There’s something truly magical about gifting homemade treats during the holiday season, and my Christmas cookies are always a favorite! I remember the first time I baked them with my grandmother, the kitchen filled with the warm, sweet aroma of butter and vanilla. It was a delightful mess of flour and laughter, and we’d pack them up in festive tins to share with neighbors. Trust me, these Christmas cookies gift beautifully, making anyone who receives them feel extra special. They’re not just cookies; they’re little bites of love that spread joy and cheer. So, let’s get started on creating these delicious cookies that are sure to bring smiles!
Ingredients for Christmas Cookies Gift
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these delightful Christmas cookies! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Make sure it’s spooned into the measuring cup for accuracy!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Let it sit at room temperature for about an hour to get that perfect creamy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetness is key here!
- 1 large egg – This adds richness and helps bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Trust me, this makes a huge difference in flavor!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – This will help your cookies puff up nicely.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness!
- 1 cup chocolate chips – Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate, whatever you prefer!
- 1/2 cup sprinkles – Go wild with colors; they’ll make your cookies festive!
That’s it! Simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Now, let’s get baking!
How to Prepare Christmas Cookies Gift
Now, let’s dive into the fun part – making these scrumptious Christmas cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delightful treats ready for gifting in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy – this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture looks pale and creamy. This step is so important because it incorporates air into the batter, giving your cookies that lovely texture.
Mixing in Wet Ingredients
Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is combined and smooth. You want to make sure there are no lumps – a good mix ensures that the flavors blend beautifully!
Preparing Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour, preventing any clumps from forming in your cookie dough.
Combining Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Do this in about three parts, mixing gently after each addition. You want to be careful not to overmix; just stir until you can’t see any more flour. This will keep your cookies tender!
Adding Chocolate Chips and Sprinkles
Time to fold in the chocolate chips and sprinkles! Use a spatula to gently mix them into the dough, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. The colorful sprinkles are what make these cookies so festive, so make sure they’re well incorporated!
Baking the Cookies
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread while baking. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
Cooling and Packaging
Once they’re done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they’re ready to be packaged up for gifts! I love using cute tins or clear bags tied with ribbons to make them extra special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Christmas cookies are not just delicious, they’re truly special! Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:
- Quick Preparation: With just a 20-minute prep time, you’ll have these cookies baking in no time, leaving you more moments to enjoy the holiday spirit.
- Delightful Flavors: The combination of buttery goodness, rich chocolate chips, and festive sprinkles makes every bite a joy!
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies look as good as they taste, making them an ideal homemade gift that shows you care.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in different sprinkles or add nuts for your own twist—there’s no wrong way to make them!
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen! This recipe is perfect for making memories while baking together.
- Batch-Friendly: You can easily double or triple the recipe to make enough cookies for everyone on your list!
Trust me, once you make these cookies, they’ll become a cherished holiday tradition in your home!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas cookies turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got some helpful tips that I swear by. These little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference!
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so it’s important to measure your ingredients correctly. Use a kitchen scale if you have one— it can help ensure consistent results.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend better and gives your cookies that perfect texture!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely don’t want that!
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft or sticky, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the recommended time. You want them to be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center.
- Experiment with Mix-ins: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch, or add a handful of nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
- Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you can resist, they’ll last longer that way!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to bake up a storm and impress everyone with your delicious Christmas cookies! Enjoy the process and have fun!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional values of these delightful Christmas cookies! Keep in mind, these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Here’s a breakdown per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
These cookies are definitely a treat, so enjoy them in moderation as part of your festive celebrations! Happy baking!
FAQ Section
I know you might have a few questions about these Christmas cookies, so let’s tackle some common ones together! I want to make sure you feel confident while baking up a storm!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cookies store beautifully. You can make them a few days in advance and keep them in an airtight container. Just let them cool completely before storing to keep them soft and fresh!
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them extra fresh, you can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They should stay delicious for about a week!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough! Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven without thawing—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
What variations can I try with this recipe?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can swap chocolate chips for white chocolate, butterscotch, or even peanut butter chips for a fun twist. Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or change up the sprinkles for different occasions. Get creative!
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
If you only have salted butter on hand, just reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to about 1/4 teaspoon. It’ll work just fine, and your cookies will still turn out delicious!
How do I know when the cookies are done?
You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown and the centers look soft but not raw. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little underbaked when you take them out!
Can I use gluten-free flour instead?
Yes, you can! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!
With these FAQs, I hope you feel more prepared to bake these delightful Christmas cookies! Remember, it’s all about having fun and enjoying the process. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked and cooled your scrumptious Christmas cookies, it’s all about how to keep them fresh and delicious! Here are my go-to tips for storing those delightful treats:
- Store in an Airtight Container: To keep your cookies soft and chewy, make sure to store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, just in time for you to enjoy them with a warm cup of cocoa!
- Layer with Parchment Paper: If you’re stacking your cookies, place a layer of parchment paper between them. This prevents them from sticking together and keeps their texture intact.
- Freeze for Longer Storage: If you want to make your cookies last even longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay tasty for up to 3 months!
- Reheating Cookies: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes. This will bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth and softness!
- Microwave Option: If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave a cookie for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you’ll end up with a rubbery treat!
With these storage and reheating tips, your Christmas cookies will remain a delightful gift that you can enjoy whenever the craving strikes. Happy munching!
Print
Christmas Cookies Gift: 7 Sweet Ways to Spread Joy
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas cookies perfect for gifting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
- Fold in chocolate chips and sprinkles.
- Drop dough by tablespoons onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Let cool before packaging for gifts.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use different sprinkles for variety.
- Try adding nuts for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: christmas cookies gift
