30 Pretty Christmas Cookies Easy Recipes
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Delight in the festive spirit with these 30 pretty Christmas cookie recipes that are easy to make and perfect for sharing during the holiday season.
Christmas cookies are a beloved tradition that brings joy and warmth to the holiday season. From classic sugar cookies to creative designs, these 30 recipes will inspire you to create beautiful treats that your friends and family will love.
Why You'll Love These Christmas Cookies
- A variety of beautiful designs to impress your guests
- Simple ingredients that are easy to find
- Perfect for holiday gifting or decorating your dessert table
The Joy of Baking Together
Baking Christmas cookies is a wonderful way to bring family and friends together during the holiday season. Gather your loved ones and enjoy the process of mixing, rolling, and decorating these festive treats. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, the joy of creating delicious cookies is a delightful experience that everyone can participate in.
As you work together, you’ll create cherished memories that will last long after the cookies have been eaten. Make it a fun event by playing holiday music, sipping on hot cocoa, and sharing stories as you bake. The laughter and camaraderie will enhance the festive spirit and make your cookie-making session truly special.
Perfect for Gifting and Sharing
These pretty Christmas cookies are not only delicious but also make fantastic gifts. Package them in festive boxes or jars and give them to friends, family, or coworkers. A homemade gift always carries a personal touch, and everyone appreciates a sweet surprise during the holidays.
Additionally, these cookies are perfect for sharing at holiday parties or gatherings. Arrange them on a beautifully decorated dessert table for guests to enjoy. With their colorful designs and delightful flavors, they are sure to impress and bring joy to anyone who tastes them.
Tips for Successful Cookie Decorating
When it comes to decorating your Christmas cookies, creativity is key! Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors, shapes, and designs. Use royal icing for a smooth finish, or fondant for a fun, playful look. Edible glitter can add that extra sparkle, making your cookies the star of the dessert table.
To achieve the best results, make sure your cookies are completely cooled before decorating. This will prevent the icing from melting and ensure a clean, beautiful finish. Additionally, practice your piping skills on parchment paper before decorating the cookies to get a feel for the technique. With a little patience and practice, your cookie decorations will be nothing short of stunning.
Ingredients
Basic Cookie Dough
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 cup colored sprinkles (optional)
Decorations
- Royal icing
- Fondant
- Edible glitter
- Chocolate chips
- Candy canes, crushed
Choose your favorite decorations to customize your cookies!
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on ungreased baking sheets. Add sprinkles if desired.
Decorate
Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate them with royal icing, fondant, or your choice of toppings. Allow the decorations to set before serving or packaging.
Enjoy your festive cookies!
Storing Your Christmas Cookies
Once you've baked and decorated your Christmas cookies, you'll want to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to store them longer, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen cookies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. This way, you can savor the taste of your holiday baking even after the festivities have ended.
Exploring Flavor Variations
While the basic cookie dough recipe is delicious on its own, feel free to explore different flavor variations! Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, festive touch. You can also incorporate citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to brighten the flavor profile of your cookies.
For a chocolatey twist, mix in cocoa powder or chocolate chips into the dough. These variations can help you create a diverse assortment of cookies that cater to different taste preferences and make your holiday cookie platter even more exciting.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
→ What can I use instead of butter?
You can substitute the butter with margarine or a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free option.
→ How long do these cookies last?
These cookies can last up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
→ Can I use different flavors in the dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different extracts or add cocoa powder for chocolate cookies.
30 Pretty Christmas Cookies Easy Recipes
Delight in the festive spirit with these 30 pretty Christmas cookie recipes that are easy to make and perfect for sharing during the holiday season.
Created by: Imogen Price
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 30 cookies
What You'll Need
Basic Cookie Dough
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 cup colored sprinkles (optional)
Decorations
- Royal icing
- Fondant
- Edible glitter
- Chocolate chips
- Candy canes, crushed
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on ungreased baking sheets. Add sprinkles if desired. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on wire racks.
Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate them with royal icing, fondant, or your choice of toppings. Allow the decorations to set before serving or packaging.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 1g