The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a platter of stunning festive cookies? Whether you’re planning a gathering or simply want to spread some cheer, these delightful recipes are perfect for wowing your guests. Get your rolling pins ready; let’s create some delicious memories!
1. Classic Sugar Cookies
A timeless favorite that’s simple yet delightful!
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 to 4 tablespoons decorative sugar
Process:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a bowl.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and both extracts. Gradually add dry ingredients.
- Roll dough into balls, place on baking sheets, and flatten slightly. Add decorative sugar on top.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden.
Make it Unique:
Swap vanilla for peppermint extract for a minty twist!
2. Gingerbread Cookies
The perfect blend of cozy spices to warm your heart.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg
Process:
- In a bowl, mix flour, spices, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar. Add molasses and egg, then mix wet to dry.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour. Roll out and cut shapes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until firm.
Make it Unique:
Add a sprinkle of cayenne for a spicy surprise!
3. Peppermint Bark Cookies
A cookie that brings the flavors of holiday bark to the table!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine cocoa, flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter with both sugars, adding eggs one at a time. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
- Fold in white chocolate chips and half the peppermint candies. Drop spoonfuls onto lined sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, then sprinkle with remaining candies while warm.
Make it Unique:
Try using dark chocolate instead of white for a richer flavor!
4. Eggnog Cookies
Capture the essence of eggnog in a delightful cookie!
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- Cream butter and sugars until fluffy, then beat in eggs and vanilla. Gradually add dry mix.
- Drop dough onto baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar once cooled.
Make it Unique:
Add a splash of rum extract for that authentic eggnog taste!
5. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Rich cocoa crinkles that are as fun to make as they are to eat!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Powdered sugar for rolling
Process:
- In a bowl, mix cocoa, sugar, and oil. Add eggs and vanilla, stirring until combined.
- Sift in flour and baking powder, mixing until smooth. Chill dough for 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Shape dough into balls, roll in powdered sugar, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add chocolate chips for an extra burst of chocolate!
6. Cranberry Orange Cookies
The vibrant flavors of cranberry and orange bring cheer to any gathering!
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugars, adding egg, vanilla, and orange zest. Gradually add dry ingredients, then fold in cranberries.
- Scoop onto sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Incorporate chopped walnuts for extra texture!
7. Snowball Cookies
These melt-in-your-mouth treats are like little bites of winter wonderland.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream butter and powdered sugar, then stir in vanilla.
- Gradually add flour and nuts. Shape into small balls and place on baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Roll in powdered sugar while warm.
Make it Unique:
Use almond extract for a different flavor twist!
8. Molasses Cookies
Give your holiday table a taste of tradition with these spiced delights!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix flour, baking soda, and spices in a bowl.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar; add molasses and egg, then mix in the dry ingredients.
- Shape dough into balls, roll in sugar, and place on baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Swap sugar for brown sugar for richer flavor!
9. Coconut Macaroons
These chewy treats add a tropical twist to your cookie platter!
Ingredients:
- 2 2/3 cups shredded coconut
- 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Process:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, combine coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla.
- In another bowl, beat egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture. Drop spoonfuls onto a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
Make it Unique:
Drizzle with dark chocolate for a decadent touch!
10. Holiday Spiced Snickerdoodles
A classic cookie with a hearty spiced kick, perfect for any celebration!
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for rolling)
- 1/4 cup sugar (for rolling)
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, adding eggs one at a time. Slowly mix in dry ingredients.
- Roll into balls and coat in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place on baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth!
11. Raspberry Almond Cookies
Sweet and tart, these cookies are a perfect blend of flavors!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 cup raspberry jam
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix flour, baking powder, and set aside.
- Cream butter and powdered sugar, then stir in almond extract and gradually add flour.
- Form into balls and make an indentation, adding a teaspoon of raspberry jam.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Swap raspberry jam for chocolate hazelnut spread for a different twist!
12. Chocolate Chip Mint Cookies
A delightful twist on the classic flavor every cookie lover adores.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter with both sugars, adding eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extracts. Gradually mix in dry ingredients.
- Fold in chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls onto baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Try using white chocolate chips for a different flavor combo!
As the holiday season unfolds, these cookie recipes can add a touch of warmth and joy to your celebrations. Don’t hesitate to try them out, share with loved ones, and make this festive time even sweeter. Enjoy baking—and indulging!