There’s something truly magical about baking with kids during the holiday season, and let me tell you, these Christmas cookies kids will love are at the heart of that magic! The smell of warm cookies filling the kitchen, the laughter echoing as little hands get covered in flour, and the joy of decorating each cookie with colorful sprinkles—it’s a cherished tradition that brings everyone together. Plus, it’s a wonderful way for kids to unleash their creativity! Trust me, watching them proudly present their cookie creations is a joy like no other. You’ll create sweet memories while making these delightful treats, and they’ll get to enjoy the delicious results of their hard work. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this festive baking adventure together!
Ingredients for Christmas Cookies Kids
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted – This is the base for our cookies, giving them that perfect structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – This helps our cookies rise and gives them a lovely texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – A little extra lift for that soft, chewy bite.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature – This is where the magic happens! Softened butter makes for a creamy dough that’s easy to work with.
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar – Sweetness is essential, and this sugar adds that lovely crunch when baked.
- 1 egg – This binds everything together and adds richness to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A must for that warm, comforting flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract – Just a hint of almond adds a delightful twist to the classic taste.
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk – You’ll need just enough to bring the dough together; it should be soft but not sticky!
- Decorative sprinkles, as needed – This is where kids can let their creativity shine! Use as many colors and shapes as you like.
How to Prepare Christmas Cookies Kids
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that our cookies bake evenly and come out just right. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step—nobody likes a cookie that’s burnt on the outside and raw in the middle!
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Now, let’s tackle the dry ingredients! In a bowl, mix together 2 3/4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Sifting the flour is key here; it helps to aerate the flour and removes any lumps so our cookies will be nice and fluffy. Just whisk them together until they’re well combined.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, we’re going to cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar. This step is crucial because creaming incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter cookie. Use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to mix until it’s smooth and fluffy. It should look almost pale and creamy—yum!
Combining Ingredients
Next, add in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is well blended. Now, gradually add in the dry ingredients we prepared earlier. Don’t rush this part; you want to mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies!
Forming the Dough
Now, we’re going to incorporate 3 to 4 tablespoons of milk. Add just enough to form a soft dough that holds together but isn’t sticky. You want to be able to roll it into balls easily. If it’s too dry, add a splash more milk; if it’s too wet, a little more flour will do the trick. It’s all about that perfect texture!
Shaping and Decorating Cookies
Once you’ve got your dough ready, it’s time to have some fun! Roll the dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently flatten each ball slightly with your palm, and here comes the best part—let the kids go wild with the decorative sprinkles! The more colorful, the better!
Baking Instructions
Pop those beauties into the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They’re done when the edges are lightly golden, and the centers look set but still soft. Don’t worry if they seem a little underbaked—they’ll continue to firm up as they cool!
Cooling the Cookies
Once they’re baked to perfection, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This step is important because they need to firm up a bit before being moved. After a few minutes, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This will ensure they don’t get soggy on the bottom. And there you have it—delicious Christmas cookies kids will love!
Tips for Success with Christmas Cookies Kids
Here are my go-to tips to make sure your Christmas cookies turn out amazing every time! First, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking, especially if you’re using lots of sprinkles. Speaking of sprinkles, don’t be shy! Let the kids go wild with their decorations—mix different colors and shapes for a festive touch!
Also, if you want to mix things up, try using cookie cutters for fun shapes instead of just rolling them into balls. And remember to keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different! If you want a softer cookie, pull them out just as the edges start to turn golden. Happy baking, and enjoy the delightful chaos!
Nutritional Information for Christmas Cookies Kids
When it comes to these delightful Christmas cookies kids will adore, here’s a quick glance at the nutritional information. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Each cookie, which is satisfying yet perfectly indulgent, contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1g
These cookies are not only fun to make but also provide a sweet treat that everyone can enjoy without too much guilt. So go ahead, bake up a batch, and let the kids indulge in their homemade creations!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun activity for kids: This recipe is perfect for getting kids involved in the kitchen, making lasting memories while they bake!
- Customizable decorations: Let your little ones unleash their creativity with sprinkles, colored icing, and fun shapes!
- Quick baking time: With just 8 to 10 minutes in the oven, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in no time!
- Makes a great holiday gift: Pack these cookies in festive tins or boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will love!
FAQ about Christmas Cookies Kids
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! If you want a healthier twist, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Just keep in mind that this might change the texture slightly, making the cookies a bit denser. They’ll still be delicious!
How can I store leftover cookies?
To keep your Christmas cookies kids will love fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
No problem at all! You can either leave it out or substitute it with an extra splash of vanilla extract. They’ll still taste fantastic, and you won’t miss a beat in the decorating fun!
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the amount of milk slightly if the dough feels too dry.
How do I make these cookies festive for other holidays?
Great question! You can easily adapt these cookies for different holidays by changing the color of your sprinkles or icing. For instance, use red and pink sprinkles for Valentine’s Day or pastel colors for Easter. The possibilities are endless, and kids will love the variety!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked up these delightful Christmas cookies kids will adore, it’s important to store them properly to keep them fresh and delicious! Place your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay good for about a week—though I doubt they’ll last that long with all the cookie-loving little hands around!
If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag with a piece of parchment paper in between to avoid sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up. Enjoy every bite of your festive creations!
Print
Christmas Cookies Kids Will Adore for Magical Moments
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas cookies that kids will love to decorate and eat.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
- Decorative sprinkles, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Add milk as needed to form a dough.
- Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Flatten the balls slightly and decorate with sprinkles.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different shaped cookie cutters for variety.
- Try using colored icing for decoration.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: christmas cookies kids
