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Christmas Cookie Recipes: 15 Easy Festive Treats for Holiday Baking

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A collection of classic and creative Christmas cookie recipes designed for easy, festive holiday baking. These cookies are perfect for family gatherings, gifting, and making sweet memories all season long.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached preferred)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (or almond extract)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1–2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (for gingerbread)
  • 1/4 cup molasses (for ginger cookies)
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (semisweet or white)
  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
  • Festive sprinkles (for decorating)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries or chopped dried cherries
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (for icing)
  • 2–4 tablespoons whole milk or dairy-free milk
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Food coloring gels (red, green)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
  • Almond flour (for gluten-free option)
  • Coconut oil (for dairy-free baking)
  • 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water (egg replacer)
  • Dairy-free chocolate chips (for vegan variation)
  • Fresh or frozen berries (optional)

Instructions

  1. Measure out all ingredients and let butter and eggs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg as desired).
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla or almond extract. Scrape down sides of the bowl.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined. Fold in add-ins (chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, etc.).
  6. Cover and chill dough for 30-60 minutes.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  8. For drop cookies, scoop 1 tablespoon dough per cookie. For cut-outs, roll dough to 1/4 inch thick and cut with cookie cutters.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, rotating pans halfway through, until edges are golden and centers are slightly soft.
  10. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
  11. Once cool, decorate with powdered sugar glaze, cream cheese frosting, or royal icing. Add sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or colored sugar.

Notes

Chill dough for at least 30 minutes for best texture. Use room temperature ingredients for fluffier cookies. Mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies. Rotate pans halfway through baking for even browning. Decorate cookies after cooling for best results. Adapt with almond flour for gluten-free, coconut oil and flaxseed for vegan. Most cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas cookies, holiday baking, festive treats, sugar cookies, gingerbread, easy cookies, cookie exchange, edible gifts, classic cookies, vegan cookies, gluten-free cookies

Find it online: https://avabake.com/christmas-cookie-recipes-15-easy-festive-treats-for-holiday-baking/