The holiday season is a time of celebration, joy, and of course, delicious food. Among the many festive traditions, baking cookies stands out as one of the most beloved. The comforting aroma of fresh-baked treats fills the home, bringing families together and creating memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re looking to indulge in buttery delights, sweet fruity flavors, or minty creations, Christmas cookies offer something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of Christmas cookie recipes that will make your holiday season extra special.
1. Christmas Butter Cookies 🍪
These Christmas butter cookies are a timeless classic, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa. Their soft texture, rich buttery flavor, and simple elegance make them an ideal holiday treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 egg yolks
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk
- Optional: melted chocolate & sprinkles
Directions:
- Prep Dry Ingredients: Begin by mixing the flour and salt together in a bowl. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until fluffy and light.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the flour mixture until just combined. If the dough feels too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a smooth, workable dough.
- Preheat and Shape: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pipe 1½-inch swirls of dough onto the sheet.
- Bake: Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool completely. For an extra festive touch, dip them in melted chocolate and sprinkle with colorful sprinkles.
These buttery cookies are simple to make, yet they exude a rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
2. Cranberry Christmas Cookies 🍪
Cranberries and white chocolate chips combine to create a wonderfully tart and sweet cookie that adds a pop of color to your holiday cookie tray. The slight hint of cinnamon enhances the overall warmth of these festive cookies.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Directions:
- Prep and Mix: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Add Cranberries and Chips: Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These cookies provide a delightful balance of tart cranberries and creamy white chocolate, making them a festive favorite.
3. Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies 🍒
For a truly indulgent holiday treat, look no further than maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies. The juicy cherries provide a pop of sweetness, while the semisweet chocolate chips add richness to every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat and Mix: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Add Cherries and Chips: Fold in the maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
- Shape and Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the sheets before transferring them to a wire rack.
The combination of maraschino cherries and chocolate chips gives these cookies a festive twist that’s sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
4. Christmas Shortbread Cookies 🍪
Shortbread cookies are a staple in many holiday traditions, and this simple yet delicious recipe is perfect for those who prefer a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat. The soft, crumbly texture pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the powdered sugar.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Sprinkles
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Mix in the flour, cornstarch, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Shape and Decorate: Dust your hands with cornstarch and form the dough into small balls. Press each cookie down gently with a fork dipped in cornstarch to prevent sticking. Add sprinkles to the tops of each cookie.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 14-16 minutes, or until the tops are set and lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool before serving.
These shortbread cookies offer a delicate sweetness that is both simple and luxurious. The addition of sprinkles adds a festive touch, making them perfect for Christmas.
5. Soft Christmas Peppermints 🎅
No holiday treat collection would be complete without a peppermint-flavored dessert. These soft Christmas peppermint mints are easy to make and offer a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience that is perfect for gifting or decorating your holiday table.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp peppermint extract (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp salt
- Food coloring (red and/or green, optional)
- Granulated sugar (for rolling, optional)
Directions:
- Mix the Ingredients: Cream together the butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the condensed milk, peppermint extract, and salt, and mix until the dough is smooth and firm.
- Color the Dough: Divide the dough into portions and add food coloring to each portion, mixing until the desired color is achieved.
- Shape the Mints: Roll the dough into small balls or shape into desired forms.
- Coat and Set: Roll the mints in granulated sugar for extra sweetness, then place them on a baking sheet to firm up.
- Set and Store: Allow the mints to sit for 24 hours to firm up. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
These soft peppermint mints are an ideal holiday treat, offering a refreshing minty flavor with a smooth, creamy texture.
Conclusion
Baking Christmas cookies is a cherished holiday tradition, and these recipes are the perfect way to celebrate the season with delicious, homemade treats. Whether you prefer the rich, buttery goodness of shortbread, the festive tang of cranberry cookies, or the indulgence of chocolate chips and cherries, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Baking together can also be a fun family activity, creating not only delicious treats but lasting memories. So this holiday season, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the magic of Christmas baking begin!