Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and, of course, delicious food. One of the most beloved holiday traditions is baking and sharing cookies. There's something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the air, and the act of creating these sweet treats with loved ones can be just as rewarding as enjoying them.
In this article, we'll explore some of the most popular Christmas cookie recipes that are sure to become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire. From classic sugar cookies to decadent peanut butter blossoms and charming thumbprints, these recipes are easy to follow and guaranteed to delight everyone who takes a bite.
Sugar Cookies: A Timeless Classic
Sugar cookies are a Christmas staple for a reason. Their simple yet versatile flavor makes them the perfect canvas for creative decorating. Whether you're using colorful icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter, sugar cookies allow you to express your holiday spirit in a delicious way.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all - purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until well - combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place the balls on ungreased baking sheets and flatten them slightly with a fork or the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.
- Bake for 8 - 10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are cooled, you can get creative with your decorating. Use royal icing to pipe on designs, add sprinkles, or even make little snowmen or reindeer.
Peanut Butter Blossoms: A Nutty Delight
Peanut butter blossoms are another classic Christmas cookie that combines the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with the sweet, chocolatey goodness of a Hershey's Kiss. These cookies are a favorite among kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 egg
- 1 3/4 cups all - purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 package (about 40) Hershey's Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until well - combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in granulated sugar and place them on ungreased baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8 - 10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to set. Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookies will spread slightly as the chocolate melts.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Thumbprints: A Charming Treat
Thumbprints are a unique and charming Christmas cookie that features a little well in the center, filled with jam or preserves. The combination of the buttery cookie and the sweet, fruity filling is simply irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all - purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup your favorite jam or preserves (such as strawberry, raspberry, or apricot)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until well - combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place the balls on ungreased baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to make a small indentation in the center of each ball. Be careful not to press too hard and break the dough.
- Fill each indentation with a small amount of jam or preserves. You can use a teaspoon or a piping bag to make the filling process easier.
- Bake for 12 - 15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These are just a few of the many delicious Christmas cookie recipes that you can try this holiday season. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, these recipes are easy to follow and will surely bring joy to your family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves, put on your apron, and get ready to bake up a batch of Christmas magic!
