The Best Christmas Cookies Recipe

Looking for the perfect Christmas cookies recipe? This easy-to-make holiday treat is a crowd-pleaser, featuring soft and buttery cookies decorated with a simple glaze or rich chocolate coating. Whether you prefer classic roll-out cookies, slice-and-bake cookies, or thumbprint cookies, this recipe offers endless options for customization. From crushed candy canes to sprinkles and raspberry jam, you can decorate these cookies to suit your festive needs. Perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or gift-giving, these delicious cookies are sure to bring holiday cheer. Try this simple Christmas cookie recipe today and enjoy a sweet, homemade treat this holiday season!

Ingredients:

Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup (199g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 large egg yolks, room temperature
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 and 1/4 cups (380g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Easy Glaze:

• 1 cup (114g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 2 tablespoons (28ml) milk

Chocolate Coating:

• 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped

Garnish Ideas:

• Crushed candy canes
• Chopped pistachios
• Red and green sprinkles
• Blue, silver, white, gold sprinkles
• Red and green nonpareils
• Raspberry jam
• Nutella
• Confectioners’ sugar

Instructions:

For Roll-Out Cookies:

1. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or using a handheld electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until well combined. Increase the speed to medium-high and continue beating until light and fluffy, about 1 minute.
2. Reduce to medium speed and add the egg and egg yolks. Beat until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as necessary. Add the vanilla and mix until combined.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt at low speed, mixing until the dough is stiff.
4. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour onto a clean work surface. Turn the dough out and knead gently for 30 seconds. Divide the dough in half, shaping each portion into a 6-inch disc.
5. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to 2 days.
6. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies 1 inch apart. Bake for 12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
8. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining dough.
9. Once cooled, glaze and decorate as desired.

Glaze:

1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth and thick but pourable.
2. Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and sprinkle with garnishes. Let the glaze set for at least 1 hour.

Chocolate Coating:

1. Melt the chopped chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. If using the microwave, melt on low power in 15-second intervals, stirring between each.
2. Dip each cookie halfway into the melted chocolate, letting excess chocolate drip off before placing it on the cooling rack. Garnish with crushed candy canes, nuts, or sprinkles. Allow the chocolate to set, about 1 hour.

Slice & Bake Cookies:

1. For slice-and-bake cookies, roll the dough into logs about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to 2 days.
2. Slice the dough into 1/4-inch rounds and place them 1/2-inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes or until lightly golden.
3. Cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Dip the cookies in chocolate and garnish if desired.

Thumbprint Cookies:

1. Scoop out heaping tablespoons of dough (about 30g each) and roll into balls. Place them on a baking sheet with 2 inches between each cookie. Use your thumb to create an indentation in the center of each.
2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Once out of the oven, fill each indentation with a teaspoon of jam and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Let the cookies cool for 1 hour before serving.

Sandwich Cookies:

1. Roll the dough to 1/8-inch thickness and cut out rounds with cookie cutters. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes or until golden.
2. Once cooled, spread Nutella or raspberry jam on one cookie and sandwich another on top. Press gently to seal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Christmas cookies are a festive treat that brings joy with every bite. They are versatile, easy to customize with different glazes, chocolate coatings, and sprinkles, making them perfect for any holiday occasion. Whether you prefer the traditional roll-out cookies or the quick slice-and-bake version, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Tips

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough ensures that the cookies hold their shape and don’t spread too much while baking.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and egg yolks are at room temperature for the best texture and easy mixing.

Variations and Substitutions

• Flour Substitutes: You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nuttier flavor.
• Different Fillings: Swap out the raspberry jam with apricot, strawberry, or even lemon curd for a twist.
• Chocolate: Use white chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate to coat your cookies, depending on your taste.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the dough? Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• Can I use gluten-free flour? Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though you may need to adjust the amount depending on the blend you use.
• How do I store these cookies? Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies make great gifts, party favors, or additions to your holiday dessert table. Serve them with hot cocoa, coffee, or a glass of milk for the perfect holiday treat. You can also pair them with a warm, spiced wine for a festive touch!