There’s something truly magical about baking during the holiday season, don’t you think? The scent of warm cookies wafting through the house just puts everyone in the festive spirit! These *xmas cookies* are not only delicious but also incredibly fun to decorate. I remember making these with my kids, who would turn the kitchen into a sprinkle explosion! Trust me, the joy of rolling out dough and cutting out fun shapes is unmatched. Plus, these cookies have just the right balance of sweetness and buttery goodness, making them a perfect treat to share with family and friends. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Ingredients for Xmas Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delightful xmas cookies! You’ll need 2 cups of all-purpose flour for the perfect base, and 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, which adds that rich, creamy texture we all love. Next, grab 1 cup of granulated sugar to sweeten things up, along with 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for delicious flavor. To help them rise, you’ll also need 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt (1/4 teaspoon is just right). Finally, don’t forget about the icing—1 cup of powdered sugar, plus food coloring if you want to jazz things up a bit! Let’s get baking!
How to Prepare Xmas Cookies
Now, let’s get down to the fun part—preparing these delightful xmas cookies! It’s really a straightforward process, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to cookie bliss!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and develop that lovely golden color. So, don’t skip this step, okay? It only takes a few minutes, and your kitchen will already start feeling like a festive wonderland!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Next, grab a mixing bowl and cream together your softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until it’s fluffy and light. This is super important because creaming introduces air into the mixture, leading to cookies that are tender and delightful. Trust me, the texture is everything!
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Once your butter and sugar are creamed, it’s time to add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix them in thoroughly until fully combined. This step adds moisture and flavor, making your cookies irresistibly delicious. Don’t rush this part; a good mix means happy cookies!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients helps distribute the baking powder evenly, ensuring your cookies rise beautifully. Take a moment to really combine them well—the little details make a big difference!
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Now, gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until everything is just combined and you have a nice dough. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your cookies tender and prevent them from getting tough. You’re doing great!
Step 6: Shape and Bake Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be pure magic, I promise! Keep an eye on them, as those golden edges are what you’re aiming for!
Step 7: Cool and Ice Cookies
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is important—let them rest a bit! While they cool, mix your powdered sugar with a splash of water and food coloring for icing, and then get creative with your decorations!
Nutritional Information
These xmas cookies are a delightful treat, but it’s good to know what you’re indulging in! Each cookie has approximately 150 calories, with 7g of fat and 10g of sugar. They also contain 1g of protein and 20g of carbohydrates. Just a little reminder, these values are estimates, so enjoy them in moderation as you celebrate the season!
Tips for Success
To ensure your xmas cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, chill your dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it out; this helps prevent spreading and keeps those lovely shapes intact. When it comes to icing, make sure your cookies are completely cool to avoid a melty mess. If you’re using food coloring, start with just a drop and mix until you achieve your desired shade—it’s easier to add more than to fix a too-bright icing! And don’t forget, sprinkles or edible glitter can add that festive touch—let your creativity shine!
Variations for Xmas Cookies
One of the best parts about these xmas cookies is how versatile they can be! If you want to switch things up, try using cookie cutters to create festive shapes like stars, trees, or snowflakes—kids love this part! For a flavor twist, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm holiday touch. You can also mix in chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts for added texture and flavor. And let’s not forget about the icing—get creative with different colors and patterns, or top them with crushed candy canes for a refreshing crunch. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your xmas cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to two months—perfect for those spontaneous holiday cravings! When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature. No need to reheat, but if you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use gluten-free flour for these xmas cookies?
Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and your cookies will still be delightful!
How can I make my cookies thicker?
If you prefer thicker cookies, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape better.
What’s the best way to decorate my cookies?
Get creative! Use royal icing for detailed designs, or just drizzle simple icing. Sprinkles and edible glitter add that festive flair!
Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Yes! Chocolate chips make a delicious addition. Just fold them in gently before shaping the cookies.
Xmas Cookies: 7 Magical Tips for Perfect Festive Treats
- Gesamtzeit: 42 minutes
- Ertrag: 24 cookies 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Delicious xmas cookies for the holiday season.
Zutaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar for icing
- Food coloring (optional)
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
- Roll the dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool before icing.
- Mix powdered sugar with a little water and food coloring for icing.
- Decorate the cookies as desired.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use cookie cutters for different shapes.
- Try adding sprinkles for extra fun.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 12 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cookie
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 10g
- Natrium: 50mg
- Fett: 7g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 20g
- Faser: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterin: 20mg
Keywords: xmas cookies, holiday cookies, christmas baking
