These holiday cookies add a sprinkle of joy to every celebration!
Indulging in homemade cookies at holiday gatherings brings back fond memories of family, warmth, and joy. Whether you’re sharing them as gifts or enjoying them with loved ones, these holiday cookies will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also fill your home with delightful aromas. With their soft texture and creamy frosting, they’re the perfect treat any time of year.
Table of Contents
Why Are Holiday Cookies Perfect for Celebrations?
Holiday cookies are beloved for their festive flair and versatility.
During the holiday season, the joy of cookie-making shines brighter than ever. These cookies embody the essence of festive gatherings and family traditions. They’re easy to whip up, making them a go-to choice when time is tight but you still want to impress. This delightful treat is also kid-friendly, allowing everyone to indulge in the fun of baking together. Additionally, the variety in sprinkles and decorations makes this recipe adaptable for any occasion. Don’t forget, they’re perfect for sharing or giving as gifts alongside an awesome Christmas salad recipe!
What Makes These Holiday Cookies Unique?
This cookie recipe stands out for its delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Heavenly Texture
Unlike traditional crunchy cookies, these soft-baked ones melt in your mouth, melting away any stress leaving a sweet touch behind. A mix of baking soda and baking powder creates the perfect balance of fluffiness and chewiness.
Frosting & Sprinkles
The rich frosting made with powdered sugar and a hint of vanilla elevates these cookies to new heights. Adding colorful sprinkles not only makes them visually appealing but brings joy to every bite.
Family-Friendly Recipe
This recipe is designed for everyone, making it easy for kids to help frosting with minimal mess.
What Ingredients Make These Cookies Special?
Using quality ingredients ensures delicious results.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 3/4 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup |
| White sugar | 1 1/2 cups |
| Egg | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Powdered sugar | 3 cups |
| Milk | 2 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract (for frosting) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Colorful sprinkles | for decoration |
Quality ingredients like unsalted butter provide a rich flavor, while all-purpose flour ensures the right texture. You could explore substitutes like almond flour for a nutty flavor or cater to dietary needs with gluten-free options as seen in this delicious recipe.
How to Make Holiday Cookies Step-by-Step?
Follow these straightforward steps to create delicious holiday cookies.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and baking powder together.
Step 2: Creaming the Base
In another bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar until smooth and fluffy, a process that takes about 3 minutes. It should look light and airy.
Step 3: Combine and shape
Beat in an egg and a teaspoon of vanilla extract, followed by gradually mixing in the dry ingredient blend. Once combined, roll the dough into small balls and place them onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, until they’re just starting to turn golden brown.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 10 minutes | 25 minutes |
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes for them to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What are Some Variations and Serving Ideas for Holiday Cookies?
Get creative with these variations to impress your guests.
Diet Swap
For a gluten-free version, readily substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix. You can also replace white sugar with coconut sugar for a slight caramel flavor.
Flavor Variation
Add zest from lemons or oranges for a citrusy touch, or incorporate nuts and chocolate chips for an irresistible twist. Explore other recipes with chocolate chips in this delicious chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Serving Idea
Sandwich two cookies with frosting or jam for a delightful treat! Serve these festive cookies on a beautiful platter adorned with a holiday centerpiece – they make stunning contributions to any gathering.
| Suggested Pairings |
|---|
| Hot Chocolate |
| Sweet Tea |
| Milk |
Final Thoughts
Making these holiday cookies can be a delightful bonding experience, whether you’re baking solo or with family. They’re easy to prepare, fun to customize, and will leave your guests raving. As you store any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container for up to a week to maintain their freshness. If you’ve enjoyed this recipe, consider pinning it to your holiday baking board on Pinterest. Check out my bords for more inspiration. Looking for more festive treats? Explore my collection of the 10 best Christmas desserts to bake this season.
FAQ
What are the best ways to store holiday cookies?
To keep your holiday cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, consider freezing them. To do this, place them in a freezer-safe bag separated by layers of parchment paper. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the roll of dough and slice off pieces to bake whenever the craving hits.
Are there variations for dietary restrictions?
Yes! For gluten-free cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You can also swap out dairy products for plant-based alternatives if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant for a deliciously inclusive treat.
What are some ideal occasions for making holiday cookies?
Holiday cookies are perfect for birthday celebrations, Christmas, New Year parties, or just about any festive gathering. Their versatility and delightful taste make them an all-time favorite for kids and adults alike.
How can I make my cookies softer?
To achieve soft cookies, be careful not to overbake them. They should appear slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven. Also, using brown sugar in place of white sugar will help retain moisture.
Holiday Cookies
Delicious homemade holiday cookies that add a sprinkle of joy to every celebration.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 3/4 cups
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
- Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter, softened: 1 cup
- White sugar: 1 1/2 cups
- Egg: 1
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Powdered sugar: 3 cups
- Milk: 2 tablespoons
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): 1/2 teaspoon
- Colorful sprinkles: for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Cream together the softened butter and sugar in another bowl until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until just golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool briefly on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For variations, try substituting flour for gluten-free options or adding nuts and chocolate chips for extra flavor. Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cookies
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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