The holiday season ushers in a warm tradition of baking and sharing which resonates with many communities around the globe. The exchange of Christmas cookies is a cherished activity that brings people together, embodying the spirit of giving and the joy of sweet confections. Enthusiasts often search for new and exciting cookie recipes to add a twist to their holiday repertoire, ranging from classic gingerbread to innovative treats that become instant favorites.
In preparing for this festive swap, the right tools and ingredients are essential. An oven preheated to the correct temperature ensures each batch of cookies is baked to perfection. Lining trays with parchment paper guarantees an easy release of the cookies without sticking, preserving their delightful shapes and designs. A sprinkle of salt can balance flavors, elevating the simple ingredients into a delectable masterpiece enjoyed by all.
1. Festive Peppermint Chocolate Treats
Indulge in the festive season with a batch of Peppermint Mocha Cookies. These cookies blend the invigorating taste of peppermint with the rich, comforting notes of mocha, creating a treat that encapsulates the holiday spirit.
Ingredients:
- Rich mocha essence
- Crushed peppermint candy
- Classic cookie dough base
Preparation:
- Start by infusing the cookie dough with a mocha flavor.
- Incorporate the crushed peppermint for a refreshing crunch.
- Shape and bake the cookies according to your preferred consistency.
Serving Suggestion: Pair these delightful cookies with a warm mug of cocoa for an extra dose of holiday cheer.
Christmas and Holiday Cookie Variety:
The holiday season is the perfect time to experiment with a wide array of cookie recipes. Here are a few notable mentions that are sure to enhance any festive gathering:
For the Traditional Palette:
- Gingerbread Treats: Classic gingerbread cookies ready to be decorated.
- Linzer Delights: A sophisticated cookie with a jam-filled center.
- Shortbread Classics: Buttery thumbprint cookies with a variety of jam toppings.
Innovative Twists:
- Christmas Magic Bars: Layered goodies with flavors only found around the holidays.
- Meringue Wonders: Light and airy meringue cookies with a peppermint twist.
For the Chocolate Lovers:
- Double Chocolate Cookies: Spritz cookies with a rich, velvety chocolate flavor.
When creating these cookies, it is essential to balance ingredients and flavors to capture the essence of the holidays. Whether you prefer the simplicity of shortbread or the complexity of gingerbread, there is a cookie recipe for every palate. These treats are not only delicious but can also serve as a fun activity to bring family and friends together during the festive period.
Remember, cookies like linzer, spritz, and thumbprint offer a canvas for creativity with various fillings and decorations. They not only tantalize the taste buds but also add a decorative touch to your holiday table.
Enjoy experimenting with these recipes, and don’t hesitate to put your twist on tradition. Whether you prefer the classics or are looking to innovate with new twists, the key to a successful holiday cookie is the love and care put into the baking process.
http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2015/12/07/peppermint-mocha-cookies/
2. Gingerbread Treats Preparation
Gingerbread treats are a staple during the holiday season. Their rich molasses and warming spice blend create a comforting flavor that is synonymous with winter festivities.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup softened butter
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, and then incorporate the molasses.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until fully combined.
- Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
- Cut into shapes with cookie cutters and place on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges start to darken.
- Cool on wire racks before decorating.
Nutritional Information:
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Total Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 20 mg |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Total Carb | 25 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
Enjoy these gingerbread cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa for a quintessential holiday experience.
http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/gingerbread-cookies/print/
3. Ruby Chocolate Crinkle Treats
These festive cookies are known for their contrasting, crackled appearance which comes from the rich crimson cocoa dough dusted with a coat of snowy confectioner’s sugar. The contrast is not only visually appealing but also adds a subtle layer of sweetness to every bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, red-toned if possible
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, for coating
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Blend cocoa powder and sugar, then mix in the oil and eggs.
- Incorporate dry ingredients into the cocoa mixture. Stir in vanilla.
- Chill the dough for 4 hours or until firm.
- Form dough into balls, roll in confectioners’ sugar.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
The cookies should be slightly soft in the center with a pronounced crinkle effect. They add a distinctively festive and elegant touch to holiday cookie assortments and are perfect for seasonal gatherings or as a homemade gift.
4. Festive Pinwheel Sugar Cookies
Festive Pinwheel Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the holiday season with their colorful appearance and sweet flavor. These cookies are made by layering dough tinted with various colors, rolling them into logs, slicing, and then baking. Here is a straightforward approach to creating these eye-catching sweets:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Red and green food coloring
Instructions:
- Cream together the butter and sugar until smooth and combined.
- Beat in the egg.
- Gradually mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and tint one portion red and the other green with food coloring.
- Chill both dough portions for at least 1 hour.
Assembly:
- Roll out each dough portion between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Layer the red dough on top of the green dough, remove the top parchment, and trim the edges to create even rectangles.
- Gently roll the layered dough into a log, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate until firm.
Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the log into 1/4-inch thick slices.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cookies are set and the edges are just starting to brown.
By following these steps, one can easily make Festive Pinwheel Sugar Cookies that are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
5.) Recipe for Peppermint Chocolate Kiss Cookies
Preparing festive peppermint chocolate kiss cookies is simple and enjoyable. Below is a structured recipe to guide you through baking these delightful treats:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Candy cane kisses
- Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies for garnish
- Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with milk. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 5: Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheets.
Step 6: Bake for 8-10 minutes. Meanwhile, unwrap candy cane kisses.
Step 7: Upon removing cookies from the oven, immediately press a candy cane kiss into the center of each cookie.
Step 8: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
Step 9: Let cool completely before serving.
- Baking Tips:
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be soft to the touch.
- Press the kisses gently into the cookies to prevent cracking.
These delightful cookies combine the sweetness of chocolate with a refreshing peppermint twist, making them a perfect addition to the holiday cookie selection.
http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2013/12/03/candy-cane-kiss-cookies/
6. Ginger Cookies with White Chocolate Coating
Bakers often select these cookies for their combination of spicy ginger flavor and the smooth sweetness of white chocolate. They demonstrate a versatile skill set in the kitchen when preparing traditional holiday treats with a twist.
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 4 oz white chocolate, chopped
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the orange juice and molasses.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the molasses mixture. Roll dough into small balls and place on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Allow to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare white chocolate coating: Melt the white chocolate with the coconut oil in a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring frequently.
- Once the cookies are cool, dip half of each cookie into the melted white chocolate and place back on the parchment paper.
- Finalize: Wait for the white chocolate to set before serving.
These cookies present a delightful contrast between the sharp, warm taste of ginger and the creamy sweetness of the white chocolate, sure to be a favored addition to any holiday gathering.
7. Winter-Themed Treat: Snow Globe Biscuits
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Circular cookie cutters (various sizes)
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Clear hard candies (such as Jolly Ranchers)
- Icing and decorations (as desired)
Instructions:
- Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic and chill for at least one hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use circular cutters to cut dough into shapes. For the snow globe effect, cut smaller circles in the center of half the cookies.
- Place a clear hard candy in the center of each cookie with a hole.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the candy has melted and the cookies are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Decorate using icing and assorted decorations to create a snow globe effect.
Note: The melted candy will resemble glass, giving the illusion of a snow globe. These cookies can be a festive and engaging addition to any holiday spread.
http://cookieconnection.juliausher.com/clip/snowglobe-cookies
8. Eggnog-Inspired Cookies: A Festive Treat
Eggnog, with its rich, creamy flavor, serves as the inspiration for these festive cookies that are perfect for the holiday season. They boast a tender crumb and are finished with a delicate eggnog glaze, making them irresistible to eggnog and cookie enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients:
- Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup eggnog
Eggnog Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 3 tbsp eggnog
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, cream the butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
- Mix in egg yolks and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients alternating with eggnog until a dough forms.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are just turning brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Glaze:
- Combine confectioners’ sugar, eggnog, and nutmeg in a bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies.
- Allow the glaze to set before serving.
These eggnog cookies are a delightful representation of the beloved holiday beverage and make a charming addition to any Christmas cookie assortment. With their soft texture and nuanced spice flavor, they’re sure to melt in one’s mouth and evoke the warm spirit of the season.
9. Pecan Pie Cookies
These cookies encapsulate the essence of the classic pecan pie in a bite-sized form. They offer a unique twist to the usual cookie assortment and are an indulgent addition to the Christmas cookie lineup. The dough is enriched with butter and brown sugar, giving it a caramel-like flavor. It surrounds a filling made from toasted pecans and syrup, akin to traditional pecan pie filling.
- Ingredients:
- Cookie Dough:
- Butter
- Brown Sugar
- Vanilla Extract
- Flour
- Filling:
- Chopped Pecans
- Syrup (Corn or Maple)
- Brown Sugar
- Egg
- Cookie Dough:
- Method:
- Create a buttery dough base and shape into small cups.
- Mix toasted pecans with syrup, sugar, and an egg to form the filling.
- Fill each dough cup with the pecan mixture.
- Bake until the edges are golden and the filling has set.
- Baking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Temperature: Preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
Serving these cookies can become a new holiday tradition, combining the nostalgic flavors of pecan pie with the convenience and charm of cookies. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends or for adding a special touch to the holiday dessert table.
10. Festive Snowflake Sugar Cookies Recipe
These sugar cookies come out beautifully, with crisp edges and a soft center, perfect for holiday festivities.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Whisk together the flour and baking powder in a bowl. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients and a pinch of salt until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, and chill for at least one hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut into snowflake shapes with cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until cookies are just starting to turn golden around the edges.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decoration:
- Royal icing or sugar paste
- Edible glitter or sprinkles
After the cookies have cooled, decorate with royal icing or sugar paste. Add a touch of edible glitter or colorful sprinkles to give them that extra festive sparkle.
Tips:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother dough.
- Keep an eye on the oven as sugar cookies can go from perfectly golden to overdone quickly.
- Decorate with precision using piping bags for intricate designs.
http://stuffbystace.blogspot.com/2010/12/snowflake-sugar-cookies.html
Enjoy these delightful snowflake sugar cookies at any holiday gathering. Their festive appearance and delicious taste will surely make them a favorite among guests.
