As the holiday season approaches, kitchens transform into magical havens of warmth and sweetness. The air fills with the comforting aroma of butter, sugar, and spices, evoking cherished memories and creating new ones. This year, elevate your baking game with these exquisite cookie recipes that bring a touch of creativity and festive cheer to your dessert table. From buttery classics to whimsical treats, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive in!
Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies
These buttery Italian cookies are a timeless classic. With their tender texture and subtle almond flavor, they’re perfect for pairing with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
- 2 tbsp milk
- Colored sprinkles or chocolate for decorating
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough feels dry, incorporate milk 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe into shapes like rosettes or stars onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Decorate with sprinkles or bake plain to dip in melted chocolate later.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool completely before decorating further if desired.
Calories: 120 per cookie Servings: 24 cookies
Hocus Pocus Cookies
Add a touch of magic to your cookie platter with these colorful and fun Hocus Pocus cookies. Perfect for Halloween or any whimsical gathering, they’re as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white sugar
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups cake flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 ½ tsp cornstarch
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tsp vanilla extract
- Halloween sprinkles
- Orange, green, and purple gel food coloring
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flours, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
- Divide the dough into three portions and color each with orange, green, and purple food coloring.
- Roll small portions of each color together to form marbled balls. Roll the edges in sprinkles and press white chocolate chips into the surface.
- Chill the dough balls for 30 minutes, then bake for 12-14 minutes until the edges are set.
Grinch Cookies
Inspired by the beloved holiday classic, these Grinch Cookies are vibrant green and feature a charming red heart candy in the center. A sweet nod to the spirit of Christmas!
Ingredients:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- Green gel food coloring
- Powdered sugar (for rolling)
- Red heart-shaped candies
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the cake mix, softened butter, vanilla, and eggs in a large bowl until a soft dough forms. Add green food coloring to achieve your desired shade.
- Scoop tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, and coat in powdered sugar. Place on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes. While warm, press a red heart candy into the center of each cookie. Cool completely before serving.
Calories: 150 per cookie Servings: 24 cookies
Crumbl Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
These decadent cookies combine rich chocolate, tangy cheesecake, and the sweetness of strawberries for a luxurious treat.
Ingredients:
- For the Cookie:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped strawberries
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients and mix into the wet ingredients. Fold in strawberries and chocolate chips.
- Prepare cheesecake filling by beating cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Form cookie dough balls, create a well in the center, fill with cheesecake mixture, and cover with more dough. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Cool and top with additional strawberries or frosting if desired.
Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies
Delicate shortbread with a vibrant raspberry swirl, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Ingredients:
- For the Shortbread Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- For the Raspberry Swirl:
- â…“ cup raspberry jam
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions:
- Prepare the raspberry swirl by heating jam, cornstarch, and lemon juice until thickened. Let cool.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in vanilla. Gradually add flour and salt to form a dough.
- Divide the dough and roll each portion into rectangles. Spread the jam mixture over one layer and roll into a log. Repeat with the second layer. Chill for 1 hour.
- Slice logs into rounds and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes.
Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies
These tri-color swirl cookies bring festive flair to any holiday spread, combining vibrant red, green, and natural dough.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- Red and green gel food coloring
Instructions:
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together. Cream butter and sugar, then mix in egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to form a dough. Divide into three portions and color two portions red and green.
- Roll each dough into rectangles and stack. Roll into a log, chill for 1 hour, slice, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
Holiday Cookie Baking Tips
- Chill Your Dough: For cookies that hold their shape, always chill your dough before baking.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal twist.
- Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality butter, vanilla, and chocolate make a noticeable difference.
Wrapping It Up
These cookie recipes bring a delightful variety of flavors, colors, and textures to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re a fan of rich chocolate, fruity swirls, or buttery classics, these cookies are sure to spread joy and sweetness. So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and let the holiday baking begin!