Nothing gets me into the holiday spirit quite like baking *easy Christmas cookies*! It’s become a cherished tradition in my home, and I look forward to it every year. The smell of warm cookies wafting through the house is pure magic, and I love gathering the family in the kitchen to help out. With festive music playing in the background, we mix, roll, and cut out shapes that bring smiles all around. Trust me, these cookies are not only simple to whip up, but they also taste amazing! They’re perfect for sharing with friends, decorating with colorful icing, or just enjoying with a cozy cup of cocoa. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!
Ingredients List
For these *easy Christmas cookies*, you’ll want to gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, but oh-so-delicious!)
Make sure your butter is nice and soft; it helps create that perfect creamy texture when you mix it with the sugar. Have everything measured out and ready to go, and you’ll be on your way to cookie heaven in no time!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s get rolling and make these *easy Christmas cookies*! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delightful cookies in no time.
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because we want our cookies to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together your softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes, so don’t rush it! Trust me, this is where the magic begins.
- Next, add in your egg and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is key for great texture.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies might turn out tough!
- If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in those chocolate chips now. They add a delightful surprise in every bite!
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each cookie. They’ll spread a bit while baking, so don’t crowd them.
- Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; every oven is a little different!
- Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This will keep them nice and chewy!
And there you have it! The smell of fresh cookies will fill your kitchen, and the taste? Oh wow, it’s pure bliss!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for each of these *easy Christmas cookies*. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on standard ingredient brands:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
These cookies are a sweet treat, so enjoy them in moderation! Perfect for those festive celebrations!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making these *easy Christmas cookies* is a joyful experience that brings everyone together. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe:
- Quick and simple preparation—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Deliciously sweet and buttery with a delightful chewiness.
- Fun for the whole family; get the kids involved in mixing and decorating.
- Customizable to your heart’s content—add your favorite mix-ins or festive decorations!
- A wonderful way to spread holiday cheer by sharing with friends and neighbors.
Trust me, once you start baking, you won’t want to stop!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *easy Christmas cookies* turn out perfect every time, here are some handy tips! First, make sure your butter is truly softened—this means it should be at room temperature, not melted. This helps create that light, fluffy texture when creaming with the sugar. Also, keep an eye on your baking time; ovens can vary, so check for that lovely golden edge around the 10-minute mark. If you’re using cookie cutters, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick for nice shapes that hold up well. And don’t forget to chill the cut-out cookies for a few minutes before baking; it helps them maintain their shape! Happy baking!
Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up with your *easy Christmas cookies*, I’ve got some fun ideas for you! Try adding different mix-ins like crushed peppermint candies for a festive twist, or swap out the chocolate chips for dried cranberries or nuts. You can also experiment with flavored extracts—almond extract adds a beautiful depth, or how about some orange zest for a citrusy kick? For frosting, consider a simple glaze or even a creamy buttercream topped with sprinkles to make those cookies pop. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine while baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *easy Christmas cookies* fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay good for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. Enjoy that delightful, fresh-baked taste all over again!
Serving Suggestions
These *easy Christmas cookies* are perfect on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a variety of holiday treats! How about serving them alongside a warm cup of spiced hot cocoa or a classic glass of eggnog? They also make a delightful addition to a festive dessert platter filled with peppermint bark, gingerbread men, and thumbprint cookies. Trust me, a little assortment of goodies will spread even more cheer during the holiday season!
Imprimer
Easy Christmas Cookies: 5 Reasons to Spread Holiday Joy
- Temps Total: 27 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Easy Christmas cookies that are fun to make and delicious to eat.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Let cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use festive cookie cutters for fun shapes.
- Decorate with icing or sprinkles if desired.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 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: 6g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 22g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: easy christmas cookies
