Christmas is such a magical time of year, isn’t it? The twinkling lights, the cozy evenings spent with loved ones, and of course, the delicious treats that come out of the kitchen! When I think of *fun Christmas food*, I can’t help but remember the joy of baking cookies with my family as a kid. We’d roll out dough, cut out festive shapes, and pile on sprinkles like there was no tomorrow. The kitchen would be filled with laughter, flour dust, and the sweet scent of baking that felt like a warm hug. That’s what these cookies are all about! They’re not just delicious; they’re a way to create memories and spread joy during the holiday season. Trust me, you’ll want these festive delights on your holiday table!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened at room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Red and green sprinkles, for that festive touch
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important, so don’t skip it!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. I usually use a hand mixer for this, but a whisk works too if you’re feeling strong!
- Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined and looking deliciously creamy.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and ensures your cookies rise just right.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—your cookies will thank you!
- Now for the fun part! Stir in the red and green sprinkles. The more, the merrier, I say!
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to allow for spreading. I like to make them about the size of a golf ball.
- Pop them in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re golden around the edges. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to whip up—perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
- The vibrant red and green sprinkles make these cookies look as festive as they taste.
- They’re soft and chewy, with a delightful buttery flavor that melts in your mouth.
- Great for sharing! These cookies are a hit at parties and make perfect gifts.
- With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll find this recipe easy to remember and repeat.
- You can customize them with your favorite mix-ins or sprinkles for even more fun!
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps everything blend together smoothly and gives you that perfect cookie texture!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no more flour. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and nobody wants that!
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, consider chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. It helps the cookies hold their shape better and can enhance the flavor.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Ovens can vary, so check them a minute or two early. You want the edges to be just golden—don’t wait until they look brown!
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal and to prevent sticking. Plus, it makes cleanup a breeze!
- Experiment with Shapes: Have fun with cookie cutters! You can create stars, trees, or even little gingerbread men to enhance the festive spirit.
- Store Properly: Once cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh and chewy for days!
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a rich and indulgent twist. The melty chocolate pairs beautifully with the buttery cookies!
- Nutty Flavor: Toss in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor. Just be sure to check for nut allergies if you’re sharing!
- Citrus Zing: Incorporate the zest of an orange or lemon into your dough for a bright, refreshing taste that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Festive Shapes: Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to create fun shapes like stars, trees, or snowmen. Don’t forget to decorate them with icing or more sprinkles for extra cheer!
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well!
- Spiced Up: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to your dry ingredients for a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season.
- Frosted Fun: Once cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese or buttercream frosting on top of each cookie and sprinkle with festive decorations for a show-stopping dessert!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once your cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them soft and chewy for about 5-7 days—if they last that long, that is! I usually layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent them from sticking together. If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze the cookies. Just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months!
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply remove the desired number of cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer a warm cookie, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just be careful not to overdo it, or you might end up with a rubbery treat! Enjoy that freshly baked taste all over again!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional information per cookie, so you can indulge with a little knowledge! Remember, these values are based on typical ingredients, so they might vary slightly depending on what you use:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
So, go ahead and enjoy these festive cookies! They’re not just a treat; they’re a little bite of holiday joy!
FAQ Section
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Absolutely! Brown sugar will add a lovely caramel flavor and make the cookies a bit chewier. Just keep in mind that they might spread a little more, so adjust accordingly.
What if I don’t have eggs?
No worries! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of yogurt. This will keep the cookies moist and delicious!
How can I make these cookies more festive?
I love to add a bit of holiday flair! You can drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies or top them with colorful icing. Get creative with sprinkles, too!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge before baking.
What’s the best way to serve these cookies?
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings! Arrange them on a festive platter, or pack them in cute gift boxes for friends and family. They’re sure to spread joy!
Are these cookies safe to eat if I don’t bake them long enough?
It’s always best to bake them until they’re just golden on the edges. If you’re unsure, it’s better to bake them a minute or two longer than to risk underbaking, which can lead to a gooey texture that might not be safe.
Can I use alternative flours?
Yes, you can experiment with alternative flours! Just keep in mind that results may vary. I recommend using a gluten-free blend specifically designed for baking to ensure the best texture.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but still soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t wait until they look too brown!
Fun Christmas Food: 7 Festive Cookies to Melt Hearts
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy festive treats that bring joy to your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Red and green sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Stir in sprinkles.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different shapes for fun variations.
- 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: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: fun christmas food
