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Classic Sugar Cookies
When it comes to Christmas cookies, classic sugar cookies are a must-have. They are versatile and can be decorated in countless ways, making them a favorite for all ages.
- 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, and 3 to 4 tablespoons of milk.
- Instructions: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and milk. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass, and sprinkle with sugar. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven.
Gingerbread Cookies
The aroma of gingerbread cookies baking is one of the most iconic scents of the holiday season. These cookies can be cut into festive shapes and decorated with icing and candies.
- Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon ground ginger, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1 egg, and 1/2 cup molasses.
- Instructions: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and cloves. In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and molasses. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut into shapes. Place on baking sheets and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are a timeless classic that never goes out of style. They are perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.
- Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips.
- Instructions: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto baking sheets and bake for 9-11 minutes.
Peppermint Bark Cookies
Add a festive touch to your cookie platter with peppermint bark cookies. These delicious treats combine the flavors of chocolate and peppermint, making them a holiday favorite.
- Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup sugar, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies for topping.
- Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, mixing until combined. Roll into balls, place on a baking sheet, and flatten slightly. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Once cooled, melt white chocolate, drizzle over the cookies, and sprinkle with crushed peppermint.
Snickerdoodles
These soft, cinnamon-sugar coated cookies are a nostalgic treat that many people associate with holiday baking traditions.
- Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, 2 large eggs, 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 cup sugar mixed with 2 teaspoons cinnamon for rolling.
- Instructions: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cream together sugar and butter until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Combine flour, cream of tartar, and baking soda. Gradually add to the creamed mixture. Roll into balls, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place on ungreased baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes.
Butter Cookies
Rich and buttery, these cookies are simple to make and can be customized with various toppings or decorations.
- Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 cups all-purpose flour, and pinch of salt.
- Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until well blended. Stir in vanilla. Gradually blend in the flour and salt. Roll the dough into balls or shape as desired. Place on ungreased baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Reindeer Cookies
These fun and festive reindeer cookies are a hit with kids and adults alike. They’re perfect for decorating with your favorite icing and candies.
- Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup sugar, 1 egg, and chocolate candies for decorating.
- Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg. Gradually add the flour mixture until combined. Roll into balls and place on baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Once cooled, decorate with chocolate candies to create reindeer faces.
Thumbprint Cookies
Thumbprint cookies are not only delicious but also a great way to showcase your favorite jams and jellies. These cookies are perfect for gifting!
- Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and your choice of jam for filling.
- Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Stir in flour and vanilla until just combined. Roll into balls and make an indentation in the center with your thumb. Fill with jam. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
Molasses Cookies
Molasses cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor. These cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday dessert spread.
- Ingredients: 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup molasses, and 1 egg.
- Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and spices. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in molasses and egg, then gradually add dry ingredients. Roll into balls, roll in sugar, and place on baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
These cookies are not only delicious but also visually stunning with their crinkled tops and powdered sugar coating. They are sure to impress!
- Ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 4 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and powdered sugar for dusting.
- Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix cocoa, sugar, and oil. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. Gradually mix in flour and baking powder. Chill the dough for 4 hours or overnight. Roll into balls, coat in powdered sugar, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Almond Biscotti
Biscotti are perfect for dipping into coffee or hot chocolate. These almond biscotti are crunchy and slightly sweet, making them a delightful treat.
- Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon almond extract, and 1 cup sliced almonds.
- Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and baking powder. In another bowl, cream together butter and eggs. Add the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Fold in almonds. Shape into a log and bake for 25 minutes. Cool, slice, and bake again for 10-15 minutes until golden.
Conclusion
This holiday season, fill your home with the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies. Whether you choose to make classic sugar cookies, spiced gingerbread, or rich chocolate treats, each cookie is a sweet reminder of the joy and warmth of the season. Gather your loved ones, share your favorite recipes, and create new traditions as you celebrate the holidays with these 47 easy Christmas cookies that feel like a tradition. Happy baking!
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Peanut Butter Blossoms
These cookies combine the rich flavor of peanut butter with a delightful chocolate kiss on top. They’re a classic that everyone loves!
- Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 cup sugar, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 24 chocolate kisses.
- Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix peanut butter, sugar, egg, and baking soda until smooth. Roll into balls and place on baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Let cool.
Snickerdoodles
These soft and chewy cookies are rolled in cinnamon sugar, creating a delightful contrast of flavors. Snickerdoodles are a holiday favorite!
- Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 2 large eggs, and 3 tablespoons sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon cinnamon for rolling.
- Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and mix well. Gradually add the dry ingredients. Roll into balls, roll in cinnamon sugar, and bake for 8-10 minutes.
Rugelach
These delightful pastries are filled with nuts, chocolate, or fruit preserves. Rugelach are perfect for sharing during holiday gatherings.
- Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 cup unsalted butter, 8 ounces cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup chopped nuts, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, and 1/2 cup fruit preserves.
- Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix flour and salt. In another bowl, cream together butter and cream cheese. Gradually add flour mixture. Roll out dough, spread with preserves, and sprinkle with nuts and chocolate. Roll tightly and cut into slices. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
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