When you're planning your holiday baking, you might want to contemplate the five best cookies that perfectly capture the essence of Christmas. From the warm spices of Gingerbread Cookies to the revitalizing twist of Chocolate Peppermint Delights, each option adds a unique touch to your festivities. You'll find that Festive Sugar Cookies are ideal for decorating, while Cranberry Walnut Biscotti offers a satisfying crunch. And let's not forget the nostalgic flavor of Eggnog Snickerdoodles. Curious about how to make these treats the highlight of your holiday celebrations?
Classic Gingerbread Cookies
Classic gingerbread cookies are a festive favorite that perfectly encapsulate the spirit of Christmas. With their warm spices and delightful aroma, these cookies not only taste great but also make for wonderful holiday decorations.
Whether you're decorating them with icing or simply enjoying them fresh from the oven, gingerbread cookies are a timeless treat that can fill your home with joy during the holiday season.
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
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses and egg until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thick, then use cookie cutters to shape your cookies.
Place them on a lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the centers are still soft. Let cool before decorating.
Extra Tips:
When making gingerbread cookies, make certain that your dough is chilled well; this helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
You can also experiment with different spices or add a touch of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
If you want to create more elaborate designs, consider using royal icing for decorating, as it sets hard and holds its shape beautifully.
Finally, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks, making them perfect for holiday gifting!
Chocolate Peppermint Delights
Chocolate Peppermint Delights are a festive treat that perfectly embodies the spirit of the holiday season. These cookies combine rich chocolate with a revitalizing burst of peppermint, making them a delightful addition to any Christmas cookie platter.
With their soft, chewy texture and topped with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies, these cookies aren't only a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes. Let's get started on baking these delicious delights that will surely impress family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies (plus extra for garnish)
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, followed by the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, sprinkle additional crushed peppermint candies on top for an extra festive touch.
Extra Tips:
For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients; it amplifies the chocolate taste without leaving a coffee flavor.
Make sure not to overbake the cookies, as they'll continue to firm up while cooling. If you want to add a drizzle of white chocolate on top, melt some white chocolate chips and use a fork to create a decorative drizzle over the cooled cookies.
Finally, store the cookies in an airtight container; they'll stay fresh for up to a week, or you can freeze them for longer storage. Enjoy making these delightful cookies as part of your holiday traditions!
Festive Sugar Cookies
Festive sugar cookies are a delightful treat that can brighten up your holiday season. With their soft, buttery texture and sweet, simple flavor, these cookies are perfect for decorating with colorful icing and sprinkles, making them a favorite activity for families during Christmas.
Whether you're baking for a holiday party, gifting them to friends, or simply enjoying them at home, these festive sugar cookies will add a touch of joy to your celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 to 4 tablespoons colored sugar or sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well blended. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients, then roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass, dip in colored sugar, and decorate as desired. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden. Let cool on wire racks.
When making festive sugar cookies, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it out; this helps to keep the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
If you're using royal icing for decoration, make sure the cookies are completely cool before applying it to avoid melting. You can also experiment with different flavorings or add-ins like lemon zest or chocolate chips to customize your cookies.
Enjoy the process and have fun decorating!
Cranberry Walnut Biscotti
Cranberry Walnut Biscotti are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. These crunchy, twice-baked cookies are filled with the sweet and tart flavors of dried cranberries and the rich taste of walnuts, making them an excellent accompaniment to coffee or tea.
With their festive colors and satisfying texture, they make a lovely addition to your Christmas cookie platter or a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the vanilla and almond extracts. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed, then fold in the cranberries and walnuts.
Shape the dough into a log about 12 inches long and 3 inches wide on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow the log to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing it into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
Lay the slices back on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're dry and crisp.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor and texture, make sure to chop the walnuts roughly so that you get nice bits in every bite.
If you prefer a sweeter biscotti, feel free to increase the sugar to 1 1/4 cups. Additionally, you can customize your biscotti by adding other mix-ins like chocolate chips or orange zest for a festive twist.
Store the cooled biscotti in an airtight container to maintain their crunchiness, and they can last for up to two weeks—perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season!
Eggnog Snickerdoodles
Eggnog Snickerdoodles are a delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle cookie, perfect for adding a festive touch to your holiday baking. These soft and chewy cookies are infused with the warm flavors of eggnog, cinnamon, and nutmeg, making them an ideal treat for Christmas gatherings or cozy nights by the fire.
With a simple recipe that combines the beloved snickerdoodle texture with the creamy essence of eggnog, these cookies will certainly become a holiday favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon 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 sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, eggnog, and vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
In a small bowl, combine the additional sugar and cinnamon for rolling. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie 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 10-12 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 wire racks to cool completely.
Extra Tips:
For an extra festive touch, consider adding white chocolate chips or chopped pecans into the dough for added flavor and texture.
Be cautious not to overbake the cookies; they should be soft when removed from the oven, as they'll firm up while cooling.
If you want a more intense eggnog flavor, you can substitute half of the butter with eggnog-flavored creamer.
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh, and they can also be frozen for up to three months for later enjoyment!