Christmas Ornament Cookies: 7 Tips for Joyful Baking

Name: Christmas Ornament Cookies: 7 Tips for Joyful Baking
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Decorative icing; Sprinkles

November 19, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh, the joy of baking *Christmas ornament cookies*! Nothing quite brings the holiday spirit like the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. I vividly remember my grandma’s kitchen during the holidays, where we’d gather around the table, rolling out dough and cutting out the most whimsical shapes. It was a family affair filled with laughter, sticky fingers, and a sprinkle of flour everywhere! Making these cookies together is more than just a recipe; it’s about creating memories that last a lifetime. So, let’s dive into this festive tradition and make some delightful cookies that are as fun to decorate as they are to eat!

Ingredients List

To make the most delightful *Christmas ornament cookies*, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cookies, giving them structure and that classic cookie texture.
1 teaspoon baking soda: For a little lift, helping your cookies rise just right.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This enhances the fluffiness of the cookies.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The star of the show for rich flavor and a smooth texture.
1 1/2 cups white sugar: Sweetness is key, making your cookies irresistible!
1 egg: This binds everything together, adding moisture and richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For that warm, comforting flavor we all adore.
1/2 teaspoon almond extract: A little twist that adds depth to your cookies.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
Decorative icing: The fun part! Use it to bring your ornaments to life.
Sprinkles: Because what’s a festive cookie without a little sparkle?

How to Prepare Christmas Ornament Cookies

Preheat and Prepare

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for getting those cookies perfectly golden! While the oven warms up, prepare your baking sheets—no need for grease here, just place them on ungreased sheets to keep your cookies from spreading too much.

Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour, ensuring your cookies rise beautifully. It’s a quick step, but it makes all the difference in the texture!

Creaming Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, it’s time to cream together the softened butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. This step adds air into the batter, which is essential for that soft, tender cookie texture.

Combining Ingredients

Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until everything is well combined. Now, gradually blend in the dry ingredients you set aside. I like to do this in batches to avoid a cloud of flour—but don’t worry if a little dust escapes; it’s part of the fun!

Shaping and Baking

Once your dough is ready, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use your favorite ornament cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and pop them in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they’re just golden at the edges. Keep an eye on them—you want that perfect balance!

Cooling and Decorating

After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This is important to prevent breakage! Once they’re completely cool, you can unleash your creativity with decorative icing and sprinkles. Let the icing dry completely before stacking them to avoid any sticky situations!

Nutritional Information

When indulging in these delightful *Christmas ornament cookies*, it’s good to keep an eye on their nutritional content. Each cookie is estimated to have around 150 calories, with 7 grams of fat, including 4 grams of saturated fat. You’ll also find about 10 grams of sugar and 20 grams of carbohydrates per cookie. The protein content is around 1 gram, and there’s a little bit of sodium at 60 milligrams. Remember, these values are estimates, and depending on your decorating choices, they may vary. Enjoying them in moderation is key to keeping your festive spirit bright!

Tips for Success

To ensure your *Christmas ornament cookies* turn out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure your butter is softened, but not melted; this helps achieve that creamy texture. Also, don’t skip the chilling step if your dough feels too soft; a quick 30 minutes in the fridge can work wonders for shaping. When rolling out the dough, use flour generously to prevent sticking. And remember, every oven is different! Start checking your cookies at the 8-minute mark to avoid overbaking. Finally, let your creative juices flow when decorating—there’s no wrong way to make them festive!

Variations on Christmas Ornament Cookies

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your *Christmas ornament cookies*! For a twist on flavor, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced touch that screams holiday cheer. You can also experiment with different extracts—like peppermint or orange—for a unique taste. When it comes to decorating, think beyond traditional icing! Use melted chocolate for a rich coating or try colored sugar for a sparkling finish. And don’t forget about themed sprinkles—stars, snowflakes, or even tiny candy canes can add a festive flair to your creations!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your *Christmas ornament cookies* fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll last about a week, but I bet they won’t last that long because they’re just too good! 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 stay tasty for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature—no reheating needed! This way, they’ll retain their lovely texture and flavor.

FAQ Section

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that the cookies may be denser, so you might want to add a bit more butter or a touch of milk to maintain that soft texture.

How do I store leftover icing?
If you have leftover decorative icing, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using it again, as it may thicken a bit.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and chill it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just roll it out and cut your shapes.

What can I use if I don’t have decorative icing?
If you don’t have icing, melted chocolate works great for decorating! Just drizzle it over the cookies and add sprinkles for that festive touch.

Are these cookies suitable for shipping?
Yes! Once they’re fully cooled and decorated, they should hold up well for shipping. Just pack them carefully in a sturdy container to keep them safe during transit.