Oh, there’s just something magical about Christmas baking for kids! The smell of warm cookies wafting through the house, laughter echoing in the kitchen, and the excitement of decorating those sweet treats together—it’s pure joy! I remember my childhood, covered in flour, with my mom guiding me through the steps, and I want you to experience that same delight with your little ones. This recipe for Christmas cookies is not only easy to whip up but also a fantastic way to bond and create lasting memories. Trust me, when you see those smiling faces covered in sprinkles, you’ll know it’s all worth it!
Ingredients for Christmas Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Decorative sprinkles for topping
These ingredients are simple and straightforward, making them perfect for little hands to help with! Just a quick tip: make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing, and don’t forget to have fun picking out your favorite sprinkles for decorating! Enjoy the process as much as the cookies themselves!
How to Prepare Christmas Cookies
Prepping the Dough
Alright, let’s get started on this delicious adventure! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this is where the magic begins! I like to use a hand mixer for this part, but if you don’t have one, a good ol’ wooden spoon works just fine. Next, add in that lovely egg and pure vanilla extract, mixing until everything is blended smoothly. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, gradually add those dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Keep mixing until you’ve got a nice, cohesive dough. It should be soft but not too sticky. Yay, we’re almost there!
Shaping the Cookies
Now comes the fun part—shaping those cookies! Grab a small amount of dough and roll it into little balls, about the size of a tablespoon. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them. If you’re feeling extra festive, use cookie cutters to create fun shapes! Just lightly flour the surface before rolling out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. After that, let the kids sprinkle their favorite decorations on top—this is where their creativity shines! Don’t hold back; the more sprinkles, the merrier!
Baking the Cookies
It’s baking time! Pop your cookie sheet into the oven and set the timer for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. When they’re done, take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Oh, the smell in your kitchen will be heavenly! Once they’re cool, it’s time to dig in and enjoy those scrumptious creations together!
Tips for Success
To make your Christmas cookie baking experience even more enjoyable, here are some of my favorite tips! First, always measure your ingredients accurately for the best results—too much flour can lead to tough cookies. I recommend letting the kids help with measuring; it’s a great way to teach them about baking! Also, when rolling out the dough, make sure to keep a light dusting of flour on your surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. If you find the dough is too soft to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes to firm up before shaping. And don’t forget to celebrate the little victories—let the kids taste-test the dough (just remind them about the raw egg!). With these tips, you’ll create not just delicious cookies but also wonderful memories! Enjoy the chaos!
Nutritional Information
Each cookie is a delightful treat, packed with flavor! Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values per cookie:
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they’ll help you keep track of the deliciousness you’re indulging in while baking with your kids!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Christmas cookie recipe is a total winner for both you and your little bakers! Here’s why I think you’ll adore it:
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Simple ingredients that kids can help measure and mix.
- Fun decorating opportunities, letting kids express their creativity.
- Deliciously soft and chewy cookies that everyone will love.
- Great for making memories together in the kitchen.
With all these perks, this recipe is bound to become a cherished holiday tradition in your home!
FAQ About Christmas Baking for Kids
Got questions about Christmas baking for kids? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up:
Can my kids help with measuring ingredients?
Absolutely! It’s a fun way for them to learn about baking. Just make sure they’re supervised, especially with things like sugar and flour to avoid spills!
What if my dough is too sticky?
No worries! If your dough feels too sticky to roll, just sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface and your hands. You can also chill the dough in the fridge for about 15 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Can we substitute the butter with something else?
Sure! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Just keep in mind that it might slightly change the flavor and texture!
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can we add chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Adding chocolate chips or nuts is a fantastic idea to make the cookies even more delicious. Just fold them in gently before rolling out the dough. Enjoy the creative process!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked these delightful cookies, you’ll want to store them properly to keep them fresh! Simply place your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay yummy for up to a week. If you find yourself with a big batch and want to save some for later, you can freeze them! Just layer the cookies with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and they’ll keep for about two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw at room temperature. No need to reheat; they’re just as delicious cold! Happy snacking!
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Christmas Baking for Kids: 5 Magical Moments to Share
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fun and easy recipe for Christmas cookies that kids can help make.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Decorative sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- 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 ingredients.
- Mix until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Press down slightly and add decorative sprinkles on top.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use cookie cutters for fun shapes.
- Allow kids to decorate cookies with icing.
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: christmas baking for kids
