Easy, Quick & Creamy Favorite Holiday Treats — A Homemade, Traditional Family Favorite

Favorite Holiday Treats are what cozy kitchens are made of: warm, comforting bites that bring family and friends together. Whether you’re making an easy, quick batch after a weeknight dinner or planning a weekend cooking session with the kids, this homemade, traditional recipe becomes an instant family favorite the moment the aroma fills the house.

These treats are creamy at heart and tender at the edges, offering a buttery aroma and a slightly crisp, golden finish that screams holidays. If you love comforting sweets that double as gifts or party snacks, you’ll also appreciate the nostalgic twist of classic recipes like Grandma’s Holiday Treats tucked into holiday memory lane.

Background & Origin

Holiday treats like these likely grew from simple European cookie and bar traditions — think buttery shortbreads, drop cookies, and small handheld pastries designed to be shared. They became staples because they’re:

Easy to scale for big gatherings
Forgiving to beginner bakers
Naturally giftable and portable

Fun kitchen science: creaming sugar and butter traps tiny air pockets that expand during baking, creating a light, tender crumb while the edges caramelize to a satisfying golden brown. What makes this version unique is the balance: not too sweet, soft center, and just enough crisp at the edges. For more nostalgic, tried-and-true holiday recipes, compare notes with this classic family recipe to see how variations in butter and bake time change texture.

Ingredients

1 cup sugar — fine granulated (room temperature)
1/2 cup butter — softened to room temperature
2 eggs — large, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups flour — all-purpose, spooned and leveled
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Chocolate chips — optional (1 cup, semi-sweet or milk), or finely chopped chocolate for extra richness

Notes:

Room temperature eggs and butter help the batter come together smoothly.
If using nuts, finely chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup) make a great add-in.
Chocolate chips are optional but highly recommended for extra crowd-pleasing flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Use the middle rack for even baking. Preheating is essential — don’t skip it.
In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until smooth.
- Visual cue: mixture should turn pale and slightly fluffy, with no visible sugar granules. Use a hand mixer for 2–3 minutes on medium.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- Visual cue: mixture will become glossy and slightly thickened.
Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture.
- Add in 3 additions, folding gently. Don’t overmix — stop when no streaks of flour remain.
If desired, fold in chocolate chips.
- Mini-tip: reserve 1 tablespoon of chips to press on top of each dough mound for a prettier finished cookie.
Drop by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Visual cue: leave 2 inches between each cookie to allow spreading. Dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are golden.
- Visual cue: centers will look set but still soft; edges will be golden brown. Rotate the sheet halfway for even color.
Let cool and enjoy!
- Mini-tip: transfer to a wire rack after 2 minutes on the sheet to finish cooling so centers stay tender.

Times & Temperatures recap:

Prep time: ~10–15 minutes
Bake time: 10–12 minutes at 350°F (175°C)
Yield: about 24 cookies (depending on size)

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes

How to improve flavor
- Add a pinch of fine sea salt on top before baking for a salted-sweet contrast.
- Use a high-quality vanilla extract for deeper flavor; a splash of almond extract (1/4 tsp) can add warmth.
Texture tricks
- For chewier treats, replace 1/4 cup flour with 1/4 cup brown sugar.
- For cakier results, add 1 tablespoon of milk to the batter.
What NOT to do
- Don’t overbake — remove cookies when centers are still slightly soft.
- Avoid using melted butter in place of creamed butter unless you want a denser result.
Helpful shortcuts
- Use cookie scoops to make uniform cookies and save time.
- Mix chocolate chips directly into the batter and press a few extra on top for presentation.
Prep-ahead hacks
- Dough can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 3 days — scoop onto sheets straight from the fridge (add 1–2 extra minutes to bake time).
- Freeze scooped dough on a tray, then transfer to a bag; bake from frozen adding a couple of minutes.

Variations & Substitutions

H3: Vegan

Substitute butter with vegan margarine (1:1) and replace eggs with 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water (let sit 5 minutes).
Use dairy-free chocolate chips.

H3: Gluten-free

Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend lacks it for better structure.

H3: Low-carb

Swap sugar for a 1:1 erythritol monkfruit blend and use almond flour (note: texture will be different; reduce bake time slightly).

H3: Kid-friendly

Press festive sprinkles or M&M’s into the tops before baking for colorful holiday treats.

H3: Extra creamy

Fold in 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened) with butter for a richer, creamier base — reduce sugar by 2 tablespoons to balance sweetness.

H3: Spicy

Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm holiday flavor.

H3: Budget-friendly

Use store-brand chocolate chips and substitute half the butter with margarine to lower cost (texture will be slightly different).

For additional inspiration on twisty takes and nostalgic twists, check out this collection of holiday recipes: Holiday Treats Collection.

Serving Suggestions

Best sides: a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or warm mulled cider.
Bread/Salads/Rice/Pasta: These treats are a sweet finish — pair with a simple green salad if serving as part of a holiday buffet.
Wine pairing: Dessert-friendly wines like a late-harvest Riesling or a Moscato complement the sweetness.
How to plate beautifully for guests:
- Arrange on a large white platter, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve alongside small bowls of dipping sauces (caramel, chocolate ganache) for a fun DIY dessert station.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

Fridge: Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 4 days, or in the fridge up to 7 days.
Freezer-friendly instructions:
- Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Freeze unbaked scooped dough on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag; bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to bake time.
Best reheating method:
- Microwave: 8–10 seconds for a single cookie to regain softness.
- Oven: 300°F for 3–5 minutes to refresh multiple cookies.
Meal-prep options:
- Bake a double batch and freeze half for holiday hosting or last-minute guests.

Nutrition & Health Info

Estimated per cookie (1 of 24): ~120–160 calories depending on size and chocolate addition.
Protein: small amount from eggs and flour; not a protein-rich treat.
Lighter versions:
- Reduce sugar by 1/4 cup and add a splash of applesauce to maintain moisture.
- Use part whole wheat flour for added fiber (substitute up to 1/2 cup).
Optional: pair with a protein-rich snack like Greek yogurt for a more balanced dessert plate.

FAQ

Can I prepare Favorite Holiday Treats ahead of time?
Yes — dough can be made and refrigerated up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Bake from chilled or frozen with slightly longer bake time.
How do I thicken/thin the batter?
Thicken: add 1–2 tablespoons extra flour. Thin: add 1–2 teaspoons milk or cream until desired consistency.
Ingredient substitutions?
Eggs: substitute with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg). Butter: use margarine or coconut oil (textural changes possible).
Can I double or halve the recipe?
Yes. Baking time may vary slightly for different scoop sizes; keep an eye on the first tray.
What cookware is best?
Use light-colored baking sheets for even browning; silicone mats or parchment paper prevent sticking. A wire rack helps cookies cool evenly.
Can I make it dairy-free or meat-free?
Dairy-free: use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate. Meat-free: recipe is already vegetarian.
What sides go well with it?
Serve with milk, coffee, tea, hot cider, or a simple fruit platter for contrast.

Conclusion

These Favorite Holiday Treats are an easy, quick, and comforting go-to for holidays, weeknight baking, or last-minute entertaining. They’re forgiving for beginners, endlessly adaptable, and always a hit with the family. If you try the recipe, please leave a comment, rate it, or share a photo on social media — I love seeing your versions! For more cozy, traditional favorites that your family will adore, explore this beloved recipe: Grandma’s Holiday Treats — More Ideas.

👉 #fblifestyle