Get into the holiday spirit with these Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies! These delightful treats are perfect for decorating, sharing, or indulging during the festive season. With their vibrant colors and sweet flavors, they’re a wonderful addition to any holiday gathering or a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Even beginner bakers can whip up these cookies without a fuss.
- Customizable: Decorate your cookies with different icing and sprinkles for a personal touch.
- Perfect for Sharing: These cookies make great gifts, spreading joy to family and friends.
- Versatile Flavor: The combination of vanilla and almond extracts gives these cookies a rich taste that everyone will love.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Get the little ones involved in decorating—it’s a great family activity!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling racks
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon: Helps portion dough evenly for uniform baking.
- Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to baking sheets, making cleanup easier.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies:
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Decoration
- 1 cup red and green sprinkles (for decoration)
- Frosting (optional)
How to Make Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs one at a time. After that, stir in both the vanilla and almond extracts until fully mixed.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually blend in the dry ingredients you set aside earlier until just mixed. Do not overmix!
Step 6: Season it Up
Add the ground cinnamon to the cookie dough and mix until it’s evenly incorporated throughout.
Step 7: Scoop and Decorate
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Press some sprinkles onto each cookie’s top.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes or until golden around the edges. Allow them to cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Step 9: Frost if Desired
Once cooled completely, frost with your favorite icing if desired. You can add more sprinkles on top for an extra festive touch!
Enjoy!
These Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies are not just delicious; they bring joy wherever they go. Enjoy them during your holiday gatherings or give them as gifts!
How to Serve Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies
These delightful Christmas cookies are perfect for sharing during the holiday season. Whether at a party or as a thoughtful gift, serving them can be both fun and creative.
Cookie Platters
- Arrange an assortment of cookies on a decorative platter. Mix different shapes and colors for a vibrant display.
Gift Boxes
- Package cookies in festive boxes with ribbons. This makes for a charming homemade gift that friends and family will appreciate.
Cookie Decorating Station
- Set up a table with various toppings, icings, and sprinkles. Invite guests to decorate their cookies for a fun interactive experience.
Holiday Dessert Table
- Include these cookies as part of a larger dessert spread. Pair them with cakes, pies, and other festive treats for variety.
How to Perfect Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies
Perfecting your Christmas cookies can elevate them from good to great. Here are some tips to enhance your baking experience.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps control spreading during baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Adjust Baking Time: Every oven is different; keep an eye on your cookies and remove them when they’re golden around the edges.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or different extracts to make your cookies unique.
Best Side Dishes for Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies
These Christmas cookies pair well with various side dishes, making them even more enjoyable during your holiday celebrations.
- Hot Chocolate: A classic pairing that complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
- Eggnog: This creamy drink adds a festive flair to your cookie serving.
- Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
- Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses balances out the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
- Spiced Cider: Warm spiced cider enhances holiday vibes while being a cozy drink choice.
- Nuts and Dried Fruits: These provide a crunchy texture and healthy snacking option alongside sweet treats.
- Mini Pies: Bite-sized pies offer variety without overwhelming guests with too much sweetness.
- Savory Snacks: Consider adding crackers or cheese straws to create a balanced snack table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking these Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies can be fun, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons. This ensures the right texture and flavor.
- Skipping the chilling step: If your dough is too warm, cookies will spread too much. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for better shape.
- Overbaking your cookies: Keep an eye on the oven! Remove cookies when they are golden around the edges, not fully browned, to maintain softness.
- Ignoring the oven temperature: Always preheat your oven. An inaccurate temperature can lead to uneven baking.
- Not using parchment paper: This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. Always line your baking sheets.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep cookies fresh for up to 1 week.
- Layer cookies with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies
- Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
- Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm cookies for about 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I customize my Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies?
You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough. Feel free to mix different types of sprinkles for unique designs!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it. Just thaw and bake when you’re ready.
What type of frosting works best with these cookies?
A simple buttercream or cream cheese frosting pairs well. You can also use store-bought frosting for convenience.
Are these cookies kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love decorating these cookies with sprinkles and icing. It’s a fun activity during holiday gatherings!
How do I store leftover decorated cookies?
Store decorated cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh longer this way.
Final Thoughts
These Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies are perfect for any holiday celebration. They are not only delightful treats but also versatile enough to customize according to your taste. From adding various decorations to trying different flavors, there’s plenty of room for creativity. Try making them today and share joy with friends and family!
Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Get into the holiday spirit with these Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies! This delightful recipe is perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for a fun, creative way to celebrate the season. With vibrant colors and sweet flavors, these cookies not only bring festive cheer but also make wonderful gifts for friends and family. Customize them with various icings and sprinkles to add your personal touch, making each batch truly unique. Gather the kids for a fun decorating activity, and enjoy the delicious results at your holiday gatherings!
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Red and green sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Cream butter, white sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until smooth.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Scoop rounded dough onto prepared sheets; press sprinkles on top.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden around edges; cool on racks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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