5 Festive Christmas Biscuit Recipes to Try

The festive season is a time for indulgence, and nothing says celebration quite like a batch of freshly baked Christmas biscuits. From gingerbread men to shortbread stars, these sweet treats have a way of bringing joy and warmth into any home. Here are five festive Christmas biscuit recipes you can try this holiday season to spread some cheer and impress your guests.

1. Classic Gingerbread Cookies

Nothing spells Christmas like the rich scent of gingerbread filling the air. This recipe will guide you through creating the most aromatic and flavorful gingerbread cookies.

• Ingredients:
  • 3 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup of brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
  • 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 12 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup of molasses
  • 1 large egg
• Instructions:
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
  2. In another bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and molasses until smooth. Add the egg and mix well.
  3. Gradually stir in the flour mixture until the dough comes together.
  4. Divide the dough into two parts, wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
  5. Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface, cut into shapes, and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.

🎄 Note: For the best flavor, let your gingerbread cookies age for a day or two to allow the spices to meld together.

2. Almond Shortbread Stars

If you're looking for a refined and buttery treat, almond shortbread stars are the epitome of simplicity and elegance. Here's how to make them:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup of finely ground almonds
  • 1 cup of unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together the flour and ground almonds.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Roll out the dough and cut into star shapes. Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden.

3. Chocolate Orange Biscuits

The delightful combination of chocolate and orange makes these biscuits perfect for Christmas parties or just as a holiday treat.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup of cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
  • Zest of one orange
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup of orange juice
• Instructions:
  1. Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder together.
  2. Cream the butter, sugar, and orange zest until pale and fluffy. Beat in the egg and orange juice.
  3. Incorporate the flour mixture gradually. Chill the dough for an hour.
  4. Roll out, cut into shapes, and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

🍫 Note: For an extra touch, dip one end of each cooled biscuit in melted dark chocolate.

4. Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies

These eye-catching cookies not only taste great but also capture the essence of Christmas with their festive red and white stripes.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract
  • 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • Red food coloring
  • Crushed candy canes
• Instructions:
  1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and peppermint extract, mixing well.
  2. Combine dry ingredients and mix into the wet ingredients until combined.
  3. Divide dough in half. Tint one half with red food coloring. Chill both doughs for an hour.
  4. Roll each dough into logs, twist together to make candy cane shapes, and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.

5. Spiced Rum Fruit Cookies

Give a tropical twist to your holiday baking with these spiced rum fruit cookies. Here's how to make them:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cups of mixed dried fruits (raisins, apricots, cranberries, etc.)
  • 1/4 cup of spiced rum
  • 1 cup of unsalted butter
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice
• Instructions:
  1. Soak the dried fruits in rum for at least an hour or overnight if possible.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Sift together the dry ingredients and mix into the wet ingredients. Fold in the soaked fruit mixture.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.

The holiday season is upon us, and with these five Christmas biscuit recipes, you're ready to make your home the coziest, most inviting place for celebration. Each recipe brings a unique flavor and joy to your holiday baking, ensuring that there's something for everyone to enjoy. From the timeless classic of gingerbread to the tropical delight of spiced rum fruit cookies, these biscuits are sure to become a cherished part of your Christmas traditions. Remember, baking is not just about following instructions; it's an opportunity to spread love and cheer through each delightful bite. So gather your ingredients, put on your favorite Christmas tunes, and let's start baking!

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

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Yes, you can prepare the dough for most of these recipes in advance. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling and baking.

Are these biscuits suitable for a cookie exchange?

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Absolutely! These recipes are perfect for a cookie exchange. They are festive, can be made in advance, and will certainly be the star of any holiday party or swap.

Can I substitute ingredients to make these biscuits vegan?

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Yes, you can adapt these recipes to be vegan by using substitutes like plant-based butter or margarine, flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg), and replacing honey or milk with non-dairy alternatives. Note, that the texture and flavor might differ slightly.