Delightful Christmas Cookie Recipes: Sweet Treats for the Festive Season

Christmas is synonymous with joy, celebration, and delightful treats. Among the most cherished traditions is baking an array of scrumptious cookies that fill the home with warmth and tantalizing aromas. Here, we present a selection of Christmas cookie recipes that are sure to make your holiday season even more special.

Classic Sugar Cookies

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
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
4. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
5. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.

Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup molasses
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
2. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
3. Stir in molasses and egg until the dough clumps together. Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters and place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on wire racks before decorating.

Thumbprint Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup fruit preserves (any flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Mix in almond extract. Gradually blend in the flour until the dough comes together.
3. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, and place on ungreased cookie sheets. Press down the center of each ball with your thumb.
4. Fill each indentation with a small amount of fruit preserves.
5. Bake for 14 to 18 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned. Let cool on wire racks.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together cocoa powder, white sugar, and vegetable oil. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into the cocoa mixture. Cover dough, and chill for at least 4 hours.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, and coat each one with confectioners’ sugar before placing on the baking sheets.
3. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool on wire racks.

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Additional granulated sugar for rolling
• About 36 milk chocolate kisses

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, and peanut butter until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat well. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until blended.
3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls, roll in additional sugar, and place on ungreased cookie sheets.
4. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Remove from cookie sheets to wire racks to cool completely.

Conclusion

Christmas cookies bring joy and festivity to the holiday season. These recipes, from classic sugar cookies to the ever-popular peanut butter blossoms, offer a delightful variety of flavors and textures. Gather your loved ones, don your aprons, and let the holiday baking begin. Enjoy these sweet treats that embody the spirit of Christmas.