Baking is an activity that brings joy and warmth to any household, especially during the holidays. There’s something magical about the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air, filling your home with anticipation. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, these six cookie recipes are perfect for anyone looking to indulge in a sweet treat this holiday season. From the smoothness of white chocolate and the tartness of dried cherries to the rich flavor of double chocolate and peppermint, each of these recipes offers something special. Let’s dive into each recipe and explore the intricate details that make them irresistible.
1. White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies are known for their crumbly texture and rich, buttery flavor. The White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies elevate the classic shortbread with the addition of dried cherries and creamy white chocolate chips, offering a delightful contrast in both flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup dried cherries, chopped
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the dried cherries and white chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the dough.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Let them cool on a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an added touch of elegance.
These cookies have a buttery flavor that pairs wonderfully with the tartness of the dried cherries and the sweetness of the white chocolate. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat.
2. Crumble-Topped Cranberry Cookies
If you enjoy a cookie with both texture and flavor complexity, the Crumble-Topped Cranberry Cookies will be a hit. The combination of dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, along with the crunchy crumble topping, creates a delightful contrast in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon 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 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
- Stir in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- For the crumble topping, mix the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle the crumble topping over each cookie mound.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
The sweetness of the white chocolate and tartness of the cranberries are complemented beautifully by the rich, crunchy crumble topping. These cookies are perfect for those who enjoy a mix of textures and flavors in every bite.
3. Christmas Butter Cookies
There is something so classic about Christmas Butter Cookies. These simple yet delightful cookies are a holiday staple. The light, sweet flavor and tender texture make them a favorite at Christmas cookie exchanges and family gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly using a fork or cookie stamp.
- Decorate with colored sugar or sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack.
These cookies are simple, buttery, and perfect for those who enjoy a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treat. You can easily customize the decoration with various colored sugars, sprinkles, or even tiny candy pieces for a personal touch.
4. Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
Sugar plums are often associated with holiday festivities, and Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies take this classic flavor and turn it into a luxurious treat. The combination of buttery shortbread dough and the sweetness of sugar plum jam creates a festive and unique cookie.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sugar plum jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly with your thumb.
- Fill the center of each cookie with a small amount of sugar plum jam.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a festive finish.
The sugar plum jam adds a burst of sweetness to the rich, buttery shortbread, making these cookies a unique addition to any holiday cookie platter.
5. Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
For those who love chocolate, Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are the ultimate indulgence. The combination of both semisweet and white chocolate chips, along with a touch of peppermint extract and crushed peppermint candies, makes for a rich and refreshing cookie experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix this into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies.
- Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are set. Let them cool on a wire rack.
These cookies offer the perfect balance of chocolate richness and minty freshness, making them a fantastic choice for anyone who loves the flavors of peppermint and chocolate combined.
6. Raspberry Bow Tie Cookies
Raspberry Bow Tie Cookies are a charming and visually appealing treat that will bring a touch of elegance to your holiday dessert table. These cookies are simple to make yet look impressive, with their delightful bow tie shape and the sweet raspberry jam center.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk, and mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut the dough into strips and twist each strip into a bow tie shape.
- Place the bow ties on the baking sheet and press a small amount of raspberry jam in the center of each one.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Let the cookies cool and then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
These cookies have a delightful tartness from the raspberry jam, perfectly balancing the rich, buttery flavor of the cookie dough. Their unique shape makes them a fun and festive addition to any holiday celebration.
Conclusion
Each of these six cookie recipes brings something special to the table, whether it’s the creamy sweetness of white chocolate, the refreshing coolness of peppermint, or the rich, buttery texture of shortbread. These cookies are not just delicious but are a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season, bringing joy to your kitchen and your family. Happy baking!