Get ready to transform your kitchen into a winter wonderland of sweetness! These irresistible Christmas cookies are more than just a treat—they're edible memories that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a holiday cooking novice, this recipe promises to fill your home with the warm, nostalgic aroma of freshly baked cookies and create moments of pure joy that will be remembered long after the last crumb disappears.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Various
Serves: Varies by recipe
Ingredients
- Flour
- Sugar
- Butter
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Various decorations (sprinkles, icing, etc.)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and ensure they are at room temperature, particularly butter and eggs.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer or stand mixer.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, and blend in vanilla extract until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour and any additional dry ingredients like salt or baking powder.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a consistent dough forms.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to make it easier to handle.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use festive Christmas-themed cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
- Carefully transfer cut cookies to prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Once completely cooled, decorate with icing, sprinkles, or other festive decorations as desired.
- Store decorated cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Chill Your Dough: Refrigerating the dough helps prevent spreading and makes cutting shapes easier.
- Use Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
- Don't Overcrowd: Leave space between cookies on the baking sheet for even cooking.
- Decorating Tricks: Let cookies cool completely before decorating to prevent icing from melting.
- Storage Hack: Use parchment paper between layers to keep decorated cookies pristine.
- Get Creative: Experiment with different cookie cutters and decorations to make each batch unique!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
