who tries them.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 egg yolks
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- Optional: melted chocolate & sprinkles
Directions:
- Prepare the Dough: Mix the flour and salt together in a bowl and set aside. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing well. Stir in the flour mixture until just combined.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a piping bag to pipe 1½-inch swirls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Decorate: Cool the cookies, then dip them into melted chocolate and sprinkle with your favorite decorations.
These Christmas Butter Cookies are simple yet elegant, with a buttery taste that’s perfect for the season.
Conclusion The holiday season wouldn’t be the same without a selection of delicious cookies to share with friends and family. From the delicate and melt-in-your-mouth whipped shortbread to the rich chocolate pecan turtle clusters, each of these recipes brings something special to the table. Whether you’re looking for something sweet and simple or a treat with a festive twist, these holiday cookie recipes are guaranteed to delight. So, gather your ingredients, turn on the oven, and start baking these irresistible cookies that will make your holiday season even sweeter!