Christmas Cookies

Christmas Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they are the heart of holiday memories. I still remember standing on a stool in my grandmother’s kitchen, watching her dust flour over the counter while the scent of butter and vanilla filled the warm air. We would spend hours cutting out shapes and adding colorful sprinkles, laughing as flour dusted our noses. Now, baking these soft, buttery cookies brings that same joy to my own family every year.

This recipe keeps things classic and simple, yielding tender cookies with golden edges and a hint of almond extract that makes them unforgettable. Whether you are filling tins for neighbors, leaving a plate for Santa, or just enjoying a quiet moment with a warm cookie and cocoa, these Christmas Cookies deliver pure, homemade happiness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cookies

Let me tell you why these cookies have become my absolute must bake every December:

• That melt in your mouth texture! The combination of butter and just the right amount of flour makes them tender without being crumbly.
• The almond extract gives them that special bakery flavor that makes people ask, “What’s your secret?” (Don’t worry, I’ll never tell!)
• They’re practically foolproof to make. No chilling dough, no complicated steps, just mix, scoop, and bake.
• Those festive sprinkles make them look like you spent hours decorating when really, you just stirred them in!
• They stay soft for days, which means you can bake them ahead for parties or gift boxes.
• Kids love helping decorate them (and sneaking sprinkles when you’re not looking).

Honestly, I’ve never met anyone who didn’t go back for seconds. They’re that good.

Ingredients for Christmas Cookies

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to cookie magic! Here’s what you’ll need for these festive treats:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Spoon and level it, don’t scoop! This keeps the cookies tender.
• 1 teaspoon each: Of baking soda and baking powder, they’re not the same, trust me!
• 1 teaspoon salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness.
• 1 cup unsalted butter: Softened to room temp (not melted!). It should leave a slight indent when pressed.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Regular white sugar works perfectly here.
• 1 large egg: Crack it into a small bowl first to avoid shells.
• 1 teaspoon each: Vanilla and almond extract, The almond is non-negotiable for that bakery taste!
• 1 ½ cups festive sprinkles: Jimmies (the little rod shapes) work best as they don’t bleed color, as some round confetti sprinkles can.

See? Nothing fancy, just good quality basics that come together beautifully.

How to Make Christmas Cookies

Now for the fun part! Making these cookies is as joyful as eating them. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have perfect holiday treats in no time.

Mixing the Dough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and line those baking sheets with parchment paper. This little step saves so much cleanup later!

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. I like to give it a good 30-second whisk to make sure everything’s evenly distributed. Set this aside while you work your butter magic.

Now grab your softened butter and sugar. Cream them together for a full 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. This isn’t the time to rush! That air you’re incorporating makes the cookies tender. When it looks like pale yellow clouds, you’re ready for the next step.

Add the egg and both extracts, mixing just until combined. Then comes the flour mixture, add it gradually, mixing on low just until the flour disappears. Overmixing makes tough cookies, and we want melt-in-your-mouth softness!

Finally, gently fold in those sprinkles by hand. I use a big wooden spoon and fold from the bottom up to distribute them evenly without breaking them.

Baking Christmas Cookies

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared sheets. They’ll spread just enough to become perfect little rounds.

Bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look set, but the centers still appear soft. They’ll continue cooking on the hot sheet for a minute after coming out.

Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes; this helps them set without drying out. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The hardest part? Waiting until they’re cool enough to eat!

Pro tip: If your oven runs hot, check at 8 minutes. Every oven is different, and you want that perfect soft center.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Cookies

Through years of holiday baking marathons, I have discovered the simple secrets that make these Christmas Cookies turn out flawless every single time. It all comes down to temperature and a few clever kitchen hacks that preserve flavor and texture.

Follow these tips to ensure your cookies are always the star of the cookie swap:

• Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to keep the cookies tender rather than tough.
• Soften Butter Properly: Use room-temperature butter to achieve that light, fluffy texture; cut cold butter into cubes to speed up softening if you are short on time.
• Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even browning on the bottoms.
• Chill if Sticky: If the dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it for 15 minutes before scooping to prevent spreading and create thicker cookies.
• Bread Hack: Keep cookies soft for days by placing a slice of fresh bread in the storage container; the cookies absorb the moisture, staying tender while the bread hardens.

Storing and Freezing Christmas Cookies

Here’s the beautiful thing about these Christmas cookies: They stay soft and delicious for days! Just pop them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll keep their texture for up to 5 days. If you want them to last even longer, you’ve got options.

To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely first. Layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container so they don’t stick together. They’ll keep for about 3 months this way. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature for an hour or warm them briefly in the microwave.

You can also freeze the dough balls! Scoop them onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When cookie cravings strike, bake straight from frozen; just add a minute or two to the baking time. Fresh cookies anytime!

Nutritional Information

Just so you know, these nutrition facts are estimates based on standard ingredients. Your actual values might change depending on the brands you use or if you tweak the recipe. Each cookie comes in at about 180 calories, with that perfect balance of sweetness and richness we all crave during the holidays.

Remember, Christmas cookies are meant to be enjoyed in moderation, but let’s be honest, moderation goes out the window when they’re this delicious!

Christmas Cookies FAQs

Festive Holiday Cookies to Bake

Enjoying the holiday spirit of Christmas Cookies? Add these festive favorites to your baking list for the ultimate cookie tray.

• German Gingerbread Cookies: Soft, spiced cookies glazed with sugar for classic holiday flavor.​
• Christmas Shortbread Cookies: Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread decorated with festive sprinkles.​
• Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms: Rich chocolate cookies topped with a candy cane kiss.​
• Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies: Vibrant red cookies with a snowy powdered sugar coating.​

Bake these crowd-pleasers to share joy at your next cookie exchange or family gathering!

Share Your Christmas Cookies

I’d love to see your cookie creations! Snap a photo of your festive sprinkle-filled masterpieces and tag me on Instagram. Nothing makes me happier than seeing families baking together and making memories with this recipe. Drop a comment below too, tell me about your favorite holiday baking traditions or any fun twists you tried!

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