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To make your Christmas cookies, you'll need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon almond extract - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon fine salt These basic ingredients create a rich, soft dough that bakes into tasty cookies. The butter gives them a nice texture. The egg helps bind everything together. Vanilla and almond extracts add delicious flavors. You can get creative with toppings and decorations. Consider adding: - 1/2 cup colorful sprinkles (for decoration) - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional) - 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (for topping) - Royal icing (for decorative finishing - optional) Sprinkles and candy canes make these cookies festive. Chocolate chips add richness, while royal icing allows you to pipe fun designs. To make your baking easier, have these tools ready: - Electric mixer - Mixing bowls - Cookie cutters - Rolling pin - Baking sheets - Parchment paper - Spatula - Wire racks These tools help you mix, shape, and bake your cookies. A good electric mixer saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the stage for baking. Next, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix until it’s light and fluffy, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Now, add 1 large egg along with 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. Mix again until everything is well blended. In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt. Slowly add this dry mix to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until it forms a dough. If you want a twist, fold in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a disk and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill these in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies keep their shape. After chilling, take one disk and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes like stars and Christmas trees. Place the cut-out cookies on the lined baking sheets. Give them space to spread while baking. To make them festive, sprinkle colorful sprinkles and crushed peppermint candies on top. Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Watch them closely. You want the edges to turn golden brown. Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, use a spatula to transfer them to wire racks. Let them cool completely there. If you like, decorate the cooled cookies with royal icing for an extra touch. Pipe designs or cover them fully for a beautiful finish. To get the best cookie texture, use room temperature butter. Cold butter makes cookies hard. Cream the butter and sugar well. This step adds air, making your cookies lighter. After mixing, chill the dough for 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent spreading while baking. Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness ensures even baking and a nice bite. For a fun festive look, use colorful sprinkles and crushed peppermint. Add them right before baking. You can also use royal icing after cooling. Pipe simple designs or cover the cookie entirely. Try using different colors to create patterns. For an extra touch, use themed cookie cutters for holiday shapes. Arrange the cookies in a box with parchment paper for a beautiful gift. One common mistake is not measuring flour correctly. Too much flour can make cookies dry. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Another mistake is skipping chilling the dough. This step is key for perfect cookies. Lastly, avoid opening the oven too soon. This can cause cookies to bake unevenly. Keep an eye on them instead. Pro Tips Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring they maintain their festive shapes. Use Quality Extracts: Opt for pure vanilla and almond extracts instead of imitation ones. The flavor difference is noticeable and will elevate the taste of your cookies. Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Try using different types of sprinkles or even drizzle melted chocolate on top for a unique twist. Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh after baking, store them in an airtight container. You can also separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up flavors in your cookies. Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. For a tangy twist, use lemon or orange zest. If you love chocolate, mix in cocoa powder for rich chocolate cookies. You can also use flavored extracts, like coconut or mint, to make unique treats. These small changes can make a big difference in taste. While classic shapes are fun, you can get creative! Use different cookie cutters to make fun shapes. Think of snowflakes, reindeer, or even gingerbread men. For a rustic touch, roll the dough into balls or logs. Slice them into rounds for a simple yet charming look. You can also make thumbprint cookies by pressing your thumb into the dough and filling it with jam. How you package your cookies can add to the fun. Choose colorful boxes or tins that match the holiday spirit. Layer the cookies with parchment paper to keep them fresh. You can use ribbon or twine to tie the box shut. Add a personal note or a holiday card for a special touch. This makes your homemade treats even more thoughtful and memorable. To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Use layers of parchment paper to separate different types. This method prevents the flavors from mixing. Avoid metal containers, as they can change the taste over time. Keep your cookies in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. For longer freshness, add a slice of bread to the container. The bread absorbs moisture and helps keep the cookies soft. Change the bread slice every few days. You can also wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap. This keeps them fresh for a longer time while maintaining their shape. Freezing is a great way to enjoy cookies later. Start by cooling them completely. Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To eat, let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes. To create a DIY Christmas cookie box, start with a sturdy box. You can use a simple cardboard box or a decorative tin. Line the inside with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies fresh and adds a nice touch. Next, layer your baked cookies inside. You can separate different types with more parchment paper. Finish by tying a colorful ribbon around the box for a festive look. You can find pre-made Christmas cookie boxes at many stores. Look in craft stores, gift shops, or online retailers. Some grocery stores also carry them during the holiday season. Check for boxes that are sturdy and festive. This way, your cookies will look great and stay fresh. When decorating cookie boxes, think about a theme. Use holiday colors like red, green, and gold. Add stickers, stamps, or drawings to the box. You can also use ribbons and bows for extra flair. Don't forget to include a tag with a sweet message. This adds a personal touch and makes the gift special. Yes, you can freeze the cookies before decorating. After baking, let the cookies cool completely. Then, layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer. Seal the container tightly and place it in the freezer. When you're ready to decorate, thaw the cookies at room temperature. Baked cookies can last about one week at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, freeze them. Frozen cookies can stay good for up to three months. Just remember to thaw them before serving or decorating. This article covered the key ingredients and steps to create tasty Christmas cookies. I shared tips for perfect texture and fun decorating ideas. You learned how to explore flavor variations and unique shapes for your cookies. Plus, we discussed storage tips to keep cookies fresh. With these insights, you can bake and share delightful treats with ease. Enjoy your baking and let your creativity shine!

Christmas Cookie Box

Delicious festive cookies perfect for holiday gifting.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/2 cup colorful sprinkles (for decoration)
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
  • 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (for topping)
  • to taste royal icing (for decorative finishing - optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare several baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, typically about 3-5 minutes.
  • Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Continue mixing on medium speed until these ingredients are thoroughly incorporated into the buttery mixture.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Gradually add the dry mixture into the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a cohesive dough forms.
  • If desired, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra burst of flavor and texture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  • Split the dough into two equal portions and flatten each into a disk shape. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes; this helps minimize spreading during baking.
  • After chilling, place one dough disk on a lightly floured surface and roll it out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes, such as stars, Christmas trees, and bells.
  • Carefully place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring there is adequate space between each one to allow for spreading. Before baking, sprinkle colored sprinkles and crushed peppermint candies on top of each cookie for a delightful decorative finish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just beginning to turn golden brown. Keep a close eye on the cookies, as baking time may vary depending on the shapes and sizes of the cookies you have cut out.
  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before using a spatula to transfer them to wire racks, where they will cool completely.
  • For an extra festive touch, if you choose, decorate the cooled cookies with royal icing. Pipe designs or cover entire cookies to give them a beautiful finish.

Notes

Creatively arrange your baked cookies in a decorative box or festive tin, layering them with parchment paper for an elegant touch.
Keyword Christmas cookies, festive treats, holiday baking