Best Christmas Cookie Recipes

Christmas is a magical time filled with joy, decorations, and delicious treats. One of the highlights of the season is baking cookies that bring families together and fill the house with festive aromas. Here, we’ve rounded up the best Christmas cookie recipes that are easy to make and perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting to friends.

Ingredients

Sugar Cookies

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Gingerbread Cookies

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Thumbprint Cookies

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Jam or preserves for filling

Instructions

Sugar Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Roll out dough on a floured surface and use cookie cutters to create shapes.
7. Place shapes on prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Gingerbread Cookies

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until creamy.
3. Add egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until dough forms.
5. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes.
7. Place on baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes.

Thumbprint Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
4. Mix in vanilla extract. Gradually add dry ingredients to form a dough.
5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, place on baking sheet, and press a thumbprint into the center of each ball.
6. Fill the indentation with jam or preserves.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve cookies on a festive platter with a side of hot chocolate or mulled wine for a cozy holiday vibe.
• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make the cookie dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen dough overnight in the fridge before using.

2. What icing works best for sugar cookies?

Royal icing is a popular choice because it hardens beautifully, making it perfect for decorating. You can also use buttercream frosting for a softer texture.

3. How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the cookie dough before baking and ensure your baking sheets are cool between batches to minimize spreading.

4. Can I substitute butter with margarine?

While you can use margarine, butter gives a richer flavor and better texture, especially for holiday cookies. Choose unsalted butter for best results.

Enjoy baking and sharing these festive treats with your loved ones this holiday season!

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