Ah, the joy of baking during the holidays! There’s something magical about filling your home with delicious aromas, especially when it comes to making *Pillsbury Christmas cookies*. These delightful little treats are perfect for spreading holiday cheer, whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply indulging in a sweet moment with family. Using Pillsbury cookie dough takes away the fuss of measuring and mixing, letting you focus on what really matters—creating memories in the kitchen! Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of pulling a tray of warm, golden cookies from the oven, ready to be enjoyed. So, let’s dive into this easy recipe that’s sure to become a holiday favorite!
Ingredients List
- 1 package Pillsbury Christmas cookie dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
How to Prepare Pillsbury Christmas Cookies
Alright, let’s get those holiday vibes going and prepare to make some scrumptious *Pillsbury Christmas cookies*! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delightful batch ready in no time. Trust me; your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because a well-preheated oven ensures even baking, which means perfectly golden cookies every time! So go ahead and set that temperature while you get everything else ready.
Mixing the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your package of Pillsbury Christmas cookie dough with 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. I like to use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined and smooth. If you don’t have a mixer, a good old wooden spoon or spatula works just fine. Just make sure there are no lumps of flour hiding in there!
Shaping the Cookies
Now comes the fun part—shaping! Using your hands, roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space in between each ball because they’ll spread a little while baking. You can also get creative here—if you want to flatten them slightly, go for it! Just remember, they’ll puff up a bit as they bake.
Baking Time
Pop those trays in your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges start to turn golden brown, but the centers might look a bit soft—that’s perfect! They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little underbaked. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. And there you go—delicious Pillsbury Christmas cookies ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Festive and colorful, adding a cheerful touch to any gathering.
- Perfectly portioned, so you can share or keep them all to yourself (no judgment here!).
- Customizable! Add your favorite icing, sprinkles, or even chocolate chips for a personal twist.
- Deliciously soft and chewy, making every bite a delightful treat.
- Great for baking with kids—easy enough for them to help and design their own cookies.
- Perfect for holiday gift-giving; wrap them up and spread the joy!
Tips for Success with Pillsbury Christmas Cookies
Now that you’re all set to make those delightful *Pillsbury Christmas cookies*, let me share some pro tips that’ll take your cookie game to the next level!
- Chill the Dough: If you have a little extra time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can really help with consistency and prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. Just pop it in the fridge, and you’ll notice a firmer dough that’s easier to handle.
- Experiment with Decorations: Get creative with toppings! You can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies, sprinkle them with festive colored sugar, or even add a dollop of frosting. Trust me, a little decoration can transform your cookies into holiday masterpieces!
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. You want those edges golden brown while the centers remain soft. They really do continue to set as they cool, so pulling them out just before they look fully baked is key to that chewy texture we all love.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only helps with easy cleanup but also prevents the cookies from sticking, ensuring they come off the tray perfectly.
- Try Different Shapes: Feel free to use cookie cutters for fun shapes! Just roll out the dough to your desired thickness, cut out your favorite holiday shapes, and bake. Your friends and family will love the creativity!
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze them for a month—just make sure they’re well wrapped!
With these tips, you’re well on your way to creating the most amazing *Pillsbury Christmas cookies* this holiday season. Enjoy every moment in the kitchen and have fun sharing your delicious creations!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked your delightful *Pillsbury Christmas cookies*, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and delicious! To store any leftovers (if there are any—let’s be real!), simply place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them soft and chewy for up to a week. I like to layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent them from sticking together. It’s a little extra step, but totally worth it!
If you’re looking to keep them longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Just make sure to wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last for about a month in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just take out the desired number of cookies and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. No need to reheat if you love them chilled, but if you prefer them warm and gooey, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Wow, they’ll taste just as heavenly as when they were first baked!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your *Pillsbury Christmas cookies* long after they come out of the oven. Happy baking and snacking!
Nutritional Information
When you indulge in these delightful *Pillsbury Christmas cookies*, it’s good to know what you’re treating yourself to! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per cookie, but keep in mind these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Calories: 100
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fiber: 0g
So as you bake and share these cookies, you can enjoy them even more knowing what’s in each delightful bite! Happy baking and munching!
FAQ Section
Can I freeze Pillsbury Christmas cookies?
Absolutely! Freezing is a great way to preserve your delicious *Pillsbury Christmas cookies*. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. They can last for about a month in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them warm!
How can I customize the flavors?
Oh, customizing these cookies is half the fun! You can mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits like cranberries for a festive twist. Want to spice things up? Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. You can also experiment with different extracts like almond or peppermint to give your cookies a unique flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!
What if I don’t have butter?
No worries if you find yourself without butter! You can substitute it with an equal amount of margarine or even coconut oil if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just make sure whichever substitute you use is softened, just like the butter would be. Your *Pillsbury Christmas cookies* will still turn out delicious!
Can I use store-bought icing for decorating?
Definitely! Store-bought icing is a fantastic way to save time when decorating your cookies. Just grab your favorite flavor and go wild with creativity! You can even use colored sprinkles or edible glitter to make them extra festive. Trust me, it’s all about having fun and making those cookies look as good as they taste!
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The key to perfect cookies is watching for that golden edge! Your *Pillsbury Christmas cookies* should be golden brown around the edges but still a bit soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool, so don’t stress if they seem slightly underbaked when you take them out. That’s what gives them that delicious chewy texture!
Pillsbury Christmas Cookies for 5 Festive Moments of Joy
- Gesamtzeit: 27 minutes
- Ertrag: 24 cookies 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Delicious Pillsbury Christmas cookies perfect for holiday celebrations.
Zutaten
- 1 package Pillsbury Christmas cookie dough
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the cookie dough with flour, sugar, butter, egg, and vanilla.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Let them cool before serving.
Notes
- Chill the dough for better consistency.
- Decorate with icing or sprinkles if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 12 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cookie
- Kalorien: 100
- Zucker: 6g
- Natrium: 50mg
- Fett: 4g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 2g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 15g
- Faser: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterin: 10mg
Keywords: Pillsbury Christmas cookies
