Tired of the same old Christmas decorations? This year, ditch the store-bought ornaments and get baking! These adorable Christmas cookie ornaments are not only a beautiful addition to your tree but also a fun and delicious homemade treat. Perfect for a family baking session or a quick and easy project for yourself, these cookies are surprisingly simple to make and guaranteed to bring festive cheer to your kitchen and your Christmas tree. Let's get started on this delightful journey into easy recipes and healthy homemade cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Assorted sprinkles, food coloring (gel or liquid), and cookie cutters (Christmas shapes recommended)
- Ribbon or twine for hanging
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie texture. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 3: Shape and Decorate
Divide the dough in half. If you want different colored cookies, add a few drops of food coloring to one portion and knead it in until evenly distributed. Roll out each portion of dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use your Christmas cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the cookies on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
Step 5: Add the Festive Flair
Once cooled, decorate your cookies with sprinkles, icing (if using), or other festive embellishments. Remember to make a small hole near the top of each cookie before baking to thread the ribbon through later.
Tips for Christmas Cookie Ornament Success:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is truly softened; this will make creaming it with the sugar much easier.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For easier handling, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it out.
- Cookie Cutter Variety: Have fun with different shapes and sizes of cookie cutters.
Variations:
- Glazed Ornaments: Add a layer of your favorite glaze after the cookies have cooled.
- Royal Icing Designs: Use royal icing to create intricate designs on your cookies.
- Candy Decorations: Incorporate festive candies like gumdrops or sprinkles.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 80-100 calories (depending on size and decorations)
These Christmas cookie ornaments are a wonderful addition to your holiday celebrations. They’re a fantastic quick dinner idea (if you’re making a larger batch!), a delicious dish to share, and an example of easy recipes everyone can enjoy. Happy baking, and Merry Christmas!