Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with laughter, twinkling lights, and the delightful scent of baking wafting through the house. When I think of the *best Christmas desserts*, I can’t help but smile as I remember my grandma’s famous cookies, which we’d bake together every Christmas Eve. The kitchen would be a flurry of flour and sugar, and I’d sneak bites of the dough when she wasn’t looking! These cookies weren’t just treats; they were the heart of our holiday gatherings, bringing family and friends together around the table. Trust me, there’s nothing like sharing sweet moments over freshly baked goodies, and I can’t wait to share my go-to recipe that’s sure to become a cherished part of your celebrations too!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base for our delicious cookies, providing the perfect structure.
- 1 cup sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create that lovely golden color.
- 1/2 cup butter – Make sure it’s softened! This will give our cookies that rich, buttery flavor.
- 2 eggs – These help bind everything together and add moisture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – For that warm, comforting flavor that screams holiday baking!
- 1 tsp baking powder – This is our leavening agent, helping the cookies rise to perfection.
- 1/2 tsp salt – Just a pinch to enhance all the sweet flavors.
- 1 cup chocolate chips – Because no cookie is complete without a generous helping of chocolate!
- 1 cup powdered sugar – We’re going to use this for the icing, giving our cookies a sweet finish.
- 2 tbsp milk – This will help loosen up the icing to the perfect drizzle consistency.
- Red and green sprinkles – For that festive touch that makes these cookies truly holiday-ready!
How to Prepare Instructions
Prepping the Dough
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial—it’ll make your cookies delightfully tender! Next, crack in those two eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Finally, fold in those chocolate chips—this is my favorite part because who doesn’t love chocolate?
Baking the Cookies
Now, it’s time to drop spoonfuls of that delicious dough onto a lined baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each one since they’ll spread a bit while baking. Pop them in the oven and set a timer for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a lovely golden brown, but the centers might still look a little soft—that’s perfect! Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up just right!
Icing and Decorating
While those cookies are cooling, let’s whip up the icing! In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the milk until you achieve a smooth, drizzle-able consistency. Once your cookies are cool, drizzle that icing over the top with a spoon or a piping bag if you’re feeling fancy! Now for the fun part—sprinkle on those festive red and green sprinkles. I like to do this right after icing so they stick perfectly. And voila! You’ve got some beautifully decorated cookies that are ready to impress your holiday guests!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation – You’ll have these delicious cookies ready in no time, making holiday baking a breeze!
- Perfect for holiday gatherings – These cookies are sure to be the star of your dessert table, bringing everyone together in festive cheer.
- Delicious and festive flavor – Each bite is packed with that classic holiday taste that’ll make your taste buds dance!
- Customizable with various mix-ins – Feel free to get creative! Add nuts, dried fruits, or even different types of chocolate chips for a personal touch.
- Great for gifting – Pack them up in a cute box, and you’ve got the perfect homemade gift that anyone would love to receive!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your cookies turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to help you on your baking adventure:
- Use room temperature ingredients: Let your butter and eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before you start. This helps them blend better and creates a smoother dough.
- Don’t overmix: When you’re combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies—yikes!
- Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and can result in a thicker, chewier cookie.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty twist or a dash of cinnamon for that extra holiday warmth. You can even swap in brown sugar for half of the granulated sugar for added depth of flavor!
- Use a cookie scoop: For even-sized cookies, a cookie scoop is your best friend! It makes portioning out the dough super easy and ensures they bake evenly.
- Watch the baking time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies. If they’re golden around the edges but soft in the center, it’s time to take them out. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool!
- Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread will help keep them moist—trust me, it works wonders!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well-equipped to bake up a batch of cookies that’ll steal the show at your holiday gatherings. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked these delightful cookies and shared them with loved ones, you’ll want to keep them fresh for as long as possible. To store your cookies, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them soft and chewy for up to a week! If you’ve got a big batch and want to save some for later, you can freeze them. Just layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. They’ll be good for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
If you like your cookies warm (who doesn’t?), you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or they might get tough. Alternatively, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to get that freshly baked taste back. They’ll be warm, soft, and ready to indulge in all over again!
Nutritional Information Section
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per cookie—it’s always good to know what we’re indulging in, right? Keep in mind that these values are based on typical ingredients and may vary slightly depending on what you use.
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
So there you have it! These cookies are not only delicious but also provide a nice little boost of energy during those busy holiday gatherings. Enjoy them as a sweet treat, and remember, everything in moderation!
FAQ Section
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just make sure they’re fully cooled, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature, and they’ll be just as delicious as when you first baked them!
What can I substitute for butter?
If you need to substitute butter, you can use an equal amount of margarine or a plant-based butter alternative. If you want to go a bit healthier, unsweetened applesauce can work too, but it may change the texture slightly. Just keep in mind that the cookies might not be as rich and buttery!
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum, as it helps provide the right texture. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly, so keep an eye on the dough consistency!
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Oh, definitely! Adding nuts or dried fruits can give these cookies a wonderful twist. I love tossing in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch, or dried cranberries for that festive touch. Just be sure to keep the total mix-ins to about a cup so the dough stays balanced.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enhancing your holiday dessert table, these delightful cookies are just the beginning! Here are some fun ideas to make your spread even more festive and delicious:
- Hot Cocoa Bar: Set up a cozy hot cocoa station with toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and peppermint sticks. Pairing these cookies with a warm mug of cocoa is a match made in holiday heaven!
- Festive Fruit Platter: Add a colorful fruit platter with seasonal fruits like pomegranates, clementines, and cranberries. The sweetness and tartness will balance out the rich flavors of the cookies perfectly.
- Cheese and Charcuterie Board: Create a cheese board with a mix of sweet and savory flavors. Include some creamy brie, sharp cheddar, and a selection of nuts and dried fruits. The contrast will impress your guests!
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: For a fun twist, make ice cream sandwiches using the cookies! Just scoop some vanilla or peppermint ice cream between two cookies for a delightful treat that’s sure to please both kids and adults.
- Holiday Cake: Consider serving a classic holiday cake, like a spiced gingerbread or a rich chocolate yule log. This will give your dessert table a beautiful centerpiece and provide a variety of flavors for everyone to enjoy.
- Festive Drinks: Offer a selection of festive drinks, like eggnog, mulled cider, or spiced wine. These warm beverages will complement the cookies and create a cozy atmosphere for your gathering.
Whatever you choose to pair with these cookies, just know that they’ll be a hit! So gather your loved ones, enjoy the sweet treats, and create unforgettable holiday memories together.
Imprimer
Best Christmas Desserts: 7 Irresistible Treats Await
- Temps Total: 32 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A collection of the best Christmas desserts to delight your holiday gatherings.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- Red and green sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden.
- Let cookies cool on a wire rack.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk to create icing and drizzle on cooled cookies, then add sprinkles.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different types of chocolate chips for variety.
- Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 12 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 7g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: best christmas desserts, holiday cookies, festive baking











