Making Christmas cookies is a cherished holiday tradition for many families. The aroma of baking cookies fills the kitchen with warmth and brings everyone together, creating a comfortable and festive atmosphere. Whether you’re making them for a gathering or to enjoy at home, these delightful treats are sure to spread joy and create lasting memories.
Why Make This Christmas Cookies
This Christmas cookie recipe is more than just a sweet treat; it embodies the spirit of the holiday season. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with chocolatey goodness. The use of both white and brown sugars gives these cookies a rich flavor and delightful texture. Plus, they’re customizable! You can add nuts, sprinkles, or even swap out chocolate chips for your favorite candy. These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family, making them a great addition to any holiday celebration.
How to Make Christmas Cookies
Making these Christmas cookies is straightforward and fun, even for baking novices. The process involves mixing simple, fresh ingredients, creating a dough, and baking them until they are golden. You’ll enjoy watching your cookies bake and rise into perfect festive treats, and the kitchen will be filled with the tantalizing smell of sweet vanilla and melting chocolate.
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and almond extract.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until combined.
- Finally, fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
- Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets and decorate with sprinkles. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden. Cool on wire racks.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately:
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 95mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 2g
Please note that nutritional values can vary based on ingredient brands and specific quantities used.
How to Serve Christmas Cookies
These Christmas cookies are great for serving at holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa or eggnog. They look lovely on a decorative plate or in a festive cookie jar. Consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert!
How to Store Christmas Cookies
To keep your Christmas cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay good for about a week. If you want to enjoy them for longer, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with the sugars, which helps in achieving a light, fluffy texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour; mix just until combined for chewy cookies.
- Experiment with mix-ins like dried fruit, different types of chips, or even herbs like rosemary for an unexpected twist.
- If you want a thicker cookie, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
Delicious Variations
- Peppermint Mocha Cookies: Add crushed peppermint candies and a teaspoon of coffee extract for a festive flavor.
- Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookies: Use different types of nuts such as pecans or walnuts.
- Oatmeal Christmas Cookies: Fold in some rolled oats for extra texture and heartiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge before baking.
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What can I substitute for the eggs? If you prefer an eggless option, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a mashed ripe banana for each egg.
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How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much? Ensure the butter is softened but not melted. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can also help keep your cookies from spreading too much while they bake.
Conclusion
These Christmas cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. Soft, chewy, and exploding with chocolatey goodness, they are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. We encourage you to try this recipe, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the joy that comes from baking together. Feel free to share your experiences or variations in the comments below; happy baking!
