Christmas Cookies Decorated: 7 Ways to Spread Joy

Name: Christmas Cookies Decorated: 7 Ways to Spread Joy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups white sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 3 to 4 cups confectioners’ sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; Food coloring (optional)

novembre 25, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Saut à la Recette·Imprimer La Recette

There’s just something magical about baking Christmas cookies decorated with festive colors and fun designs. As soon as the holiday season rolls around, I can’t help but get excited about filling my kitchen with the sweet scents of vanilla and butter. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly winter day! I love inviting friends and family over for a cookie-decorating party—it’s a wonderful way to spread the holiday spirit and create lasting memories. Each cookie becomes a canvas for creativity, whether I’m drizzling royal icing or sprinkling edible glitter. Trust me, the joy on everyone’s faces when they see the finished cookies is absolutely priceless. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this festive tradition together—I promise you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients for Christmas Cookies Decorated

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 to 4 cups confectioners’ sugar (for icing)
1 tablespoon milk (for icing)
Food coloring (optional, for festive designs)

How to Prepare Christmas Cookies Decorated

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is super important because a properly heated oven ensures that your cookies bake evenly and turn out perfectly golden. So, go ahead and get that oven going while you prepare the dough!

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. This little step makes sure that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps your cookies rise beautifully. Trust me, this is key for that perfect texture!

Cream the Butter and Sugar

Now, grab another large bowl and add 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these together until it’s smooth and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. Softened butter is crucial here because it blends better with the sugar, creating that light and airy texture we all love in cookies!

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Next, beat in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract until everything is well mixed. Then, gradually blend in the dry ingredients you set aside earlier. I like to do this in batches to avoid a flour explosion. Just mix until everything is combined—don’t overdo it!

Shape and Bake the Cookies

Now for the fun part! Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place them on ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each ball a bit with the bottom of a glass. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until they’re golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be soft in the center!

Cool and Decorate

Once they’re done baking, let your cookies cool on wire racks. This cooling time is crucial as it helps them firm up a bit. While they cool, mix together 3 to 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk. Feel free to add food coloring for those festive vibes! Once your cookies are cool and your icing is ready, dive into decorating them however your heart desires—let your creativity shine! Sprinkles, edible glitter, or different icing techniques can make each cookie a unique masterpiece!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a quick and easy way to bring festive cheer into your kitchen!
The dough comes together in no time, making it perfect for those busy holiday days.
Every cookie is a blank canvas for your creativity—let your imagination run wild with decorations!
These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends, family, or even as gifts—everyone loves a homemade treat!
They fill your home with the warm, inviting scents of the holiday season—who can resist that?
Great for cookie-decorating parties, where everyone can join in the fun and showcase their artistic flair!
With endless decorating possibilities, no two cookies will ever be the same, making each batch special.

Tips for Success

To make sure your Christmas cookies decorated turn out absolutely fabulous, here are some of my favorite pro tips that I swear by!

Get the right dough consistency: The dough should be soft but not too sticky. If it feels too wet, just sprinkle a bit more flour until it’s manageable. This ensures your cookies hold their shape while baking!
Chill the dough: If you have time, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and results in a thicker, chewier cookie.
Use quality ingredients: Always opt for good-quality vanilla and almond extracts. They really enhance the flavor of your cookies. Plus, fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference!
Experiment with icing: Don’t be afraid to mix up your icing colors and textures! A thicker icing can be great for outlining, while a thinner one works well for flooding and filling in designs.
Have fun with decorations: Sprinkles, edible glitter, or even crushed candies can add a festive touch. Let your creativity flow! You can also try piping different designs or using cookie stamps for added flair.
Practice patience: When decorating, give your icing some time to set before stacking or packaging your cookies. This way, your decorations won’t smudge, and they’ll look gorgeous!
Get the family involved: Make it a fun activity by inviting family or friends to decorate together. You’ll share laughs, create memories, and have a blast while making those cookies look amazing!

With these tips, I promise you’ll be on your way to creating stunning, delicious Christmas cookies that everyone will rave about. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying your Christmas cookies decorated, it’s always nice to have a little insight into what’s inside each delightful bite! Here’s a quick rundown of the estimated nutritional values per cookie:

Calories: 120
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 1g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. So, go ahead and indulge in a cookie (or two)—after all, it’s the holiday season, and these delicious treats are meant to be enjoyed! 🎉

FAQ Section

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making the dough ahead of time is a great way to save some hassle on baking day. Just prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out. This way, it’ll be easier to work with!

How should I store the decorated cookies?

To keep your Christmas cookies decorated fresh, store them in an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, place parchment paper between the cookies to prevent them from sticking together. They can last up to a week at room temperature—but trust me, they might disappear before then! For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just make sure they’re completely cool before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag.

Can I use different extracts or flavors?

Definitely! While vanilla and almond extracts are my go-to favorites, you can totally switch things up. Try adding lemon or orange extract for a bright, citrusy twist. Coconut extract can bring a tropical vibe, and peppermint extract is perfect for a holiday touch. Just remember to adjust the amount based on your preference—start with a teaspoon and taste as you go!

What can I use for decorating besides icing?

Oh, there are so many fun options! Besides icing, you can use colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or even crushed candies to add some sparkle and crunch. Chocolate chips or drizzles can make your cookies extra tempting, and you can even use dried fruit pieces for a more natural look. Get creative—using different textures and colors makes each cookie a delightful surprise!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying your beautifully decorated Christmas cookies, pairing them with the right treats and beverages can elevate the experience even further! Here are some of my favorite suggestions to make your holiday cookie spread truly special:

Hot Cocoa: There’s nothing like a warm cup of rich hot cocoa to complement those sweet cookies. Top it with marshmallows or whipped cream for an indulgent touch!
Mulled Wine: For the adults at your gathering, a glass of spiced mulled wine adds a cozy, festive vibe that pairs perfectly with the sweet flavors of your cookies.
Eggnog: This classic holiday drink, whether spiked or non-alcoholic, is creamy and delicious—just the right companion for your cookies!
Tea: A warm cup of spiced chai or peppermint tea offers a soothing balance to the sweetness and is a lighter alternative for those who prefer it.
Fruit Platter: A colorful platter of fresh fruits like strawberries, oranges, and apples can provide a refreshing contrast to the sugary cookies. Plus, it adds a lovely pop of color to your holiday table!
Cheese Board: For a savory twist, consider a cheese board with assorted cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits. The combination of sweet and savory will have everyone going back for more!

Whichever you choose, these pairings will make your decorated cookies shine even brighter this holiday season. So gather your loved ones, serve up some treats, and enjoy the magic of the season together!

Imprimer

Vous pourriez aussi aimer

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars: 7 Reasons You’ll Adore Them

Christmas Cracker Candy: 5 Magical Steps to Delight

Thanksgiving Dessert Charcuterie Board: 7 Sweet Indulgences

Sur moi

Bonjour, je m'appelle Julia, je suis le cœur de Vihaad Recettes et une passionnée de bonne cuisine. Mon amour pour la cuisine a commencé dans mon enfance, inspirée par les délicieux repas de ma grand-mère. Aujourd'hui, je partage des recettes savoureuses qui rassemblent les gens à travers le plaisir de manger ensemble.