Are you ready to whip up some delicious Christmas cookies this holiday season? From the classic Sugar Cookies that you can decorate until your heart's content to the spicy and fun Gingerbread Men, there's something for everyone. Let's not forget the invigorating Peppermint Bark Cookies and rich Chocolate Crinkle Cookies that'll have your taste buds dancing. Plus, who can resist soft, chewy Snickerdoodles? Keep your apron handy, because these recipes are about to make your kitchen the place to be!
Classic Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 tablespoons white sugar (for decoration)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 ½ cups of sugar until smooth.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and sprinkle with the extra sugar.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Extra Tips:
For perfectly shaped cookies, make sure your dough is well-chilled before rolling it out.
If you want to add some color, consider using gel food coloring in your icing to keep the sugar cookies festive and vibrant.
Additionally, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, or frozen for longer storage.
Experimenting with different extracts or adding sprinkles can also give your sugar cookies a unique twist that everyone will love!
Gingerbread Men
Gingerbread men are a delightful and festive treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday season. With their warm spices and sweet icing, these cookies aren't only fun to make, but they also provide a great opportunity for creativity when it comes to decorating.
Whether you're baking them for a holiday party, as gifts, or just for family enjoyment, this recipe will have you rolling out dough and cutting out charming little figures in no time.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Royal icing for decorating (optional)
- Candy decorations (optional)
To prepare the gingerbread men, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Once chilled, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm. Allow them to cool completely before decorating with royal icing and candy.
When baking gingerbread men, it's important to verify that your dough is properly chilled before rolling out, as this helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
For a fun twist, consider adding different spices or using flavored extracts to personalize your gingerbread. Don't be afraid to get creative with decorating—using a variety of colors and candy can make your gingerbread men even more festive.
Finally, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container for several days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for the holiday season.
Peppermint Bark Cookies
Peppermint Bark Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and the invigorating taste of peppermint. These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the festive season, and they offer a wonderful mix of textures with a soft cookie base topped with a crisp layer of chocolate and crushed peppermint.
This recipe is simple to follow and will fill your kitchen with the delightful aroma of the holidays!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Crushed peppermint candies for topping
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Meanwhile, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Stir in the peppermint extract, then drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cookies and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies. Allow the cookies to set before serving.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, use high-quality chocolate and fresh peppermint extract. If you want a more intense peppermint flavor, feel free to adjust the amount of peppermint extract to your liking.
Additionally, you can store these cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, but they're best enjoyed fresh. For a fun twist, try adding a layer of crushed Oreos or other festive toppings before the white chocolate sets.
Enjoy your baking adventures!
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Chocolate crinkle cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with a beautiful powdered sugar coating. These cookies are soft and chewy on the inside, with a slightly crispy exterior that creates a wonderful contrast in textures.
They're perfect for sharing at family gatherings or cookie exchanges, and their striking appearance makes them a festive addition to any dessert table.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil, mixing until well blended. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the chilled dough, roll them into balls, and then roll each ball in powdered sugar until well coated.
Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops appear cracked. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, make certain to chill your dough thoroughly; this helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and guarantees that they maintain their crinkly appearance.
You can also experiment by adding chocolate chips or nuts for an extra twist. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for several days.
If you're making these cookies ahead of time, they also freeze well—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Snickerdoodles
Snickerdoodles are a classic holiday treat known for their soft, chewy texture and delicious cinnamon-sugar coating. These cookies are loved for their delightful flavor and are perfect for sharing with family and friends during the festive season.
The combination of cream of tartar and baking soda gives snickerdoodles their signature tangy flavor and slight puffiness. Follow this simple recipe to create your own batch of these irresistible cookies that will surely become a holiday favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
In a small bowl, combine the 3 tablespoons of sugar and the cinnamon. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture before placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Extra Tips:
For the best texture, verify your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar; this will help create a light and airy cookie.
If you prefer a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them by a minute or two. You can also experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg for a warm spice twist or even try rolling the cookies in crushed nuts for added texture.
Store your snickerdoodles in an airtight container to keep them fresh, and they can be frozen for later enjoyment!