There’s something magical about baking Christmas cookies during the holiday season. The smell of butter and vanilla filling the kitchen, the sound of sprinkles rattling in a jar, and the joy of decorating with loved ones all come together in this timeless tradition. Across cultures, cookies symbolize sharing, warmth, and celebration. From festive shapes like stars, candy canes, and snowflakes to vibrant icing in red, green, and white, Christmas cookies bring holiday cheer to every table. Whether you’re baking with kids or preparing a tray for a holiday party, this recipe is fun, festive, and oh-so-delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Fun and festive – Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or cozy decorating nights.
- Beginner-friendly – Simple ingredients and easy steps, ideal for home bakers of all levels.
- Customizable – Shape them into trees, snowflakes, or stars, and decorate with colorful icing.
- Great for gifting – These cookies package beautifully in holiday tins or jars.
- Make-ahead friendly – Dough can be chilled or frozen, so you’re always ready for last-minute baking.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Christmas Cookies
- Flour – Provides structure to the cookies and helps them hold their festive shapes.
- Butter – Adds rich flavor and ensures a soft yet slightly crisp texture.
- Sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps with that classic golden-brown finish.
- Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and give the cookies a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract – Infuses a warm, sweet aroma that enhances the holiday flavor.
- Royal icing (powdered sugar, meringue powder, water) – Creates a smooth, colorful surface for decorating.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Christmas Cookies
- Prepare the dough – Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Gradually add flour until a smooth dough forms.
- Chill the dough – Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the cookies keep their shape.
- Roll and cut – On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to shape.
- Bake – Transfer cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
- Decorate – Prepare royal icing in red, green, and white. Pipe designs onto cooled cookies and let them set before serving.
Expert Tip: For crisp edges, avoid over-mixing the dough and be sure it’s well-chilled before rolling.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Flavor twist – Add almond extract, orange zest, or cinnamon for a festive touch.
- Colorful icing – Mix in gel food coloring for vibrant, holiday-themed designs.
- Gluten-free option – Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Make it chewy – For softer cookies, reduce baking time slightly.
- Decorating fun – Sprinkle with edible glitter, pearls, or crushed candy canes.
How to Store & Reheat
- Room temperature: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Undecorated cookies can be frozen for 2–3 months; thaw before icing.
- Reheat: For a just-baked feel, warm undecorated cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–4 minutes.
Similar Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed making these festive Christmas cookies, you’ll love trying out a few more classic treats. For a quick and easy option, these No-Bake Cookies are perfect when you want something sweet without turning on the oven. If you’re in the mood for a traditional favorite, this Sugar Cookie Recipe is a must-have for any baker’s collection. And for peanut butter lovers, these soft and chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are sure to become a family favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Q: How do I keep my Christmas cookies from spreading?
Be sure to chill the dough before baking and avoid over-softening the butter.
Q: Can I use store-bought icing?
Absolutely. While royal icing gives the best finish, you can use pre-made frosting for quicker decorating.
Q: How long does it take for icing to dry?
Royal icing usually sets within 4–6 hours, or overnight for best results.
Baking Christmas cookies is more than just making a treat – it’s creating memories, traditions, and moments of joy. With simple ingredients and endless decorating possibilities, these cookies will quickly become a holiday favorite in your home. Gather your family, put on some holiday music, and start baking – your festive masterpiece awaits!
Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract optional
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- Royal icing: 4 cups powdered sugar 3 tbsp meringue powder, 6 tbsp water, food coloring
Instructions
- In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually mix into wet ingredients.
- Chill dough for 1 hour.
- Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness, cut with holiday cookie cutters.
- Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or until edges are light golden.
- Cool completely before decorating.
- Prepare royal icing: beat powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth. Tint with food coloring.
- Pipe and flood cookies with icing. Let set before serving.