Ah, the holidays! There’s just something magical about this time of year, isn’t there? The twinkling lights, the cozy evenings by the fireplace, and of course, the sweet aroma of freshly baked *classic Christmas cookies* wafting through the house. I remember as a kid, my family and I would gather in the kitchen, flour flying everywhere, laughter echoing as we rolled out dough and cut out festive shapes. Those moments were bursting with joy and creativity, and trust me, they still are! Making these cookies has become a cherished tradition, a way to bring everyone together while spreading holiday cheer. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, leaving them for Santa, or simply enjoying them with a warm cup of cocoa, these cookies are sure to fill your heart (and belly) with joy this season!
Ingredients for Classic Christmas Cookies
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy for that perfect texture!)
- 1 1/2 cups sugar (this is where the sweetness comes from)
- 1 egg (the binding magic ingredient)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that warm, cozy flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (adds a delightful hint of nuttiness)
- 3 cups powdered sugar (for the icing—can you say festive?!)
- 2 tablespoons milk (to get that icing just right)
- Food coloring (optional; let your creativity shine!)
- Sprinkles (optional; because who doesn’t love a little sparkle on their cookies?)
How to Prepare Classic Christmas Cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get those festive cookies baking! First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important because a hot oven helps your cookies rise and get that perfect golden hue.
While that’s heating up, grab a medium bowl and mix together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. This is your dry mix, and it’s going to help the cookies hold their shape.
In another larger bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar until it’s smooth and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, beat in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract until fully combined.
Next, gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Don’t rush this step; just fold it in gently until everything is combined. Now, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Pop those beauties in the oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for a slight golden color around the edges—don’t let them get too brown! Once done, let them cool on wire racks before decorating them with icing and sprinkles. Yum!
Tips for Success
To really nail these classic Christmas cookies, here are a few tips! First, make sure your butter is softened, but not melted—this helps create that light, fluffy texture. If you find your cookie dough is a bit sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before baking; this will make it easier to handle.
Another thing to keep in mind is to not overbake! Check your cookies at the 8-minute mark, as they’ll continue to cook a bit after being taken out of the oven. And don’t forget to let them cool completely before icing; otherwise, your icing will melt right off. Trust me, patience is key for beautifully decorated cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these *classic Christmas cookies*! Let me share a few that make this recipe a holiday must-have:
- They’re incredibly easy to make, even if you’re a baking newbie—trust me, you can do this!
- The flavor is simply divine, with a perfect balance of sweetness and that warm vanilla and almond aroma wafting through your home.
- They’re super versatile—feel free to mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit for a personal twist!
- Decorating them is a fun activity for the whole family; let the kids go wild with sprinkles and icing!
- These cookies are not just tasty; they bring a festive spirit to your celebrations and make for wonderful gifts.
So whether you’re baking for a party or just indulging yourself, these cookies will surely bring joy to your holiday season!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Each of these delightful *classic Christmas cookies* packs about 150 calories, making them a sweet treat worth enjoying this holiday season. You’ll also find around 7g of fat, 10g of sugar, and 20g of carbohydrates per cookie. Of course, these values are estimates and can vary based on your exact ingredients and portion sizes. So, go ahead and indulge a little—after all, it’s the holidays! Just remember to share (or not) and savor every bite!
FAQ About Classic Christmas Cookies
Got some questions about these delightful *classic Christmas cookies*? I’ve got you covered! Here are a few common queries that pop up:
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that butter gives a richer flavor and texture, but margarine will work in a pinch.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
No worries! You can simply use an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract instead, or even leave it out entirely if you prefer.
How do I store the cookies?
Store your *classic Christmas cookies* in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it soften a bit before scooping it onto the baking sheets.
What’s the best way to decorate them?
Let your creativity shine! Use icing and sprinkles for a classic look, or try adding colored sugar for a festive touch. The sky’s the limit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *classic Christmas cookies* properly is key to keeping them fresh and delicious! Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay yummy for about a week—but trust me, they probably won’t last that long! If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can freeze them. Just stack the cookies with layers of parchment paper in between to prevent sticking, and pop them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll be good for up to 3 months!
If you want to enjoy them warm, simply pop a frozen cookie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, and you’ll have that fresh-baked taste again. Just be careful not to overheat them, or you might end up with a gooey mess!
Serving Suggestions for Classic Christmas Cookies
Now that you’ve baked up these delightful *classic Christmas cookies*, let’s talk about how to enjoy them to the fullest! One of my favorite ways to serve these cookies is with a steaming mug of hot cocoa—there’s just something about the combination that screams holiday bliss! You could also pair them with a nice cup of spiced tea or even a glass of cold milk for that classic combo.
If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, consider arranging the cookies on a festive platter with some seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds or mandarin slices for a pop of color. And don’t forget to add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top of the cookies just before serving for that extra touch of holiday magic! Trust me, your guests will be raving about these treats and the cozy atmosphere they create!
Imprimer
Classic Christmas Cookies: 5 Tips for Holiday Joy
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Classic Christmas cookies are a festive treat that brings joy to your holiday celebrations.
Ingrédients
- 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 sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden.
- Let cookies cool on wire racks.
- Mix powdered sugar with milk to make icing.
- Decorate cookies with icing and sprinkles.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different cookie cutters for holiday shapes.
- Try adding chocolate chips or nuts for variation.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 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: 0g
- La protéine: 1g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: classic christmas cookies, holiday cookies, festive treats
