Cookies are the heart and soul of holiday baking. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering, looking for thoughtful homemade gifts, or simply indulging in seasonal treats, the recipes below will inspire you to roll up your sleeves and fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies. Let’s dive into six delectable recipes that are perfect for this joyous time of year.
1. White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Directions:
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough is well combined.
Add Cherries and Chocolate
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and white chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass.
Chill the Dough
Refrigerate the shaped cookies for 30 minutes to firm up.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve and enjoy!
These buttery shortbread cookies, with their bursts of cherry and creamy white chocolate, will add a touch of elegance to your holiday table.
2. Buckeye Brownie Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 box fudge brownie mix (19.5 oz or family size)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
Prepare the Dough
Combine the brownie mix, vanilla extract, cornstarch, melted butter, softened cream cheese, and egg in a bowl. Mix until smooth. The dough will be sticky.
Shape and Bake
Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes.
Make the Peanut Butter Balls
While the cookies are baking, mix the powdered sugar and peanut butter in a bowl. Roll into small balls.
Assemble
Press a peanut butter ball into the center of each cookie as soon as they come out of the oven.
Add Chocolate
Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and spoon a small amount over the peanut butter center. Let the chocolate set before serving.
Rich, chocolatey, and filled with creamy peanut butter, these cookies are a decadent treat sure to impress.
3. Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- Snowflake sprinkles (optional)
Directions:
Prepare the Dough
Cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture.
Add Mix-ins
Fold in chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, and white chocolate chips.
Shape and Decorate
Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto a baking sheet. Sprinkle with snowflake sprinkles.
Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
These cookies capture the spirit of the season with their festive flavors and whimsical decorations.
4. Rolled Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
- 2 cups white sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon honey or light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Directions:
Prepare the Dough
Cream the butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt.
Chill
Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.
Shape and Bake
Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut into shapes and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 6-7 minutes.
Decorate
Mix powdered sugar, milk, honey, and vanilla for the icing. Add food coloring if desired and spread onto cooled cookies.
A classic favorite, these cookies are perfect for holiday decorating fun with the family.
5. Christmas Soft Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients:
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 4 tablespoons milk
For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring and sprinkles (optional)
Directions:
Prepare the Dough
Cream the butter and sugar, then beat in eggs and extracts. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk.
Shape and Bake
Roll out the dough and cut into shapes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes.
Decorate
Mix icing ingredients and decorate the cooled cookies with colorful designs.
These buttery cookies are a soft and delightful addition to any holiday platter.
6. Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions:
Prepare the Dough
Cream butter and sugar, then add extracts. Gradually mix in all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt.
Shape and Fill
Flatten a tablespoon of dough into a circle, add jam to the center, and seal. Roll into a ball.
Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes. Cool completely.
Dust with Powdered Sugar
Generously dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
These elegant cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them perfect for holiday celebrations.
Conclusion
Whether you’re drawn to the festive crunch of crushed candy canes, the decadence of chocolate and peanut butter, or the delicate flavors of almond and raspberry, this collection of holiday cookie recipes has something for everyone. Gather your loved ones, preheat the oven, and let the baking begin!