The holidays are the perfect time to fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of freshly baked cookies. Whether you’re hosting a cookie exchange, gifting homemade treats, or simply indulging in the season’s magic, these 4 cookie recipes and tips are sure to make your holidays brighter.!
1. Classic Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla.
- Gradually blend in dry ingredients. Roll dough into balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes.
Pro Tip: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
2. Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and baking soda in a bowl.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar, then add molasses and egg.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
- Roll into balls, coat in sugar, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Pro Tip: Roll the dough in coarse sugar before baking for a sparkling finish.
3. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions:
- Mix cocoa powder, sugar, and oil in a bowl. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to wet ingredients.
- Chill dough for at least 2 hours.
- Roll into balls, coat with powdered sugar, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
Pro Tip: Chill the dough for at least 2 hours to ensure defined crinkles.
4. Double Chocolate Mint Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Crushed peppermint candies for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and peppermint extract.
- Mix in dry ingredients and stir in chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet, sprinkle with crushed candies, and bake for 8-10 minutes.
Pro Tip: Top the cookies with crushed peppermint candies for added crunch and color.
7 Ways to Make Your Holiday Cookies Stand Out:
- Use Seasonal Flavors: Incorporate spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, or use seasonal ingredients like cranberries and peppermint.
- Get Creative with Decorations: Royal icing, edible glitter, and colored sugar can transform simple cookies into stunning creations.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Offer gluten-free, vegan, or low-sugar options to cater to everyone on your holiday list.
- Package Beautifully: Use holiday-themed tins, mason jars, or cellophane bags with ribbons to make your cookies gift-worthy.
- Add a Personal Touch: Include hand-written recipe cards or notes with each batch of cookies.
- Experiment with Shapes: Use cookie cutters in holiday shapes like trees, stars, and snowflakes for extra charm.
- Make It a Family Affair: Turn baking into a holiday tradition by involving kids and loved ones in the kitchen.
This holiday season, let your cookie tray shine with these irresistible recipes and creative tips. Whether you stick to the classics or try something new, your efforts are sure to spread joy and cheer. Happy baking!