The aroma of warm spices and sweet sugar cookies baking in the oven is the quintessential Christmas feeling. This year, ditch the store-bought treats and create a delicious batch of homemade Christmas cookies with this easy recipe. These cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones, decorating with the kids, or simply enjoying a festive treat by the fire. It's a simple recipe perfect for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike, delivering delicious results every time. Let’s get baking!
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 soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Optional: Sprinkles, colored sugar, chocolate chips
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie. Use an electric mixer for best results; it saves time and ensures even mixing.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This prevents lumps from forming in your dough.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this can result in tough cookies.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Place cookies onto ungreased baking sheets.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with your favorite sprinkles, colored sugar, or chocolate chips.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Christmas Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a light and fluffy texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough develops the gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing spreading and ensuring perfectly shaped cookies.
- Watch Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Gingerbread Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of ground ginger and ½ teaspoon of ground cloves to the dough for a festive gingerbread flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a classic twist.
- Peanut Butter Cookies: Substitute ½ cup of peanut butter for ½ cup of the butter.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: 100-150 Fat: 6-8g Sugar: 8-10g Protein: 2-3g
These values are approximate and may vary based on the specific ingredients and portion size.
These easy-to-make Christmas cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday baking. They’re a fantastic recipe for family gatherings, gifting, or simply enjoying a sweet treat during the festive season. Happy baking!