Introduction
Christmas cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a beloved holiday tradition, bringing families together in the kitchen to bake, decorate, and share. With their simple ingredients, festive shapes, and endless decorating possibilities, these cookies capture the spirit of the season in every bite. Whether you prefer classic sugar cookies, buttery shortbread, or European-inspired Italian butter cookies, there’s a recipe to suit every taste and skill level.
What makes Christmas cookies so special is their versatility. They can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, making them perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pastry chefs. Kids love pressing out shapes with cookie cutters, while adults can showcase their creativity with intricate icing designs and colorful sprinkles. From cookie swaps to holiday parties, these treats are a delicious way to celebrate and connect with loved ones.
Best of all, you don’t need fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Most recipes call for pantry staples like butter, sugar, flour, and eggs. The real magic happens when you add your personal touch—whether that’s a sprinkle of edible glitter, a swirl of royal icing, or a family recipe passed down through generations. No matter how you decorate them, Christmas cookies are sure to bring joy and warmth to your holiday table.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximate values, based on a standard sugar cookie recipe):
- Calories: 130-150
- Protein: 1-2g
- Carbohydrates: 18-20g
- Fat: 6-8g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Sodium: 30-50mg
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles (optional, for decorating)
Royal Icing (Optional)
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup meringue powder
- 1/3 cup water
- Gel food coloring (optional)
- Decorating sugar and additional sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. If using, gently fold in the sprinkles.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shapes with your favorite cookie cutters.
- Transfer cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Chill for 15 minutes if desired for sharper edges.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or your favorite toppings.
Royal Icing Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat together confectioners’ sugar, meringue powder, and water until stiff peaks form.
- Divide the icing into smaller bowls and tint with gel food coloring as desired.
- Use a piping bag or squeeze bottle to decorate the cookies. Add sprinkles or decorating sugar immediately after icing, before it sets.
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, use room temperature butter and eggs. This helps the dough come together smoothly and evenly.
- Chill the Dough: If you want crisp, well-defined shapes, chill the rolled-out dough for 15-30 minutes before baking.
- No-Chill Option: Some recipes are designed to skip the chilling step, making them even easier for kids or last-minute baking.
- Cookie Cutters: Experiment with different shapes—Christmas trees, stars, snowmen, and reindeer are all festive favorites.
- Decorating: Royal icing is classic, but you can also use melted chocolate, colored sugar, or edible glitter. Let kids get creative with their own designs.
- Flavor Variations: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or citrus zest to the dough for a seasonal twist. For chocolate lovers, swap out a portion of the flour for cocoa powder.
- Shortbread Variation: Mix 1/2 pound butter, 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 2 1/2 cups flour. Roll, cut, chill, and bake at 325°F for about 15 minutes.
- Italian Butter Cookies: Combine 1 stick butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 egg yolk, and 1 cup flour. Pipe or shape, chill, and bake until golden.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Freezing: Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Unbaked dough can also be frozen; thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.
- Gifting: Package cookies in decorative tins, boxes, or cellophane bags for a thoughtful homemade gift. Include a recipe card for a personal touch.
- Cookie Kits: Assemble kits with pre-rolled dough, cookie cutters, and icing for a fun and interactive gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before rolling and cutting.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking helps maintain sharp edges. Also, avoid over-creaming the butter and sugar, and make sure your oven is fully preheated. Using a perforated baking mat can also help.
What’s the best way to decorate with kids?
Choose simple recipes that don’t require chilling, and set up a decorating station with colored icing, sprinkles, and candies. Let kids use their imaginations—messy cookies are part of the fun!
How can I make my cookies dairy-free or vegan?
Substitute vegan butter for regular butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg. Check that your sprinkles and food coloring are also vegan-friendly.
