If there’s one tradition that makes the holidays extra magical, it’s gathering the family to bake the very best Christmas Cookies. Soft, buttery, and delicately flavored with vanilla and almond, these cookies not only fill your kitchen with the sweetest scents, but they’re also destined to become a centerpiece on your festive dessert table. Whether you’re piling them onto a pretty platter or sharing with those you love, these Christmas Cookies are a joyful way to celebrate the season, and they never fail to deliver smiles and a little extra sparkle to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These easy, fuss-free ingredients are pantry staples, but each one plays a vital role in creating cookies with the perfect crumb, just the right amount of sweetness, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Let’s break down why each one matters and how they work together to make show-stopping Christmas Cookies.
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of the dough, giving your cookies structure and just enough chew.
- Baking soda: A key leavener that helps the cookies puff up ever so slightly and gives them a light, tender texture.
- Baking powder: Works with baking soda for even more lift and softness, which is essential for cookie-cutter shapes or thick, pillowy rounds.
- Unsalted butter (softened): The secret to a rich, melt-in-your-mouth base — be sure it’s room temperature for best creaming results.
- Granulated sugar: Gives the cookies their classic sweetness and those crisp, golden edges everyone loves.
- Egg: Acts as a binder and adds just the right amount of richness and tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with cozy, aromatic depth that sings of the holidays.
- Almond extract: This adds that unmistakable bakery-style flavor, which elevates these Christmas Cookies above your everyday batch.
- Milk: Loosens up the dough just enough for rolling out and helps everything blend together smoothly.
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating: The fun part! These not only add festive flair but also bring a sweet crunch to every bite.
How to Make Christmas Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go. Line your countertops with parchment or have baking sheets at the ready. This first move makes the process seamless, so the cookies bake up evenly and perfectly golden every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder until well combined. This pre-mixing ensures that the leavening is evenly distributed, which gives every cookie the same lovely texture and rise.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is pale and fluffy — this step guarantees cookies that are light and ever-so-tender.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Crack in the egg, pour in the vanilla extract, and that delicious almond extract. Beat again until everything’s beautifully smooth and fragrant — now your kitchen is already starting to smell like Christmas Cookies heaven.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. This keeps the dough from getting dry and ensures it holds together just right. Mix until fully combined; your dough should be soft but not sticky.
Step 6: Shape and Decorate
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls for classic round cookies or use festive cookie cutters for fun shapes. Place on an ungreased baking sheet, then gently press each one to flatten. Sprinkle colored sugar or decorate with festive sprinkles — let your inner artist shine!
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, watching for those lightly golden edges. Don’t worry if they look slightly underdone in the center — they’ll firm up as they cool. Let the cookies sit on the tray for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. This ensures your Christmas Cookies are perfectly set and ready for sharing.
How to Serve Christmas Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra pop of holiday cheer, dust the cooled cookies with a light snowfall of powdered sugar or drizzle with a touch of melted white or dark chocolate. If you’ve used sprinkles, they’ll already shine, but a little edible glitter takes them to celebratory new heights.
Side Dishes
Christmas Cookies are just begging to be paired with a big mug of hot cocoa, a swirl of whipped cream, or even a spiced latte. For dessert platters, pair them alongside fresh berries, chocolate truffles, or crunchy candied nuts for a gathering that feels truly festive.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap stacks of Christmas Cookies in cellophane tied with a festive ribbon for easy gifting, or pile them high on a vintage cake stand as your table centerpiece. Another fun idea: set up a decorating station and let guests personalize their cookies at your holiday party — it’s an instant crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any left (which is rare!), store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to a week. Layering parchment between each tier keeps the decorations just as beautiful as when you made them.
Freezing
Christmas Cookies freeze so beautifully! You can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months; just pack them tightly in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to serve, and they’ll taste like you made them that very morning.
Reheating
To bring day-old or thawed cookies back to life, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 2-3 minutes. This restores their just-baked aroma and gives the edges a kiss of crunch without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough holds beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days. If it feels a little too firm to roll, just let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before working with it.
Can I skip the almond extract?
You sure can! If you or a loved one prefer a plain vanilla profile or have nut allergies in the family, simply substitute the almond extract with an equal amount of vanilla extract. Your Christmas Cookies will still taste delightful and festive.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
If the dough is too soft, especially after mixing, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. Chilled dough is easier to shape and holds its form in the oven, so your cookies keep those classic festive shapes.
How should I decorate the cookies with sprinkles?
For the best color and crunch, press your colored sugars or sprinkles gently into the dough before baking. This helps them stick beautifully and ensures vibrant, festive designs once baked.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in batches. This is a great way to make plenty of Christmas Cookies for cookie swaps, holiday tins, or just an extra-sweet family gathering.
Final Thoughts
Baking a batch of these Christmas Cookies is my favorite way to celebrate the season, and I hope you feel inspired to make them your own. There’s something so special about sharing a plate of homemade cookies, whether you stick to the classic shapes or add your own colorful twist. Trust me, your holidays won’t be quite as merry without a tray of these beauties on the table — so roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and get baking!
Print
Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Cookies are a classic holiday treat that are perfect for festive baking. They are deliciously buttery with a hint of almond flavor and can be decorated with colorful sugar or sprinkles.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
Decorations:
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Combine ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until fully combined.
- Shape and bake: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls or use cookie cutters for shapes. Place on an ungreased baking sheet, flatten slightly, and decorate with colored sugar or sprinkles.
- Bake: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it’s too soft to roll.
- You can substitute almond extract with more vanilla if preferred.
- These cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
