Christmas Cookies Recipe

Christmas cookies are the essence of holiday baking, filling kitchens with the sweet scent of vanilla, butter, and warm spices. They’re a timeless tradition that brings families together, one batch at a time. Whether you decorate them with icing or keep them simple, each cookie holds the warmth of the season.

Ingredients List

– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
– 3 tablespoons milk (as needed for dough consistency)
– Sprinkles, colored sugar, or royal icing for decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Beat again until fully combined and creamy.

Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together but is not sticky.

Step 6: Divide the dough into two portions. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.

Step 7: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Cut into festive shapes using cookie cutters.

Step 8: Place the cookies on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar if desired before baking.

Step 9: Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are just starting to turn golden. Do not overbake—they should stay soft in the center.

Step 10: Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with royal icing if you wish.

Cook Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 45 minutes
Bake Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings

Makes about 24–30 cookies, depending on size.

Nutritional Information (approx. per cookie)

Calories: 140
Carbs: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g

Storage Instructions

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To keep them soft, add a slice of bread inside the container. For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months and thaw before decorating or serving.

Pairings/Suggestions

These cookies are perfect with hot chocolate, eggnog, or a cup of coffee. Serve them on a festive platter during parties or package them as edible gifts. For variety, mix in crushed candy canes, mini chocolate chips, or dried cranberries into half the dough to create assorted flavors.

Seasonal Relevance

Christmas cookies are synonymous with winter holidays, family gatherings, and cozy baking days. They’re often made during December as part of cookie exchanges, Santa treats, and festive celebrations. The colorful decorations and sweet aroma evoke the joy of the season, making them a must-have on any holiday dessert table.

Health Benefits

While Christmas cookies are indulgent, they can still offer small benefits when made mindfully. Using real butter provides fat-soluble vitamins like A and E, and adding whole-grain flour or oats increases fiber content. Vanilla and almond extracts contain antioxidants that add both flavor and nutritional value. Baking from scratch also lets you control sugar and ingredient quality, making them a healthier alternative to store-bought options.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Fun and festive to make	Time-consuming when decorating
Easy to customize	High in sugar and butter
Perfect for gifting	Requires chilling time
Kid-friendly activity	Can be messy to roll and cut

Conclusion

Christmas cookies capture the magic of the holidays with every bite. From buttery, crisp edges to soft, tender centers, they’re the perfect combination of nostalgia and sweetness. Whether you decorate them with your kids or bake them solo to unwind, these cookies bring joy to any celebration.

The recipe is easy to follow, flexible with flavor options, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like Christmas morning. Share them with family, friends, or even Santa—they’ll disappear faster than snow on a sunny day.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling it out.

Q2: How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Ensure other ingredients like baking powder are gluten-free too.

Q3: Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, but it will slightly change the flavor and color. Brown sugar makes the cookies softer and gives a mild caramel taste.

Q4: What’s the best icing for decorating?
Royal icing is best for detailed designs, while a simple powdered sugar glaze works for quick decorating.

Q5: Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?
Absolutely! A teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg adds warmth and depth, perfect for holiday flavors.

Q6: How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure the butter isn’t overly soft and the dough is properly chilled before baking. You can also place the baking sheet in the fridge for 5 minutes before baking.

Q7: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Just divide the dough into smaller portions for easier handling and chilling.

Q8: Can kids help make these cookies?
Definitely! Kids can help roll dough, cut shapes, and decorate—making this recipe a fun family activity.