Festive Christmas Cookie Recipes

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The holiday season is a time for indulging in festive treats, gathering with loved ones, and creating memories. One of the most delightful ways to celebrate is by baking Christmas cookies. The kitchen fills with delicious aromas as flour, butter, sugar, and holiday spirit combine to create mouthwatering masterpieces. In this article, we’re covering seven scrumptious Christmas cookie recipes that will make your holiday baking extra special. From classic favorites like shortbread and spritz cookies to unique concoctions such as cotton candy cookies and white chocolate cranberry pecan clusters, you’ll find something for everyone in this cookie collection.

 

1. Christmas Cream Cheese Sprinkles Cookies: A Festive Delight

Cream cheese-based cookies are known for their tender texture and rich, smooth flavor. These Christmas Cream Cheese Sprinkles Cookies are not only delicious but also a visually stunning treat to serve at holiday parties.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup softened butter
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • Assorted holiday sprinkles for decoration

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
  3. Cream the Butter and Cheese: In a separate bowl, beat together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring until smooth.
  5. Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  6. Form the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheets. Gently press down with a fork or your fingers, then top each cookie with holiday sprinkles.
  7. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
  8. Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before enjoying these soft, creamy delights!

 

2. White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters: Sweet and Crunchy

For those who prefer something a bit more indulgent, these White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters are perfect. With their smooth, creamy white chocolate base and the combination of crunchy pecans and tart cranberries, these clusters offer the best of both worlds.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ tsp sea salt (optional)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each to ensure it’s smooth.
  3. Mix the Ingredients: Stir in the chopped pecans, cranberries, sea salt (if using), and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined.
  4. Form Clusters: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming small clusters.
  5. Chill: Refrigerate the clusters for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate has set.
  6. Store: Once firm, store in an airtight container. These treats are perfect for gifting or enjoying as a sweet holiday snack!

3. Whipped Shortbread Cookies: Light and Buttery Perfection

Shortbread cookies are a Christmas classic, and these whipped shortbread cookies, with their soft and delicate texture, are no exception. The addition of powdered sugar ensures a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Sprinkles, chocolate chips, or cherries for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, cornstarch, and vanilla extract, beating until the dough is smooth and whipped in texture.
  4. Shape the Dough: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, or use a piping bag with a star tip for a more elegant look. Top with sprinkles, chocolate chips, or a cherry.
  5. Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are just golden. Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

 

4. White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Chocolate Cookies: A Minty Twist

These cookies combine the best of chocolate and peppermint, making them the perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter. The white chocolate coating and crushed candy canes on top provide a festive touch.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 8 oz white chocolate, melted
  • Crushed candy canes for topping

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
  4. Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto a lined baking sheet and slightly flatten them.
  5. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let the cookies cool completely.
  6. Dip in White Chocolate: Dip half of each cookie into the melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
  7. Set and Serve: Allow the cookies to set on parchment paper before serving.

 

5. Cotton Candy Cookies: A Sweet, Whimsical Treat

These Cotton Candy Cookies are a fun and colorful twist on traditional sugar cookies. With the unique addition of cotton candy pieces, they bring both sweetness and whimsy to the holiday season.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup cotton candy, torn into small pieces
  • ½ cup colorful sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together, then gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
  4. Fold in Cotton Candy: Gently fold in the cotton candy pieces and sprinkles (if using).
  5. Shape the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  6. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
  7. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack.

 

6. Whipped Christmas Shortbread: A Festive Version

These Christmas-themed shortbread cookies feature a rich, buttery flavor and a soft texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for holiday gifting or serving at parties, these cookies are simple yet stunning.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Red and green sprinkles for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Mix the Dough: Cream the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough is smooth.
  3. Shape the Cookies: Pipe the dough into rosettes or other desired shapes onto the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Once the cookies have cooled, top them with festive red and green sprinkles.

 

7. Buttery Classic Spritz Cookies: Simple and Elegant

Spritz cookies are a classic holiday treat that’s both easy to make and delicious. With their delicate texture and bright, colorful decorations, these buttery treats will add a touch of elegance to your cookie tray.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix the Dough: Beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture until combined.
  4. Shape the Cookies: Fill a cookie press with dough and press into shapes onto the prepared baking sheet. Decorate with colored sugar or sprinkles.
  5. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden.
  6. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool before serving.

 

Conclusion: A Sweet Finish to the Holiday Season

These seven cookie recipes offer a delightful variety of flavors, textures, and festive touches to help you make the most of the holiday season. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying a sweet treat with a cup of hot cocoa, these Christmas cookies are sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let the holiday baking begin!

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