Christmas Day is here and like most, you may be looking for the perfect Christmas Cookie recipes. Whether you are a professional chef or a one-time Christmas cookie maker, there are timeless recipes anyone can make! Typically, Gingerbread cookies and chocolate chip cookies make it to the top of the list.
Christmas cookies also make for a great gift during the festive season. These are a reminder of the warmth and sweetness of Christmas day. If you are planning to bake your cookies, we have you covered with 5 recipes that are timeless and delicious.
Note: This article mirrors the writer’s opinion. Do comment with your suggestions to let us know which other items could make the list.
5 Christmas Cookie recipes that are a delightful addition to the festivities
Christmas Cookie recipes abound on the Internet. However, choosing the right ones can make or break your festive cookies. While there are multiple varieties, here are some timeless recipes that are unlikely to go wrong:
1. Shortbread cookies
Shortbread cookies are a versatile option for the festive season. The cookies can be customized in different shapes and can have different toppings. The main ingredients of the cookies include:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Shortbread cookies are one of the easiest to make since they incorporate low-cost ingredients. As a rule of thumb, use softened butter with sugar as the first step. Combine dry ingredients slowly over the mix and wrap it up with plastic. Roll the dough and use cookie cutters of your choice.
2. Gingerbread
Gingerbread people are the protagonists of the Christmas Day story. Whether it is a high-end bakery or in-house cooking, Gingerbread people are a crowd favorite. Here is a recipe by Stephanie Schneidewing on All Recipes:
- 1/2 cup softened margarine, molasses, and sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt, baking powder, baking soda, and ground spices (cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg)
After beating margarine and sugar, slowly incorporate the molasses. Next, mix all the dry ingredients and add them to the wet mixture. Wrap the mixture in a wrap and place it in the fridge. Roll the dough and once it is set, take the Gingerbread cookie cutter and preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
3. Candy Cane cookies
If you are feeling more experimental, you can try baking the candy cane cookies. Here is a recipe by Ruthann posted on All Recipes. You will need:
- 1 cup margarine
- 1/2 cup white sugar and confectioner's sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food color
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Peppermint candies crushed
Combine wet and dry ingredients separately. After the dough is prepared, divide it into two halves and add red food color in one of the halves. Take two strings of white and red dough and roll them into a twisted rope. Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes in the microwave and decorate it with crushed candies.
4. Chocolate chip cookies
Chocolate chip cookies and warm milk are an ideal match for the winter season. A quick batch of chocolate cookies can be prepared with simple ingredients. Use the 3:1 ratio for flour and other ingredients, including butter and sugar. Once the dough is prepared, add a generous amount of chocolate chips to the dough and bake till golden brown.
5. Peanut Butter cookies
Looking for a low-hassle recipe? This peanut butter cookie recipe may be the one. One of the easiest recipes incorporates equal parts peanut butter and powdered sugar. Add one egg as a binding agent and add vanilla extract (optional). Mix the dough and your Christmas cookies are ready to be baked.
While some Christmas cookies require more ingredients and time, there are many that can be whipped up with few ingredients. Christmas cookies can make the festivities extra special, especially if you bake them on your own!
Which Christmas cookies would you like to bake? Tell us in the comments below.