Delicious Christmas Cookie Recipes to Try

Introduction

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious array of Christmas cookies? Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or just looking to spread some festive cheer, cookies are an essential part of any holiday gathering. Love and Lemons offers a delightful collection of 23 Christmas cookie recipes, including a standout favorite: Easy Sugar Cookies. This article will highlight the detailed recipe for these classic cookies, perfect for decorating with loved ones.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

2¾ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
Royal Icing, coarse sugar, and/or sprinkles for decorating

Prep Time

2 hours (minimum for chilling the dough)

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 9 to 11 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours and 20 minutes (includes cooling)
Yield: Approximately 30 cookies (varies with cutter size)

The Easy Sugar Cookies are a versatile treat, ready to be transformed with a variety of decorations. The full process ensures your cookies come out perfectly soft and delicious, making them a favorite for any holiday celebration. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using an electric mixer, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts

Add the large egg to the butter mixture and mix to combine. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough should be soft.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half, and form each half into a ball. Flatten each ball into a 1-inch-thick disk. Wrap the disks tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours and up to 2 days.

Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7: Roll Out Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. If the dough is too firm, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. Transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets, re-rolling any scraps as necessary.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake the cookies one sheet at a time for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown. The cookies may seem underdone in the center but will firm up upon cooling. Baking time may vary based on the size of your cookie cutters.

Step 9: Cool and Decorate

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they are completely cooled, decorate as desired.

Notes

Yield Information

This recipe yields approximately 30 cookies, although the exact number may vary based on the size of the cookie cutters used.

Storage Instructions

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

Customization Tips

Feel free to customize the cookie decorations with royal icing, coarse sugar, sprinkles, or any other desired toppings.

Cook techniques

Creaming Method

This technique involves blending butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, which incorporates air into the mixture and helps create a tender cookie texture.

Chilling the Dough

Refrigerating the dough before baking helps to solidify the fat, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also allows the flavors to meld together.

Rolling and Cutting

When rolling out cookie dough, dust the surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking. Use cookie cutters to create desired shapes, ensuring even thickness for uniform baking.

Baking

Bake cookies at the recommended temperature, and keep an eye on them as they bake. Cookies should be removed from the oven when the edges are lightly golden, even if the centers appear soft.

Cooling

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking apart and allows them to cool evenly.

Decorating

Once the cookies are completely cooled, decorate with royal icing, coarse sugar, or sprinkles, taking care to ensure that any icing has time to set before stacking or storing the cookies.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour is recommended for sugar cookies, you can substitute with gluten-free flour or other types, but the texture and taste may vary.

How long can I store cookies?

Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to three months.

Can I add other flavors to my cookies?

Yes, you can customize your sugar cookies by adding flavor extracts such as peppermint, lemon, or coconut, or by incorporating mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your cookie dough is too sticky to roll out, you can add a bit more flour, refrigerate it for a longer period, or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.

Is it necessary to use royal icing for decorating?

No, royal icing is not necessary for decoration. You can use simple powdered sugar glaze, chocolate, or just sprinkle sugar on top before baking.

Conclusion

The collection of Christmas cookie recipes from Love and Lemons provides a delightful variety for the holiday season. The Easy Sugar Cookies recipe serves as a fantastic base that can be decorated in numerous ways to suit your holiday festivities. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can create a batch of delicious cookies that are sure to please family and friends.

Gingerbread Cookies

A classic choice for the holidays, gingerbread cookies can be shaped into fun designs and decorated with icing for a festive touch.

Peppermint Bark Cookies

Combine chocolate and crushed peppermint candies for a refreshing and indulgent cookie that captures the essence of the season.

Snowball Cookies

These powdered sugar-coated treats, also known as Russian tea cakes, are buttery and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Perfectly fudgy with a crackle top, these chocolate cookies bring a rich flavor that is hard to resist.

Pecan Sandies

Nutty and buttery, these cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

A wholesome option, these soft cookies are filled with oats, raisins, and a touch of cinnamon for warm flavors.

Linzer Cookies

Delicate and filled with jam, these sandwich cookies are beautiful and delicious, perfect for holiday gifting.

Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies

A twist on the classic chocolate chip variety, the addition of hazelnuts adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

Eggnog Cookies

Infused with eggnog flavor and holiday spices, these cookies bring the taste of festive drinks to your dessert table.

Molasses Cookies

Soft and spiced, molasses cookies are warm, comforting treats that evoke the flavors of the season.

Raspberry Almond Cookies

These delicate cookies feature a raspberry filling and a hint of almond, offering a lovely balance of sweet and tart.

Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

Crunchy and perfect for dipping, these biscotti offer a unique flavor combination that captures the essence of holiday baking.

Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Cookies

Indulge in these decadent cookies, filled with gooey caramel for a delicious surprise in every bite.

Chocolate Orange Cookies

Combining classic chocolate with a hint of orange, these cookies bring a bright flavor perfect for holiday gatherings.

Sea Salt Butterscotch Cookies

These sweet and salty treats will satisfy anyone’s cravings, combining rich butterscotch with sprinkles of sea salt.

Nutty Marzipan Cookies

Soft and chewy, cookie recipes that incorporate marzipan provide a unique almond flavor that stands out.

Spiced Butter Cookies

Simple yet flavorful, these spiced butter cookies are perfect for rolling in sugar or decorating with icing.

Matcha Green Tea Cookies

For a unique twist, matcha cookies add a beautiful green hue and earthy flavor, perfect for adventurous holiday bakers.

Vanilla Bean Shortbread

These crumbly shortbread cookies are infused with vanilla bean, making them a simple yet elegant dessert option.

Fruitcake Cookies

Capitalize on holiday flavors by incorporating dried fruits and nuts into your cookie recipes for a festive treat.

Almond Joy Cookies

Inspired by the classic candy bar, these cookies are packed with chocolate, coconut, and almonds for a delicious bite.

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

The creamy taste of white chocolate combined with tart cranberries makes for a delightful cookie that balances flavors perfectly.