Get ready to bring some festive cheer into your kitchen with these delightful Christmas Holiday Cookies! Perfect for sharing with family and friends, these cookies are not only simple to make but also bursting with flavors that embody the spirit of the season. You’ll love how easily you can customize them with your favorite candies and sprinkles, making them the perfect treat for busy holiday days.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 24
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 150
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 100mg
Why Make Christmas Holiday Cookies
There’s something magical about baking during the holidays, and Christmas Holiday Cookies perfectly capture that joy. They’re not only delicious but can also be made healthier by using alternative sweeteners or adding nuts for added nutrients. Plus, their versatility means you can easily adapt the recipes to your taste, whether you prefer fruity, nutty, or chocolatey flavors. Perfect for gatherings or as gifts, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer to everyone who tries them!
How to Make Christmas Holiday Cookies Step by Step
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup salted sweet cream butter
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup red and green M&M’s
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup salted butter
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp red liquid food coloring
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup jam
Directions
For M&M Cookies, preheat the oven to 350°F. Cream the salted butter, sugars, and vanilla extract, and mix in the large egg. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking soda, then blend this mixture with the wet ingredients until smooth. Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and M&M’s. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly browned.
For Pinwheel Cookies, start by creaming the butter with sugar, blending in vanilla and the egg. Next, mix the flour and baking powder, then combine with the wet ingredients to form a dough. Divide the dough into two parts, adding red liquid food coloring to one part. Roll out each color and layer them, then roll into a log, chill for an hour, slice, and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
For Thumbprint Cookies, cream the unsalted butter with white and brown sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla, then mix in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Form the dough into balls, create a thumbprint in each one, fill it with jam, and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
How to Serve Christmas Holiday Cookies
These Christmas Holiday Cookies are wonderful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them with a warm cup of cocoa or a glass of milk. If you’re feeling festive, arrange them on a decorative plate alongside a few sprigs of fresh mint or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a snow-like effect. They also pair nicely with a fruit salad for a light contrast.
How to Store Christmas Holiday Cookies
To keep your Christmas Holiday Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to store them longer, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Reheat them gently in the oven or enjoy them straight from the freezer!
Expert Tips for Cooking Christmas Holiday Cookies
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and a better texture.
- Experiment with mix-ins like nuts, different chocolate varieties, or seasonal spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.
- If your dough is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.
- For perfectly even cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough.
- Always keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can differ.
Delicious Variations of Christmas Holiday Cookies
- Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter to introduce a warm, spicy flavor.
- Swap out chocolate chips for peanut butter chips for a delightful twist.
- Try a citrus version using lemon zest and orange juice for a refreshing change.
Creating these Christmas Holiday Cookies will surely fill your home with the aromas of the season and the joy of sharing sweet treats with loved ones. You’ll find that they not only taste amazing but are also simple and fun to make. Enjoy the festive flavors and let these cookies add warmth to your holiday celebrations!
