Yummy Cookies for the Whole Family
There’s something utterly magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home during the holidays. Christmas cookies aren’t just a dessert; they’re a tradition, a gesture of love, and sometimes the centerpiece of festive gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, creating your own batch of Christmas cookies is easier than you think. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your cookie cutters, and let’s whip up some holiday cheer.
Christmas Cookies
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Decoration 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Ingredients
- Basic Cookie Dough
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Festive flavors like cinnamon nutmeg, or almond extract.
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
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Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
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In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents lumps.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
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Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Combine Wet and Dry
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Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing well. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Chill the Dough
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Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll and helps the cookies hold their shape.
Shape and Bake
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Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to create shapes like stars, trees, or gingerbread men. Place them on your prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Decorate
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Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating. Now comes the fun part—grab some icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter to turn your cookies into mini works of art!
