Holiday Cookie Recipes to Try
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Discover a delightful collection of holiday cookie recipes that will bring joy to your festive gatherings. From classic flavors to creative twists, these cookies are sure to impress.
These holiday cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones during the festive season. Each recipe is designed to bring warmth and cheer to your celebrations, making your holidays even more special.
Why You Will Love These Cookies
- Rich flavors that evoke the spirit of the holidays
- Variety of textures from chewy to crispy
- Easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins
Classic Holiday Flavors
The aroma of freshly baked cookies is one of the most cherished aspects of the holiday season. With a blend of warm spices and rich, buttery goodness, these cookies capture the essence of festive celebrations. Whether you are baking for a holiday party or simply indulging at home, these classic flavors will take you back to fond memories shared with friends and family.
From gingerbread cookies decorated with icing to soft sugar cookies sprinkled with colorful sugar, holiday baking is a tradition that brings people together. These recipes not only taste delicious but also create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home, making them perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Creative Twists on Tradition
While traditional cookies hold a special place in our hearts, adding a creative twist can elevate your holiday baking game. Imagine cookies infused with unexpected flavors like peppermint or orange zest, or those featuring unique textures such as crunchy nuts or chewy dried fruits. These variations keep your cookie platter exciting and allow you to showcase your culinary creativity.
Experimenting with different mix-ins is a fun way to personalize your cookies. For example, adding white chocolate chips and cranberries can give a festive touch, while a sprinkle of cinnamon will warm up the flavors. Don't hesitate to mix and match your favorite ingredients to create cookies that reflect your unique taste.
Perfect for Gifting
Homemade cookies make heartfelt gifts that show you care. Packaging them beautifully in festive tins or boxes adds a personal touch that store-bought treats can't match. Consider giving a batch of these cookies to neighbors, friends, or family as a thoughtful gesture during the holiday season.
Not only are these cookies delicious, but they also provide an opportunity to spread joy and kindness. Whether it's a simple thank-you or a gesture of goodwill, sharing your baked creations can brighten someone's day. Plus, the process of baking together with loved ones can create lasting memories.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Basic Cookie Dough
- 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, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Mix-Ins for Variety
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can start making your holiday cookies!
Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to create delicious cookies that everyone will love.
Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Add Mix-Ins
Fold in your choice of mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, and dried fruit. If using cinnamon, add it at this stage for extra flavor.
Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Once the cookies are cooled, enjoy them with family and friends!
Storage Tips for Your Cookies
To keep your holiday cookies fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential. Allow your cookies to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. This will help maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming soggy. For cookies with delicate toppings or frostings, consider layering them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
If you want to enjoy your cookies later, you can also freeze them. Place the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them initially, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can have a sweet treat ready whenever the craving strikes!
Baking with Kids
Baking cookies during the holiday season can be a wonderful family activity, especially when involving children. Kids love measuring ingredients, mixing dough, and decorating cookies with colorful sprinkles and icing. This hands-on experience teaches them valuable skills and fosters creativity in the kitchen.
Make it a fun event by setting up a cookie decorating station with various toppings and letting children create their own masterpieces. Not only will they enjoy the process, but they'll also feel a sense of pride when sharing their creations with family and friends.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies or the dough. Just make sure they are well wrapped.
→ How long do these cookies last?
They can last up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature.
→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
→ What other flavors can I add?
You can add peppermint extract, orange zest, or even swap out the chocolate chips for butterscotch chips!
Holiday Cookie Recipes to Try
Discover a delightful collection of holiday cookie recipes that will bring joy to your festive gatherings. From classic flavors to creative twists, these cookies are sure to impress.
Created by: Noelle Chambers
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
Basic Cookie Dough
- 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, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Mix-Ins for Variety
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
How-To Steps
In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing well.
Fold in your choice of mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, and dried fruit. If using cinnamon, add it at this stage for extra flavor.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g