There’s something truly magical about baking during the holiday season, isn’t there? The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, the excitement of decorating treats, and the joy of sharing them with family and friends all make the season feel special. That’s where these *simple Christmas cookies* come in! They’re not just easy to whip up; they’re also deliciously buttery with a hint of sweetness that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Trust me, when you take that first bite and feel the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, you’ll know you’ve hit the holiday cookie jackpot. So grab your apron, and let’s get baking some festive cheer!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful *simple Christmas cookies*! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This will be the base of your cookies, giving them structure and that delicious chewy texture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming; this adds richness to the cookies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the cookies and helps create that lovely golden color when baked.
- 1 large egg: It binds everything together, giving your cookies a nice lift.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For that warm, comforting flavor that makes cookies feel like home.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all those sweet flavors!
How to Prepare Simple Christmas Cookies
Making *simple Christmas cookies* is as joyful as it is straightforward! Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a batch of sweet treats in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is so important! A properly preheated oven ensures your cookies bake evenly and turn out perfectly golden.
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, giving your cookies that lovely, soft texture. Don’t rush it—about 2-3 minutes should do the trick!
Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely don’t want that!
Baking the Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. You’ll know they’re done when your kitchen starts smelling like a holiday wonderland!
Cooling the Cookies
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling step is so important—it allows the cookies to set and helps maintain that perfect chewy texture. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip these cookies up in no time! Perfect for those last-minute holiday baking sessions.
- Deliciously Buttery: The rich flavor of butter shines through, making each bite melt in your mouth.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or festive sprinkles to make them uniquely yours!
- Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are great for gifting or bringing to holiday parties. Everyone will appreciate a sweet treat!
- Classic Flavor: The simple combination of vanilla and butter is a timeless favorite that never fails to please.
- Kid-Friendly: This recipe is easy enough for little hands to help with, making it a fun family activity during the holidays!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *simple Christmas cookies* turn out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps them mix together smoothly, resulting in a better texture.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Scoop the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid packing it down; too much flour can make your cookies dry!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, which we definitely don’t want!
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling your dough for about 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavor and texture, plus it helps prevent spreading.
- Keep an Eye on Baking: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time. You want them lightly golden, not overbaked!
- Cool Completely: Let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating or storing. This ensures they hold their shape and texture.
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the *simple Christmas cookies* you’re about to enjoy! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes, but this gives you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy these cookies in moderation as part of your festive celebrations!
FAQ Section
Can I use different flavors in the cookies?
Absolutely! One of the best things about these *simple Christmas cookies* is their versatility. You can easily mix in a variety of flavors to suit your taste. Want to add a twist? Try incorporating some almond extract instead of vanilla for a lovely nutty flavor. You can also fold in chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even chunks of toffee for an extra special treat. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for a hint of warmth that screams holiday spirit? The possibilities are endless!
How do I store leftover cookies?
Storing your leftover *simple Christmas cookies* is easy! Just place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you have different varieties, you might want to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week at room temperature. Just make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place. If you notice they’re getting a bit dry, try adding a slice of bread to the container – it’ll help keep the cookies soft!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can totally freeze your *simple Christmas cookies*! Just let them cool completely first, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once they’re firm, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. No need to bake them again—just enjoy the deliciousness straight from the freezer or after a gentle thaw!
Serving Suggestions
These *simple Christmas cookies* are delightful on their own, but they can be even more festive when paired with a few treats! Serve them alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa or a warm spiced apple cider for that cozy holiday vibe. You could also plate them with some creamy eggnog or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. And don’t forget to sprinkle a few festive sprinkles or drizzle some chocolate on top for added flair—perfect for sharing with friends and family during those joyful holiday gatherings!
Imprimer
Simple Christmas Cookies that Bring Holiday Joy in 5 Steps
- Temps Total: 27 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A simple recipe for delicious Christmas cookies.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
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, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Cookies can be decorated with icing or sprinkles.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- 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: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: simple christmas cookies
