Easy Christmas Cookie Recipe for Holiday Baking Fun

Simple Steps to Bake Holiday Cookies

Christmas is the season of joy, and what better way to spread cheer than with a batch of freshly baked cookies? Baking cookies during the holidays isn't just about the treats; it's about creating memories, enjoying the festive spirit, and sharing deliciousness with friends and family. Here's a simple and delightful Christmas cookie recipe that anyone can follow, even if you're not an experienced baker.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Before you start baking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients:

• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1½ cups white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Christmas sprinkles or red and green food coloring for decoration

Optional: Choose any nuts, chocolate chips, or candies for additional flavor and texture.

Preparing the Dough

Let’s dive into making the cookie dough:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
2. In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set this aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients from the smaller bowl.
5. Here’s where you can get creative: add in your optional mix-ins, like nuts or chocolate chips.

Shaping Your Cookies

Now that the dough is ready, let’s shape it:

• Drop heaping teaspoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
• If you want to, you can roll the dough into balls and then press them flat, or use a cookie scoop for uniformity.
• Add some Christmas flair by sprinkling or pressing in your decorations.

🍪 Note: If the dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and reduces the chances of the cookies spreading too much during baking.

Baking to Perfection

Here are the steps to bake your cookies:

1. Place your shaped cookies in the oven.
2. Bake for approximately 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
3. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Alternative: Cookie Cutouts

For cookie enthusiasts who like to get creative with shapes:

1. Chill the dough for at least one hour to make it easier to roll out.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
3. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
4. Bake for about 6 to 8 minutes, watching closely as cutouts can burn easily.

💡 Note: Chill cutout cookies on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before baking to help them retain their shape.

Decorating Your Christmas Cookies

Once your cookies have cooled, it’s time to decorate:

• You can use store-bought icing or make your own royal icing for piping details.
• Use edible markers for finer details or to draw faces on snowmen.
• Create patterns with sprinkles, sugar pearls, or edible glitter.

Wrapping Up Your Holiday Baking

Baking Christmas cookies is more than just a culinary task; it’s a joyful holiday tradition that can bring the festive spirit into your home. This easy Christmas cookie recipe ensures that even beginners can participate in this delightful activity. Remember, the true essence of holiday baking lies in the memories created, the laughter shared, and the love baked into each cookie. So, gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones to join, and start your holiday cookie baking adventure!

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

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Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Shape it into balls or logs, wrap well, and store in the freezer. When ready to bake, you can either thaw slightly or bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.

What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?

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You can use applesauce, mashed banana, or commercial egg replacers. For 1 egg, use ¹⁄₄ cup of applesauce or mashed banana.

How do I ensure my cookies don’t spread too much?

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Here are some tips:

• Use the correct amount of flour and don’t overmix the dough.
• Chill the dough before baking, especially if you’re making cutout cookies.
• Keep your baking sheets at room temperature, and if they get too warm, cool them between batches.
• Be precise with the baking time and temperature.