Ah, the holiday season! There’s just something magical about it, isn’t there? The air is filled with the sweet scent of freshly baked goods, and everyone seems a bit more cheerful. Baking these *simple Christmas cookies* has become a cherished tradition for my family and me. I remember the first time I made them with my kids; we had flour everywhere, and laughter echoed through the kitchen as we tried to decorate our cookies. Trust me, the mess is totally worth it! These cookies are not just delicious; they also bring us together, filling our home with warmth and joy. So, gather your loved ones, preheat that oven, and let’s create some sweet memories this holiday season!
Ingredients List
- 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
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up! Preheating is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it do its thing while we mix up our dough. Trust me, this little step can make a big difference in the final result!
Cream the Butter and Sugar
Now, grab a mixing bowl and toss in that softened butter and granulated sugar. Using either a hand mixer or a good old-fashioned wooden spoon, cream them together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You want to get some air in there, so don’t skip this step! It’ll give your cookies that delightful texture we all love.
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next up, it’s time to add in the egg and vanilla extract. Crack that egg right in and pour in the vanilla. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You’ll see it start to come together beautifully, and the aroma of vanilla will fill your kitchen. Yum!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and ensures your cookies rise perfectly. It’s a simple step, but oh-so-important for the right texture!
Combine Mixtures
Now comes the fun part! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookies to stay tender and delicious!
Form Cookie Dough
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give them some space because they’ll spread a little while baking. I like to keep them about 2 inches apart, just to be safe!
Bake the Cookies
Pop those beauties in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Ooh, the smell will be heavenly! Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool on a wire rack. Patience is key here; let them cool so they can firm up and be ready for all that delicious decorating later!
Tips for Success
Here are my favorite tips to ensure your *simple Christmas cookies* turn out perfectly every time! First, make sure your butter is at room temperature. This helps it cream smoothly with the sugar, creating that light and fluffy texture we all love. If it’s too cold, you’ll end up with dense cookies—no thanks!
Also, when mixing, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely want them soft and tender. Just mix until the ingredients are combined, and you’ll be golden. And don’t forget to keep an eye on them while they bake. If you notice the edges turning golden, it’s time to take them out. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool! Happy baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—just 15 minutes of mixing and you’re ready to bake!
- Easy cleanup with just one bowl for the wet ingredients and another for the dry.
- Delightful flavors that blend buttery richness with a hint of vanilla.
- Perfect for decorating with icing, sprinkles, or your favorite toppings.
- Great for making memories with family or friends in the kitchen.
- Yields 24 cookies, making it easy to share or save for later!
- Kid-friendly recipe that’s simple enough for little hands to help.
Variations
One of the best things about these *simple Christmas cookies* is how easily you can customize them to suit your tastes! Here are a few fun ideas to switch things up:
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Fold in a cup of chocolate chips for a classic twist that everyone loves. You can even use dark, milk, or white chocolate chips depending on your preference!
- Nutty Delight: Add a half cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to give your cookies a lovely crunch and a rich, nutty flavor.
- Citrus Zing: Mix in the zest of an orange or lemon to brighten up the flavors. It adds a refreshing note that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
- Spiced Variation: Sprinkle in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy spice that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Extract Swap: Instead of vanilla extract, try using almond or peppermint extract for a different flavor profile. Just remember, a little goes a long way with these stronger extracts!
- Decorative Sprinkles: Before baking, top your dough with festive sprinkles for a pop of color and fun that makes them even more appealing!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas! The options are endless, and each batch can become a new holiday favorite. Happy experimenting!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values for each of these delightful *simple Christmas cookies*. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
These cookies are a sweet treat, perfect for holiday indulgence! Enjoy them in moderation as part of your festive celebrations!
FAQ Section
How should I store my *simple Christmas cookies*?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I decorate these cookies?
Absolutely! Decorating is one of the best parts of making these cookies. You can use royal icing, buttercream, or even just a simple dusting of powdered sugar. Add colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or festive candies on top for a fun holiday touch. Get creative and make them your own!
How can I make my cookies softer?
If you prefer a softer cookie, there are a few tricks! First, make sure not to overbake them; take them out of the oven when the edges are just golden. You can also add an extra tablespoon of butter or a splash of milk to the dough. This will help keep them moist and tender!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but keep in mind that it might change the texture slightly. For best results, try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour. This way, you’ll get a nice balance of flavor and texture!
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, don’t worry! You can simply sprinkle a little extra flour onto your work surface and knead it in until it’s manageable. Alternatively, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and help your cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Simple Christmas Cookies: 7 Sweet Ways to Create Joy
- Gesamtzeit: 27 minutes
- Ertrag: 24 cookies 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A simple recipe for delicious Christmas cookies.
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
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Cookies can be decorated with icing or sprinkles.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 12 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cookie
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 10g
- Natrium: 50mg
- Fett: 8g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 5g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 20g
- Faser: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterin: 20mg
Keywords: simple christmas cookies
