Xmas Cookies: 7 Delightful Tips for Holiday Joy

Name: Xmas Cookies: 7 Delightful Tips for Holiday Joy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup powdered sugar (for decoration); Food coloring (optional); Sprinkles (optional)

December 1, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Ah, the magic of the holiday season! One of my absolute favorite traditions is baking *xmas cookies* with my family. There’s just something so heartwarming about filling the kitchen with the sweet aroma of baked treats while holiday music plays in the background. I remember my grandma’s kitchen, bustling with laughter and flour as we rolled out dough and cut out festive shapes. It felt like such an adventure! I love how these cookies can be personalized with colorful decorations, turning each batch into a canvas for creativity. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or just to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to spread joy and warmth. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked on the bliss of the season! Let’s dive into making these delightful *xmas cookies* together!

Ingredients for Xmas Cookies

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to cookie magic! Here’s what you’ll need to create these festive treats:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy for that perfect texture!)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract (this is where the magic flavor comes from!)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt (just a pinch to balance the sweetness)
1 cup powdered sugar (for that lovely decoration)
Food coloring (optional, but why not add some festive flair?)
Sprinkles (optional; they add that extra sparkle and fun!)

Make sure to measure everything accurately, and you’ll set yourself up for a batch of cookies that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

How to Prepare Xmas Cookies

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s jump into the fun part—making these delightful *xmas cookies*! Follow these easy steps, and soon your kitchen will smell like a holiday dream!

Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because you want those cookies to bake evenly and come out golden brown. So, while you’re mixing up the dough, the oven can be warming up, ready to work its magic!

Creaming the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s all smooth and fluffy. I like to use a hand mixer, but a wooden spoon works just fine too—just be prepared for a bit of a workout! This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that lovely light texture. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale and creamy.

Mixing in the Wet Ingredients

Next, add in your egg and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until everything is well combined. This is where the magic happens! The egg helps bind the dough, while the vanilla adds that warm, comforting flavor. Don’t rush this part; make sure it’s mixed thoroughly so every bite is delicious!

Combining Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps ensure that your leavening agent is evenly distributed. Now, gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. I usually do it in three parts, mixing gently each time. This way, you avoid a flour explosion and get a nice, soft dough!

Rolling and Cutting the Dough

Now comes the fun part—rolling out the dough! Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; a little rustic charm is always welcome! Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes. I love stars and Christmas trees, but feel free to get creative with whatever shapes you have!

Baking Instructions

Place your cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a little space between them because they’ll spread slightly as they bake. Pop them in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Keep an eye on them—every oven is different, and you want to catch them before they get too dark!

Decorating the Cookies

Once your cookies have cooled completely on a wire rack, it’s time to decorate! Dust them with powdered sugar, add some vibrant food coloring, and sprinkle on those fun sprinkles! This is your chance to get creative—let your imagination run wild! Each cookie can be a little work of art, and trust me, they’ll look as good as they taste!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s the perfect festive treat to spread holiday cheer!
So easy to make, even the kids can join in on the fun!
Great for sharing with friends, family, or neighbors—everyone loves a homemade cookie!
Completely customizable decorations to match your holiday spirit!
Deliciously soft and buttery, with just the right amount of sweetness.
Perfect for cookie exchanges or holiday parties—they’ll be the star of the show!
Quick to whip up, so you can spend more time enjoying the festivities.
These cookies make wonderful gifts, packed in pretty boxes or bags!

Tips for Success

To make sure your *xmas cookies* turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got some handy tips that I’ve learned over the years. These little tricks will help you achieve that perfect texture and flavor that will have everyone coming back for more!

Chill the Dough: If you find the dough a bit too sticky to work with, don’t hesitate to pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps solidify the butter, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
Experiment with Shapes: Use different cookie cutters to create a variety of festive shapes. Think snowflakes, candy canes, or even fun holiday animals! Each shape can bring its own bit of cheer to your cookie platter.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be just lightly golden on the edges when you take them out. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit after you remove them from the oven!
Get Creative with Decorations: Feel free to mix and match your decorations! Use colored icing, edible glitter, or even chocolate chips for eyes and buttons. The sky’s the limit when it comes to making your cookies festive!
Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise and texture. Old ingredients can lead to cookies that are flat and dense, and nobody wants that!
Test a Batch: If you’re unsure about how they’ll turn out, bake just a couple of cookies first. This way, you can see how they spread and adjust your baking time or decorations for the rest of the batch.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create the most delightful *xmas cookies* ever! Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve baked those delicious *xmas cookies*, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh for as long as possible. To do that, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft and chewy, just the way we love them! I usually layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent them from sticking together, especially if you’ve decorated them with frosting or sprinkles.

If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can freeze the cookies! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours. No need to reheat unless you prefer them warm—then just pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked goodness!

With these storage tips, you can savor the sweet taste of the holidays a little longer. Enjoy every bite!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying your *xmas cookies*, it’s nice to have a little insight into the nutritional side of things! Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per cookie. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in:

Calories: 120
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 1g

These delightful treats are all about balance, so enjoy them in moderation as part of your holiday festivities! Happy munching!

FAQ About Xmas Cookies

Got questions about making the perfect *xmas cookies*? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I’ve come across, along with my tried-and-true answers to help you navigate your cookie-baking adventure.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While I always recommend using unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture, you can use margarine if you need to. Just make sure it’s a stick variety, as tub margarine can have a higher water content, which might affect the dough.

What can I use instead of powdered sugar for decoration?

If you’re out of powdered sugar, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a blender until it’s fine and fluffy. You can also use colored icing or melted chocolate for a fun twist!

How should I store leftover cookies?

Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option—just remember to wrap them tightly!

Can I substitute gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Just make sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free to keep everything safe!

How can I make my cookies look more festive?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can use colored icing, edible glitter, or even themed sprinkles. I love to use melted chocolate to drizzle over the cookies for an extra touch of indulgence!

What if my dough is too sticky?

If you find your dough is too sticky to handle, just pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! You can freeze the dough before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling and cutting.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Keep an eye on those edges! Your cookies are perfect when the edges are just lightly golden. They may look a little soft in the center, but they’ll firm up as they cool!

I hope these FAQs help you feel more confident and excited about your cookie-making journey! Happy baking, and may your *xmas cookies* bring joy to your holiday season!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.