There’s just something magical about making *DIY Christmas treats* at home, don’t you think? I remember as a child, the kitchen would turn into a winter wonderland filled with the sweet scents of sugar and spice. My family would gather around, flour dusting our noses, as we rolled out dough and decorated cookies with colorful sprinkles. It was always a messy, chaotic affair, but oh, the joy of nibbling on those warm treats fresh from the oven! I can’t wait for you to experience that same festive magic with these easy-to-make cookies. They’re perfect for sharing and spreading holiday cheer!
Ingredients for DIY Christmas Treats
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Decorative sprinkles for that festive touch
How to Prepare DIY Christmas Treats
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) first—this is crucial for those perfectly baked cookies! While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes, and trust me, it makes all the difference in texture!
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. You’ll want to make sure everything is nicely combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is important because it ensures even distribution of the leavening agent, so don’t skip it!
Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this can lead to tough cookies. Once your dough is ready, shape it into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between them so they can spread out while baking.
Sprinkle those colorful decorative sprinkles on top for a festive touch! Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re just golden brown around the edges. Don’t worry if they seem a bit soft; they’ll firm up as they cool. Once baked, let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. And voilà! You’ve got yourself some delightful DIY Christmas treats ready to share and enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—whip these up in just 15 minutes!
- Simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Perfect for getting the whole family involved—kids love to decorate!
- Customizable: add chocolate chips, nuts, or your favorite spices for a twist.
- Ideal for holiday gifting—pack them up in cute boxes for friends and neighbors.
- They smell heavenly while baking, filling your home with festive cheer.
- Great for cookie exchanges or festive parties—everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *DIY Christmas treats* turn out absolutely perfect, here are some handy tips I’ve picked up over the years! First off, bring your ingredients to room temperature before starting. Trust me, it makes a world of difference in how well everything blends together and creates that lovely, soft texture.
Another important tip: don’t overmix the dough! Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely want them to be soft and chewy, right?
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try adding some variations? Toss in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra flavor. You could even spice things up with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy holiday twist! And remember, decorating is half the fun! Let your creativity shine with festive sprinkles, colored icing, or even edible glitter.
Lastly, keep an eye on them while they bake. Ovens can vary, so check your cookies a minute or two before the recommended baking time. You want them golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of flour?
Absolutely! While I recommend all-purpose flour for the best texture, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free blends. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary a bit, so you might need to adjust the liquid slightly.
How should I store the cookies?
To keep your *DIY Christmas treats* fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week! If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze them—just layer them with parchment paper and seal in a freezer bag.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a bit to soften before rolling into balls.
What can I do if my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much while baking, it might be due to soft butter or not enough flour. Make sure to measure your flour accurately and chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts. Just keep in mind that adding too many extras can alter the dough consistency, so you might want to reduce the amount of flour slightly if you go overboard!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each of these delightful *DIY Christmas treats*. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but it’s a good guideline to work with:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 1g
This makes each cookie a sweet little indulgence that’s perfect for the holidays! Enjoy in moderation and share the love with friends and family!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made your delightful *DIY Christmas treats*, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty! To store your cookies, simply place them in an airtight container—this helps keep them soft and prevents them from drying out. They can be stored at room temperature for about a week, which is perfect for snacking on throughout the holiday season!
If you find yourself with leftover cookies (though I doubt that’ll happen!), you can freeze them for a longer shelf life. Just layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and then seal them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just let them thaw at room temperature for a little while. No need to reheat unless you want that warm, fresh-from-the-oven feel—then pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds!
Enjoy your treats and share the love, whether you’re giving them as gifts or keeping them all to yourself!
Print
DIY Christmas Treats: 7 Magical Recipes to Cherish
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy DIY Christmas treats for festive celebrations
Ingredients
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- Decorative sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle decorative sprinkles on top.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Great for gift giving.
- Can add chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: diy christmas treats, holiday cookies, festive baking
