Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes to Sweeten Your Holiday Season
The holiday season is synonymous with the warmth of family gatherings, twinkling lights, and, of course, delectable Christmas cookies. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking to create festive treats, this guide offers a selection of easy Christmas cookie recipes that will bring joy to your loved ones. Packed with tips and tricks, each recipe is crafted to ensure you can bake with confidence and holiday spirit.
Why Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes Are a Holiday Staple
In fact, Christmas cookies aren’t just desserts; they’re a tradition. From sharing cookies with neighbors to setting out a plate for Santa, these sweet treats hold sentimental value. Baking cookies can also be a delightful family activity, perfect for bonding over rolling dough and sprinkling sugar.
To begin with, let’s dive into some simple yet irresistible Christmas cookie recipes that cater to various tastes and dietary needs.
1. Classic Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
For instance, sugar cookies are a timeless holiday favorite. Their versatility allows you to use festive cookie cutters and decorate them with colorful icing.
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For the Royal Icing:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 4–6 tablespoons water
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until combined.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8–10 minutes.
- For the royal icing, whisk powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
- Once cookies have cooled, decorate with icing and let set.
2. Chewy Easy Christmas Ginger Molasses Cookies
These cookies boast the warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, making them perfect for cozy winter evenings.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg and molasses.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat in granulated sugar.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing cookies 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
3. Easy No-Bake Chocolate Peppermint Cookies for Christmas
If you’re in a rush, these no-bake cookies combine rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint for a quick holiday treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 3 cups quick oats
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa powder. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Let boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- Stir in oats and crushed peppermint until well combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper. Let set for 30 minutes or until firm.
4. Soft Snowball Christmas Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes)
These melt-in-your-mouth cookies, dusted with powdered sugar, are a classic addition to any cookie platter.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cream butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl. Add vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in flour and salt until combined. Stir in chopped pecans.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes. Cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar.
- Roll cookies in powdered sugar again once fully cooled.
5. Gluten-Free Easy Almond Thumbprint Christmas Cookies
For those with dietary restrictions, these gluten-free cookies are a delightful option.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup fruit preserves (e.g., raspberry or apricot)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until a dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Use your thumb to create an indent in each ball and fill with fruit preserves.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden.
Tips for Perfect Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes
- Chill the Dough: For cut-out cookies, chilling the dough prevents spreading during baking.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh spices and high-quality extracts make a noticeable difference.
- Don’t Overbake: Cookies continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
- Decorate Creatively: Use sprinkles, edible glitter, and colorful icings to enhance the festive look.
Wrapping Up Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes
Ultimately, baking Christmas cookies is more than just a culinary activity—it’s a way to share love and warmth during the holiday season. These easy recipes ensure that anyone, regardless of skill level, can create delicious treats to celebrate. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let the baking begin!
For more festive recipes and tips, explore other articles on Martha’s Meals or visit trusted holiday baking resources like https://www.allrecipes.com/article/how-to-make-giant-christmas-treats/ or https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/our-best-christmas-cookie-recipes/?epik=dj0yJnU9T3ppN1RlaFkySGk3ZV84cmtIX01VVWFXVTJ5NjFhQm0mcD0wJm49X3FqcDJkQkZ5eFYzTzNZdlVSR05WdyZ0PUFBQUFBR2RvTDE0&trkid=soc-toh-pinterest-lp.