Oh, the magic of baking Christmas cookies with kids! There’s something truly special about rolling up our sleeves, flour flying everywhere, and the sweet aroma of buttery goodness filling the kitchen. This recipe is all about fun and creativity—perfect for little hands eager to help! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have delicious, festive cookies that not only taste amazing but also create lasting memories. Trust me, it’s the easiest way to spread holiday cheer, and I promise the smiles you’ll see will be worth every sprinkle! Let’s get started on this delightful adventure together!
Ingredients for Christmas Cookies Kids
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups decorative sprinkles (mix up the colors for extra fun!)
How to Prepare Christmas Cookies Kids
Now, let’s dive into making these delightful Christmas cookies! I promise, it’s super easy and so much fun—especially with the little ones helping out. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a batch of festive treats in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial because you want those cookies to bake perfectly! While the oven heats up, gather all your ingredients and let the fun begin.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents, ensuring your cookies rise just right. Set this bowl aside for now.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is where the magic happens! You can use a hand mixer or just a good old wooden spoon—whatever works for you.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. The smell at this point is heavenly—trust me, you’re going to want to taste it!
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients from the first bowl. Don’t rush this part! Mix just until you see no more flour, and your dough should come together nicely.
- Now, it’s time to get your hands a little messy! Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each ball because they’ll spread while baking!
- Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers, then let the kids go wild adding sprinkles on top. This is where they can truly express their creativity—more sprinkles equal more fun!
- Bake in your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. Keep a close eye on them—overbaking is a big no-no! Your kitchen will smell divine during this time.
- Once they’re done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This helps them set perfectly and keeps them from breaking apart.
And there you have it! Delicious, festive Christmas cookies ready to be enjoyed. Allow them to cool completely before diving in, and don’t be surprised if you find little hands sneaking a taste or two along the way!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Easy for kids to help with, making it a fun family activity.
- Festive appeal with colorful sprinkles that brighten up any holiday table.
- Delicious taste that everyone will love—soft, buttery, and oh-so-sweet!
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or just a cozy treat at home.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Christmas cookies turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got a few pro tips that will help you along the way! Trust me, these little secrets can make a big difference.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be just golden around the edges and still soft in the center when you take them out. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool!
- Chill the Dough: If your dough is too soft to roll into balls, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and helps them maintain their shape while baking.
- Mix Up the Sprinkles: Use a variety of sprinkles—think holiday colors, shapes, or even edible glitter! This not only makes the cookies look festive but also adds a fun surprise for everyone who bites in.
- Line Your Baking Sheet: Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat prevents sticking and helps with even baking. Plus, it makes cleanup a breeze!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to switch up the extracts! A bit of peppermint or orange zest can give your cookies a unique twist that’s perfect for the holidays.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set for cookie-baking success! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to have fun with your little helpers!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve made these delightful Christmas cookies, it’s time to think about how to serve them up! Trust me, the presentation can make them even more special. Here are some fun ideas to get you started:
- Classic Pairing: Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk. The creamy goodness complements the sweetness perfectly, and it’s a timeless treat that everyone loves!
- Gift Boxes: Arrange a few cookies in festive gift boxes or tins. They make lovely homemade gifts for neighbors, teachers, or anyone who could use a little holiday cheer.
- Cookie Platters: Create a stunning holiday cookie platter by mixing these cookies with other festive treats like gingerbread men, peppermint bark, or chocolate-covered pretzels. It’s a great way to impress your guests!
- Decorative Stacking: Stack the cookies on a pretty cake stand or plate, and garnish with some extra sprinkles around the base. It adds a pop of color and makes them look irresistible!
- Holiday Parties: Bring them along to holiday gatherings. Trust me, they’ll be a hit! Everyone loves a homemade treat, and it’s a great way to share the joy of baking with others.
Feel free to get creative with how you serve your Christmas cookies! The more festive you make it, the more fun everyone will have indulging in these sweet treats.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked and cooled your delicious Christmas cookies, you’ll want to store them properly to keep them fresh and tasty! Here’s how to do it:
- Airtight Container: Place your cookies in an airtight container. This will help them stay soft and prevent them from getting stale. I like to layer them between sheets of parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Room Temperature: Store your cookies at room temperature for up to a week. They’re perfect for grabbing a quick sweet treat throughout the day!
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re completely cooled first, then wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy those frozen cookies, just take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer them warm, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it; you want them warm, not hot!
With these simple storage tips, you can enjoy your festive cookies long after baking day. Happy munching!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the deliciousness of these Christmas cookies, it’s good to know a bit about their nutritional content! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a general breakdown for each cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1g
With these tasty treats, you’ll be indulging in a bit of holiday joy! Just remember to enjoy them in moderation, especially since they’re so easy to munch on. Happy baking and happy eating!
FAQ About Christmas Cookies Kids
Got questions about these delightful Christmas cookies? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up when we’re baking with little ones, along with my answers to help make your cookie-making experience even more fun and enjoyable.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can add a nice nutty flavor and make the cookies a bit healthier. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly denser, so it’s a good idea to start with half whole wheat and half all-purpose if you’re unsure.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
No worries at all! You can simply omit it or substitute it with more vanilla extract. If you want to get creative, a splash of peppermint extract can give a festive twist!
How can I make these cookies even more festive?
You can add holiday-themed sprinkles, or even mix in chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or nuts! Just remember to keep the overall ratio of dry to wet ingredients balanced.
What if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to roll into balls, it’s likely too warm. Just pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to help it firm up a bit. This makes it easier to handle when rolling!
Can I involve my kids in the baking process?
Absolutely! Kids can help with measuring, mixing, and, of course, decorating with sprinkles. Let them get creative with their designs—it’s a great way to make memories together!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can! Just wrap the cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling it into balls.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Keep an eye on them! They should be just golden around the edges but still a bit soft in the center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a little underbaked when you first take them out!
What’s the best way to store these 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 and enjoy them later. Just remember to let them cool completely before storing!
I hope these answers help you have the best time baking these Christmas cookies with your kids! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to savor the sweet moments along the way!
Print
Christmas Cookies Kids: 7 Steps to Holiday Joy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fun and easy recipe for Christmas cookies that kids can help make.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups decorative sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
- Roll the dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly and add sprinkles on top.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden.
- Cool on wire racks before serving.
Notes
- Make sure not to overbake the cookies.
- Use different colored sprinkles for a festive look.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: christmas cookies kids
