Get ready to transform your kitchen into a holiday wonderland with these irresistible Christmas cookies that will make Santa himself stop and ask for seconds! Imagine the warm, buttery aroma filling your home, the delicate sprinkles sparkling like fresh snow, and the pure joy of creating memories that will last long after the last cookie crumbles. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these cookies are your ticket to becoming the ultimate holiday hero!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Decorative sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and achieve a golden-brown color.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Once the dough is formed, use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.
- Before baking, sprinkle decorative sprinkles on top of each cookie dough ball. This will add a festive touch to your Christmas cookies.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, your Christmas cookies are ready to be enjoyed or decorated further if desired. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting - this helps create a smoother, more consistent dough.
- Don't overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- For perfectly round cookies, use a cookie scoop or weigh each dough ball for consistent size.
- Let cookies cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
- Get creative with sprinkles - mix different colors and sizes for a festive look!
- Store cookies in an airtight container with a piece of bread to keep them soft and fresh.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a more complex taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
