Are you looking for a unique and delicious addition to your Christmas baking repertoire? Look no further! These Christmas Reef Cookies are a delightful blend of buttery shortbread and festive sprinkles, creating a beautiful and tasty treat that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. They're surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and the results are stunning – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at your holiday gatherings. Let's dive into this easy recipe for healthy-ish holiday cheer!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Assorted Christmas sprinkles (red, green, white, silver)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can do it by hand if you're feeling ambitious!
- Beat in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a slightly shaggy dough is perfectly fine.
Shape and Decorate:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch thick logs. You can use a ruler to ensure consistent thickness for even baking.
- Place the logs onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a couple of inches between each one.
- Generously sprinkle the logs with your Christmas sprinkles, pressing them gently into the dough. Get creative!
Bake and Cool:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and Serve:
- Once the cookies are completely cool, use a sharp knife to slice them into ½-inch thick rounds. This is easiest if you use a serrated knife.
Tips for the Best Christmas Reef Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For easier handling, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping and baking.
- Get Creative with Sprinkles: Use your favorite Christmas sprinkles or even add some chopped nuts or dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture.
Variations:
- Chocolate Reef Cookies: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dough for a delicious chocolate twist.
- Gingerbread Reef Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories
This will vary based on the specific ingredients and portion size.
These Christmas Reef Cookies are a delightful homemade treat perfect for the holiday season. Their festive appearance and delicious taste make them an ideal addition to your cookie platters or a thoughtful homemade gift. Enjoy the baking process and the sweet reward of these beautiful and delicious Christmas cookies!