Oh, the magic of holiday baking! There’s just something special about filling your kitchen with the warm, buttery scent of cookies during the festive season. It’s a time when friends and family gather, laughter fills the air, and these *easy Christmas cookies* come to the rescue! I remember the first time I made them with my kids; we had sprinkles flying everywhere, and I think we ended up with more sugar on our faces than in the dough! But that’s the joy of it, right? These cookies are not only super simple to whip up, but they’re also a delightful treat that brings smiles all around. Trust me, you’ll love how quick and fun they are to make, and the best part? They disappear just as fast as you bake them!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these delightful *easy Christmas cookies*! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup holiday sprinkles
Make sure your butter is nice and soft to get that creamy texture when you mix it with the sugar. And don’t skimp on the sprinkles, because they’re what make these cookies festive and fun! Trust me, the more, the merrier when it comes to sprinkles!
How to Prepare Easy Christmas Cookies
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these *easy Christmas cookies*! Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to cookie heaven in no time.
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than cookies that are undercooked or overdone!
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Next, grab a mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and sugar. I usually use a hand mixer for this, but a good old wooden spoon works just fine too. You’re looking for a light and fluffy texture—think of it like a cloud of sweetness! It should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing to achieve that perfect creaminess.
Combining Ingredients
Once your butter and sugar are ready, it’s time to add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix them in until well combined. Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently. You don’t want to over-mix; just combine until you see no more flour streaks!
Adding Holiday Sprinkles
Now for the best part—folding in the holiday sprinkles! Use a spatula to gently mix them into your dough. This way, you’ll get those festive colors evenly distributed throughout. Just be careful not to break the sprinkles apart; we want them to stay cheerful and whole!
Baking the Cookies
Finally, drop spoonfuls of your dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them some space to spread out. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as every oven is a bit different! Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. And voilà—your kitchen will smell like a winter wonderland!
Tips for Success
To make your *easy Christmas cookies* truly shine, here are some of my top tips! First off, if you want thicker cookies, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This little trick helps them hold their shape and keeps them from spreading too much. Also, don’t be shy with the sprinkles! You can mix it up with different colors, or even try festive shapes—think stars or snowflakes! It adds a fun touch and makes each batch uniquely yours.
Another tip? Keep an eye on your baking time! Ovens can vary, so check for that lovely golden edge around the cookies. Lastly, if you want to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the dough in advance. Just scoop out the dough and freeze it in balls, then bake straight from the freezer when the cookie craving hits. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for these delightful *easy Christmas cookies*. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes:
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 1g
These cookies are a sweet treat, perfect for indulging during the holidays. Just remember, moderation is key when enjoying these festive delights! Whether you’re baking for family or sharing with friends, they’re sure to bring smiles—and maybe a few extra calories—but hey, it’s Christmas!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these delightful *easy Christmas cookies*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! One common question I hear is, “Can I make these cookies ahead of time?” Absolutely! You can either prepare the dough in advance and freeze it, or bake the cookies a day ahead and store them. Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing.
Speaking of storage, the best way to keep these cookies fresh is to place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay tasty for about a week—if they last that long! And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can definitely experiment with different flavors. Try adding almond extract instead of vanilla or even mix in some cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist. The possibilities are endless!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super quick to prepare—ready in just about 27 minutes!
- Perfectly festive with vibrant holiday sprinkles that brighten up any cookie platter.
- Deliciously soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Fun for the whole family—get everyone involved in decorating and baking!
- Versatile—mix and match different sprinkles or flavors to keep things exciting.
- Ideal for gifting or sharing at holiday gatherings—everyone loves a homemade treat!
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- A great base recipe that you can customize for different occasions.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *easy Christmas cookies* properly is key to keeping them fresh and delicious! Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. This will help maintain their soft and chewy texture for up to a week—if they last that long! You can also layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for about two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
As for reheating, these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you fancy them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just a quick zap will bring back that fresh-baked taste and melt-in-your-mouth goodness! Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
These *easy Christmas cookies* are delightful on their own, but pairing them with a few festive treats can take your holiday spread to the next level! Here are some ideas to consider:
- Hot Cocoa: Nothing beats the classic combo of cookies and a warm mug of hot chocolate. Add some marshmallows on top for that extra cozy touch!
- Milk: A cold glass of milk is a timeless pairing with cookies. It balances the sweetness and makes for a classic treat.
- Ice Cream: Serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for a fun twist. You can even sandwich the cookies around the ice cream for a festive ice cream sandwich!
- Fruit Platter: Fresh fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies. Try serving them alongside sliced apples or citrus fruits for a burst of color.
- Cheese Board: For a more sophisticated option, pair your cookies with a selection of cheeses and some nuts. The sweetness of the cookies complements the savory flavors beautifully.
Whichever way you choose to serve them, these cookies are sure to bring joy and cheer to your holiday gatherings!
Print
easy christmas cookies that bring joy to your holidays
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Christmas cookies that are perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the holiday sprinkles.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different sprinkles for variety.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: easy christmas cookies
