The holiday season is a time of warmth, togetherness, and, of course, delicious treats! Christmas cookies are a cherished tradition in many households, offering a perfect blend of holiday flavors and festive cheer. From buttery shortbreads to peppermint-infused delights, there’s no shortage of cookies to bake and enjoy with loved ones. In this article, we’ll explore a collection of 6 irresistible Christmas cookie recipes, each bringing its unique flavor and charm to the holiday table. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, these cookies are easy to make and sure to spread joy this holiday season.
1. Christmas Butter Cookies: The Quintessential Holiday Treat 🎄
Ingredients:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: Sprinkles, colored sugar, or icing for decorating
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set this mixture aside for now.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your cookies.
- Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until fully combined, ensuring the dough has a smooth consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork or your thumb. If you like, sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top for an extra festive touch.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them as they bake to ensure they don’t overcook.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once completely cool, you can drizzle them with icing or add more sprinkles for decoration.
These Christmas Butter Cookies are simple to make and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They are the perfect cookie for gifting, enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa, or leaving out for Santa on Christmas Eve.
2. Candy Cane Cookies: A Festive Twist on a Classic 🍭
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- Red food coloring
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Peppermint Extract: Mix in the egg and peppermint extract until well combined, ensuring the dough has a rich, peppermint-infused flavor.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide and Color Dough: Divide the dough into two portions. Add red food coloring to one portion and mix until evenly colored.
- Shape the Cookies: Take a small piece of red dough and a small piece of plain dough. Roll each piece into a 4-inch rope, then twist them together to form a candy cane shape.
- Bake: Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These Candy Cane Cookies combine the festive red-and-white stripes of a traditional candy cane with a sweet, minty flavor. They are perfect for holiday cookie trays or as a gift for friends and family.
3. Cherry Chocolate Pink Cookies: A Deliciously Sweet Duo 🍒🍪
Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup maraschino cherries (chopped)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- Red or pink food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chopped cherries, chocolate chips, and food coloring if desired. The result should be a fun, pink dough with bursts of color.
- Shape and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These Cherry Chocolate Pink Cookies are an irresistible combination of tart cherries, sweet chocolate chips, and a touch of festive color. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings and will be a hit with anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and fruit.
4. 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies: Simple Yet Elegant 🍪
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Maraschino cherries (halved)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the Flour: Gradually add the flour and mix until the dough comes together into a smooth consistency.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Press each ball gently with your thumb or a spoon to create an indentation in the center.
- Add the Cherry: Place a maraschino cherry half in the indentation of each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These simple, buttery shortbread cookies with a cherry on top are the epitome of elegance. They’re perfect for those who prefer a less sweet, more refined holiday cookie.
5. Cranberry Ricotta Cookies: A Citrusy, Creamy Delight 🍊
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- Powdered sugar (optional for dusting)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the Egg and Ricotta: Add the egg and ricotta cheese to the butter mixture, blending until smooth.
- Incorporate Orange Zest and Juice: Stir in the orange zest and juice for a burst of citrus flavor.
- Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in the dried cranberries.
- Shape and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden.
- Cool and Dust: Allow the cookies to cool before dusting with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
These Cranberry Ricotta Cookies are bursting with fresh flavors, offering a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the holidays. The orange zest and dried cranberries make them the perfect seasonal cookie.
6. Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies: The Sweet Holiday Classic 🍫
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp hot water
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Prepare Baking Soda Mixture: Dissolve the baking soda in hot water and mix it into the dough along with the salt.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and mix until a dough forms. Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts.
- Shape and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets and bake for 10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are a timeless classic, loved by all. They are rich, chewy, and filled with chunks of gooey chocolate, making them a favorite during the holiday season.
Conclusion: A Sweet Holiday Season
Whether you’re baking alone or with loved ones, these six Christmas cookie recipes offer something for everyone. From classic butter cookies to bold chocolate chip delights, there’s no better way to share the joy of the season than with homemade treats. These cookies not only make excellent gifts but are also the perfect addition to any holiday party or family gathering. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake your way into the heart of the holidays with these irresistible Christmas cookie recipes!