Get ready to elevate your holiday baking game with these delightful Puff Pastry Christmas Cookies! Perfectly flaky and irresistibly sweet, these festive treats are not only a feast for the eyes but also a joy to eat. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a stunning array of cookie shapes that will impress your family and friends. Whether you're looking to add a festive touch to your dessert table or searching for the perfect homemade gift, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Dive into this easy recipe and discover how to spread some holiday cheer with every bite!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg (beaten)
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Thaw the puff pastry sheet according to package instructions, typically about 15-20 minutes at room temperature. Make sure it is pliable but still cold.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth any creases and to ensure an even thickness. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick.
- Using a cookie cutter or a sharp knife, cut the puff pastry into your desired shapes. Christmas-themed shapes like stars, trees, or circles work wonderfully for this festive recipe.
- Transfer the cut-out shapes onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie to allow for puffing during baking.
- In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a tablespoon of water to create a smooth icing. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or water as needed; it should be thick but spreadable.
- Brush the tops of the puff pastry shapes with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color as they bake.
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, drizzle or spread the icing over the tops of the cookies after they have baked and cooled slightly.
- While the icing is still wet, generously sprinkle your favorite festive sprinkles over the cookies for decoration.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-bake.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your Puff Pastry Christmas Cookies with family and friends, or package them up as delightful gifts!
Tips
- Thawing the Puff Pastry: Make sure to thaw your puff pastry completely but keep it cool. This will help maintain its flaky texture during baking.
- Rolling Out the Dough: When rolling out the pastry, dust your surface lightly with flour to prevent sticking, but avoid using too much flour as it can make the cookies tough.
- Creative Shapes: Use a variety of cookie cutters to create different festive shapes, such as stars, trees, and bells. This will make your cookie platter look extra special!
- Egg Wash: Brushing the cookies with beaten egg not only gives them a beautiful golden finish but also helps the icing adhere better once they cool.
- Icing Consistency: For a smooth icing, ensure that you mix the powdered sugar and vanilla extract well. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit of water; if too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
- Sprinkle Generously: Don’t be shy with the sprinkles! They add a festive flair and a pop of color that enhances the holiday spirit.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they bake. Every oven is different, and you want to catch them just as they turn golden brown for the perfect texture.
- Cooling Tips: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This will help them firm up and prevent breaking. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to baking up a batch of Puff Pastry Christmas Cookies that will delight everyone this holiday season!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg
