The aroma of warm spices, the sweet crunch of perfectly baked cookies – nothing says Christmas quite like a beautifully filled cookie box. This year, ditch the store-bought treats and embark on a festive baking adventure with these delightful and easy Christmas cookie recipes. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, these recipes are designed to bring joy and deliciousness to your holiday season. Get ready to create a Christmas cookie box that's as stunning as it is tasty!
A Trio of Festive Favorites: Recipes for Your Christmas Cookie Box
This collection features three distinct yet equally delicious cookie recipes perfect for building a diverse and delightful Christmas cookie box: Gingerbread Men, classic Chocolate Chip Cookies, and elegant Cranberry Orange Biscotti.
1. Spiced Gingerbread Men: A Classic Christmas Treat
These aren't your average gingerbread men! Our recipe uses warming spices and a touch of molasses for an unforgettable flavor. They're also surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a fun family baking session.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses and egg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create gingerbread men.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate your gingerbread men with frosting and sprinkles!
Tip: For extra festive flavor, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough.
2. Perfectly Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Holiday Staple
These aren't your average chocolate chip cookies, but a comforting and delicious addition to any Christmas cookie box!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tip: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking for thicker, chewier cookies.
3. Cranberry Orange Biscotti: An Elegant Festive Treat
These twice-baked cookies are perfect for dunking in coffee or hot cocoa – a sophisticated addition to your Christmas cookie box.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped candied orange peel
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the cranberries and candied orange peel.
- Turn the dough out onto the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Let the log cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
- Slice the log into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices on the baking sheet and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
- Let the biscotti cool completely on a wire rack.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, will vary based on specific ingredients and portion size):
- Gingerbread Men: Calories: 150-200, Fat: 8-10g, Sugar: 15-20g
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Calories: 120-150, Fat: 7-9g, Sugar: 12-15g
- Cranberry Orange Biscotti: Calories: 100-130, Fat: 5-7g, Sugar: 10-12g
These delicious and easy Christmas cookie recipes are sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy the process of creating these festive treats, and happy baking!