Ah, the magic of holiday baking! There’s just something so cozy about filling your kitchen with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies. These *simple Christmas cookies* are an absolute joy to make, and trust me, they’re perfect for anyone, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey. I remember making these with my family every December, rolling the dough into little balls and sprinkling powdered sugar like it was snow! It’s become a cherished tradition that always brings a smile to my face. They’re not just cookies; they’re little bites of holiday cheer that spark warm memories and laughter. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this festive baking adventure together!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of our cookies, providing the structure and texture. Make sure to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetener not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the cookies’ lovely golden edges. You can use regular white sugar for this recipe.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened: Use unsalted butter for the best flavor. Let it sit at room temperature until it’s soft enough to cream with the sugar. This is key for a light, fluffy dough!
- 1 egg: A large egg adds moisture and richness to the cookies. Make sure it’s at room temperature for even mixing.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a warm, inviting flavor to your cookies. Use pure vanilla extract if you can—it really makes a difference!
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This is our leavening agent, helping the cookies rise just enough for that perfect texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors in the cookies. It’s a small but mighty ingredient!
- Powdered sugar for dusting: This is optional but highly recommended for that classic snowy finish. Just sprinkle it on top once the cookies have cooled!
How to Prepare Instructions
Step-by-Step Baking Process
Alright, let’s get those cookies baking! First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a hot oven ensures your cookies rise beautifully! While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together your softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s nice and smooth. This will take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or a wooden spoon—just keep mixing until it’s fluffy!
Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined. Now, in another bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This is where we keep things organized! Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. I like to do this in batches—just add a little flour at a time and mix until it’s all combined. Don’t overmix, though—just until the dough comes together!
Now comes the fun part! Roll the dough into small balls, about one inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave some space between them for spreading. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Once they’re out, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Finally, dust with powdered sugar once they’re cool, and voilà! Your *simple Christmas cookies* are ready to spread joy and sweetness!
Nutritional Information
Before you dive into enjoying these delightful treats, it’s always good to have a sense of the nutritional values. Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a typical breakdown for one of my *simple Christmas cookies*:
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 1g
Enjoy these cookies in moderation, and let the festive flavors melt in your mouth! Happy baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation, perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Simple steps make it a great recipe for bakers of any skill level.
- Delightfully soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.
- Customizable with fun add-ins like sprinkles or chocolate chips for a festive twist!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *simple Christmas cookies* turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips I swear by! First, keep an eye on your baking time; every oven is a little different, so check the cookies starting at 10 minutes. You want them just golden at the edges but still soft in the center. If you prefer a crunchier cookie, leave them in for an extra minute or two.
As for storage, make sure to keep your cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They can last up to a week, but I doubt they’ll stick around that long! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them—just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Happy baking!
Variations
Ready to get a little creative with your *simple Christmas cookies*? There are so many fun ways to mix it up! Here are some ideas that’ll make your holiday baking even more exciting:
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a classic twist. Who can resist that melty goodness?
- Nutty Flavor: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch. They add a lovely texture and a warm, nutty flavor!
- Festive Sprinkles: Mix in colorful holiday sprinkles into the dough for a fun and festive look! Perfect to get the kids involved in the baking process.
- Spiced Up Cookies: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture for a cozy, spiced flavor that screams holiday cheer!
- Citrus Zest: Brighten up your cookies by adding a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough. It gives a refreshing twist that pairs beautifully with the sweetness!
Feel free to combine a few of these ideas or come up with your own! The beauty of baking is that you can truly make it your own. Enjoy experimenting and happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *simple Christmas cookies* fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for up to a week, but I bet they won’t last that long! If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and pop them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll be good for about 2 months!
If you prefer to enjoy them warm, no problem! Just pop a couple in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to heat them up. They’ll be soft and delightful, just like when they first came out of the oven. Enjoy every sweet bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier twist, but keep in mind that it may result in a denser cookie. If you want to maintain a lighter texture, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can easily make these *simple Christmas cookies* gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for that perfect texture!
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used in place of butter, but I always recommend using unsalted butter for the best flavor. If you decide to go with margarine, check the consistency, as some brands can be softer than butter.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for dusting?
No worries! If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can skip the dusting or use granulated sugar instead for a slightly different look. The cookies will still be delicious!
Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Definitely! Adding a few drops of food coloring to the dough is a fun way to personalize your cookies for the holidays. Just mix it in well until you achieve your desired color. Enjoy getting creative!
Simple Christmas Cookies: 7 Steps to Sweet Joy
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These simple Christmas cookies are easy to make and perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix well.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Let cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Feel free to add sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Adjust baking time for softer or crunchier cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: simple christmas cookies, holiday cookies, easy cookie recipe
