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Christmas Cookies

A delightful collection of easy-to-make Christmas cookie recipes that evoke nostalgia and are perfect for sharing during the holiday season.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Course: Baking, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Basic Cookie Ingredients
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour Measure properly using the spoon and level method.
  • 1 cup butter (2 sticks) Use room temperature butter for best results.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar For sweetness and crisping.
  • 1.25 cups brown sugar Adds chew and depth; should be slightly packed.
  • 1-2 pieces eggs Bind ingredients and add moisture as per recipe.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Enhances flavor.
  • 1 tsp baking powder or baking soda Use according to specific recipe.
  • 1 pinch salt Balances sweetness.
  • to taste optional cocoa powder, molasses, spices, chocolate chips, jam For specific cookie variations.

Method
 

General Instructions
  1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
  3. Stir in dry ingredients until just combined.
  4. Chill the dough if it is too soft.
  5. Shape the dough into cookies and bake until edges are set.
Classic Sugar Cookies
  1. Cream 1 cup butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
  2. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla until combined.
  3. Mix 3 cups flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Gradually add to butter mixture.
  4. Chill dough for 30 minutes until firm but pliable.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll to 1/4" thickness, cut shapes, and place on lined baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges start to color. Cool and decorate.
Snickerdoodles
  1. Cream 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup sugar together. Add 2 eggs one at a time.
  2. Stir in 2 3/4 cups flour, 2 tsp cream of tartar, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  3. Roll dough into balls and coat in cinnamon-sugar.
  4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until tops crackle.
Ginger Molasses Cookies
  1. Whisk together 2 1/4 cups flour, 2 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp cloves, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  2. Cream 3/4 cup butter and 1 cup brown sugar, then beat in 1 large egg and 1/4 cup molasses.
  3. Combine the mixtures and chill for 20 minutes if dough is very soft.
  4. Roll in sugar and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9–11 minutes.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
  1. Whisk together 1 3/4 cups flour, 1/2 cup cocoa, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  2. Cream 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup sugar, add 2 eggs and 1 tsp vanilla.
  3. Combine and chill for 1 hour.
  4. Roll in powdered sugar and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Thumbprint Cookies
  1. Cream 1 cup butter, 2/3 cup sugar, 1 egg yolk, and 1 tsp vanilla.
  2. Stir in 2 cups flour and 1/4 tsp salt.
  3. Roll into balls, press the center with a thumb, and fill with jam.
  4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until edges are set.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days at room temperature or freeze for up to 3 months. For a richer flavor, use room temperature butter when creaming.