As the holiday season approaches, nothing quite compares to the joy of baking festive cookies. The air becomes filled with the aroma of vanilla, cinnamon, butter, and sugar, and the kitchen is often filled with the laughter of friends and family. Whether you’re planning to make cookies for a Christmas party, share them as gifts, or simply indulge in a sweet treat with a warm cup of tea, these recipes will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also bring a touch of elegance and cheer to your festivities.
This article features a selection of five festive cookie recipes that are perfect for any occasion, from traditional Christmas gatherings to casual afternoon snacks. We will explore White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies, Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies, Festive Holiday Wreath Meringue Cookies, Soft Sugar Cookies, and Strawberry Shortcake Cookies. Each recipe offers a unique twist on classic treats and is sure to become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire.
White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies
The Perfect Combination of Sweet and Tart
Shortbread cookies are a holiday classic, known for their rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. These White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies elevate the traditional recipe with the sweetness of white chocolate and the tartness of dried cherries, creating a delightful contrast that makes these cookies irresistible.
Ingredients:
Baking & Spices:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (plus extra for drizzling, optional)
Fruits:
- 1/2 cup dried cherries (chopped)
Dairy:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
Extracts:
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy removal of the cookies. - Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine. - Combine Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. - Fold in Cherries and White Chocolate:
Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries and white chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. - Shape the Dough:
Roll the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm. - Slice and Bake:
Once the dough is chilled, unwrap it and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn light golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. - Drizzle with White Chocolate (Optional):
For an extra touch of elegance, melt additional white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies. - Serve and Enjoy:
These cookies are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, offering a balance of buttery richness and fruity sweetness.
Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies
A Fun and Colorful Treat
For those who love both the taste and the look of Christmas cookies, Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies are a fantastic choice. With their cheerful red, green, and plain swirls, these cookies bring a burst of color to your holiday cookie platter.
Ingredients:
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- Red and green gel food coloring
Instructions:
- Prepare Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until smooth and fully combined. - Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into three equal portions. - Add Color:
Leave one portion of dough plain. For the other two portions, add red and green gel food coloring, kneading each portion until the color is evenly distributed. - Roll the Dough:
Roll each portion of dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick on a piece of wax paper. Stack the layers (plain, red, green) and gently press them together. - Shape the Dough:
Roll the stacked dough into a log starting from one long edge, creating a beautiful swirl pattern. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. - Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. - Slice and Bake:
Slice the chilled dough log into ¼-inch rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. - Enjoy:
These colorful and buttery cookies will add a fun, festive touch to your holiday celebrations.
Festive Holiday Wreath Meringue Cookies
A Light and Crisp Holiday Treat
If you’re looking for a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treat, Festive Holiday Wreath Meringue Cookies are the perfect choice. With their light texture and beautiful holiday wreath shape, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Ingredients:
For the Meringue:
- 4 large egg whites (at room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Decoration:
- Red sugar pearls or sprinkles (for the “berries”)
- Edible holly leaf decorations (optional)
- Green food coloring (optional, for piping)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meringue:
Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. - Whisk the Egg Whites:
In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until frothy. Add cream of tartar and a pinch of salt, then gradually increase the speed to high. Slowly add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy. - Pipe the Wreaths:
Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe small circular wreath shapes onto the baking sheets. Add red sugar pearls as “berries” and decorate with edible holly leaves if desired. - Bake the Meringues:
Bake for 1½ to 2 hours, or until the meringues are crisp and easily lift off the parchment paper. Turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside to cool completely. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooled, store the meringue cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Soft Sugar Cookies
A Timeless Classic
Soft Sugar Cookies are a true holiday staple, known for their chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you decorate them with festive icing or keep them plain, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Colored sanding sugar for decoration
Instructions:
- Mix the Butter and Sugar:
Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix well. - Add the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients. - Chill the Dough:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll the balls in sanding sugar and refrigerate for 20 minutes. - Bake the Cookies:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are lightly crinkled. - Cool and Serve:
Allow the cookies to cool before serving. These soft, chewy treats are perfect for any occasion.
Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
A Fruity Twist on a Classic Dessert
These Strawberry Shortcake Cookies bring the flavor of strawberry shortcake into a deliciously chewy bite. With real strawberries and a sugary glaze, they’re perfect for any holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries (crushed)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tsp milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp crushed freeze-dried strawberries
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Prepare the Dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the cold butter and mix until the dough resembles coarse crumbs. - Add Wet Ingredients:
Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the dough comes together. Gently fold in the freeze-dried strawberries. - Shape the Dough:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place them on the baking sheet. Flatten each ball with your hands. - Bake and Glaze:
Bake for 10-12 minutes. Once cooled, drizzle with glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies
Une Solution Rapide et Délicieuse
Si vous êtes à la recherche d’une recette simple et rapide, les Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies sont une excellente option. Avec seulement quelques ingrédients, ces cookies sont parfaits pour ceux qui veulent préparer des douceurs en un rien de temps, sans sacrifier le goût. Les cookies présentent une texture légère et croquante à l’extérieur, mais sont moelleux à l’intérieur, ce qui les rend irrésistibles.
Ingrédients :
- 1 boîte (15,25 onces) de mélange à gâteau (n’importe quelle saveur, mais au chocolat ou à la vanille sont des choix populaires)
- 2 gros œufs
- 1/3 tasse d’huile végétale
- 1 tasse de sucre glace (pour l’enrobage)
Instructions :
- Préparer la pâte :
Préchauffez votre four à 350°F (175°C) et tapissez une plaque à pâtisserie de papier sulfurisé. Dans un grand bol, mélangez le mélange à gâteau, les œufs et l’huile végétale jusqu’à obtenir une pâte douce et homogène. - Former les boules :
À l’aide d’une cuillère à soupe ou d’une petite cuillère à biscuits, formez des boules de pâte. Roulez chaque boule dans le sucre glace jusqu’à ce qu’elle soit complètement enrobée. - Disposer et cuire :
Placez les boules de pâte sur la plaque préparée, en laissant environ 2 pouces d’espace entre chaque boule. Faites cuire au four pendant 10 à 12 minutes, ou jusqu’à ce que les bords des cookies soient légèrement dorés et que les cookies présentent une belle fissure à la surface. - Refroidir :
Laissez refroidir les cookies sur la plaque pendant 2 à 3 minutes, puis transférez-les sur une grille pour qu’ils refroidissent complètement.
Temps de préparation : 10 minutes
Temps de cuisson : 12 minutes
Temps total : 22 minutes
Ces cookies sont parfaits pour ceux qui manquent de temps, mais qui souhaitent néanmoins offrir des biscuits maison délicieux et visuellement impressionnants.
Les Astuces pour des Cookies Parfaits
En plus des recettes mentionnées, voici quelques astuces générales pour vous aider à réussir toutes vos créations de cookies :
1. Respectez les températures des ingrédients :
Il est important que le beurre soit à température ambiante avant de l’incorporer dans la pâte. Cela permet d’obtenir une texture plus crémeuse et d’assurer que les cookies aient une texture douce et uniforme. Si vous utilisez des œufs, assurez-vous qu’ils soient également à température ambiante pour éviter de faire durcir la pâte.
2. Ne surchargez pas la pâte :
Lorsque vous incorporez des ingrédients secs comme la farine, assurez-vous de ne pas trop mélanger la pâte. Mélangez jusqu’à ce que les ingrédients soient juste combinés pour éviter des cookies durs ou trop compacts.
3. Le refroidissement est crucial :
Pour éviter que vos cookies ne s’étalent trop lors de la cuisson, placez la pâte au réfrigérateur pendant au moins 20 minutes avant de les cuire. Cela aide la pâte à se raffermir, et les cookies conservent mieux leur forme.
4. L’importance du papier sulfurisé :
Utilisez toujours du papier sulfurisé pour vos plaques de cuisson. Non seulement cela empêche les cookies de coller, mais cela garantit également une cuisson uniforme.
5. Surveillez bien la cuisson :
Les cookies continuent de cuire légèrement après avoir été retirés du four, donc assurez-vous de les sortir lorsqu’ils sont légèrement dorés autour des bords, mais encore légèrement mous au centre.
Conclusion
These holiday cookies add a delicious and festive touch to any celebration. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday party, or just because you want to enjoy something sweet, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and bring joy to your home. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to bake up some holiday magic!