Christmas Ornament Cookies: 7 Sweet Moments to Cherish

Name: Christmas Ornament Cookies: 7 Sweet Moments to Cherish
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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 to 4 tablespoons buttermilk; Colored icing for decoration; Sprinkles and edible glitter

November 18, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s just something magical about baking festive cookies during the holiday season, isn’t there? The smell of warm dough wafting through the house, the excitement of decorating each cookie, and the joy of sharing them with loved ones—it’s pure bliss! My favorite holiday tradition is gathering in the kitchen with my family, rolling out dough and cutting out these adorable Christmas ornament cookies. Trust me, they’re not just beautiful; they taste incredible too! With each sprinkle and swirl of icing, we’re not just making cookies; we’re creating sweet memories that last a lifetime. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!

Ingredients for Christmas Ornament Cookies

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making these delightful cookies! Here’s what you’ll need:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of your cookie dough, so make sure it’s fresh for the best results!
1 teaspoon baking soda – This helps your cookies rise and gives them that perfect texture.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Another leavener to ensure your cookies are light and fluffy.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Let it sit out for a while so it blends easily into the dough. Trust me, room temperature butter makes all the difference!
1 1/2 cups white sugar – This adds sweetness and a lovely crispness to the edges.
1 egg – A binder that brings everything together beautifully.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For that warm, comforting flavor that’s oh-so-holiday!
1/2 teaspoon almond extract – A little hint of almond makes these cookies truly special.
3 to 4 tablespoons buttermilk – This helps to soften the dough and keep your cookies moist.
Colored icing for decoration – Get creative! You can use store-bought or whip up your own.
Sprinkles and edible glitter – Because what’s a Christmas cookie without a little sparkle?

Make sure you have all these ingredients ready, and let’s get baking! You’re going to love the results.

How to Prepare Christmas Ornament Cookies

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s get that holiday magic going! Here’s how to prepare these delightful Christmas ornament cookies step-by-step.

Prepping Your Ingredients

First things first, let’s get organized! Start by measuring out all your dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, and baking powder—and whisk them together in a bowl, so they’re evenly combined. This little step ensures that your cookies will rise beautifully and have a consistent texture. Next, let’s set out that softened butter, sugar, egg, and extracts. Trust me, having everything ready to go makes the mixing process a breeze!

Mixing the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes—don’t rush it! Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is well blended. Now, gradually add in your dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. It’ll start to come together nicely! If the dough feels a bit stiff, add 3 to 4 tablespoons of buttermilk, mixing until you have a soft but manageable dough.

Rolling and Cutting the Cookies

Now for the fun part! Flour your countertop and roll out your dough to about 1/4 inch thick. I love using a rolling pin for this, but if you don’t have one, a wine bottle works great too! Use your ornament-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the cookies. Space them a little apart on your ungreased baking sheets; they don’t spread much, but it’s always good to give them a little room!

Baking the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and pop those cookies in for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until they’re just turning golden on the edges. Keep an eye on them, as you want them to be firm but not overbaked. Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is crucial—if you decorate them too soon, the icing will melt right off!

Decorating Your Cookies

Once your cookies are completely cool, it’s time to unleash your inner artist! Grab your colored icing and get creative—pipe on designs, draw faces, or even create festive patterns. And of course, don’t forget the sprinkles and edible glitter! A little sparkle makes everything better, right? Allow the icing to set for a bit, and then get ready to enjoy your beautiful Christmas ornament cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a fun and festive activity perfect for all ages—get the kids involved!
These cookies are quick to whip up, taking only about 40 minutes from start to finish.
They’re customizable! You can decorate them however you like, making each batch uniquely yours.
Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of cocoa.
They bring the joy of the holiday season right into your kitchen with their delightful shapes and colors.
These cookies taste as good as they look—soft, buttery, and sweet with a hint of almond!
They make a lovely homemade gift for friends and family—who doesn’t love a box of festive cookies?

Tips for Success

Getting the perfect Christmas ornament cookies is all about a few key tips that I’ve learned over the years. Here’s how to make sure your cookies turn out amazing every time!

Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft while rolling, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, keeping those lovely shapes intact!
Use Parchment Paper: If you want an easy cleanup, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. It also helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they’re in the oven. They should be just golden around the edges—if they’re too brown, they can turn out dry. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit as they cool!
Get Creative with Decorations: Don’t hold back! Use different colors of icing, various sprinkles, and edible glitter to make each cookie unique. It’s a great way to express your creativity and make the cookies truly festive!
Let Icing Set: After decorating, let your cookies sit at room temperature until the icing hardens. This way, you won’t smudge your beautiful designs when stacking or storing them.
Experiment with Flavors: If you want to switch things up, try adding different extracts like lemon or peppermint for a fun twist. Just a little change can elevate the flavor!
Store Wisely: Keep your cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you’re stacking them, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking up a storm this holiday season. Enjoy the process and have fun creating delicious memories with your loved ones!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve baked and decorated your beautiful Christmas ornament cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh for as long as possible! Here’s how to store them properly:

Airtight Container: Place your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help keep them soft and delicious for about a week. If you’re stacking them, make sure to put parchment paper between layers to avoid any sticking.
Freezing for Later: If you want to enjoy these festive treats even longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re completely cooled before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature.

If you prefer your cookies warm, you can easily reheat them! Just pop them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or until they’re slightly warmed through. But be careful—don’t overdo it, or they might get a bit chewy! Enjoy your delightful cookies whenever the craving strikes!

Nutritional Information

Wondering about the nutritional values of these delightful Christmas ornament cookies? Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per cookie. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements:

Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 75mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 2g

These cookies are a delicious treat, perfect for indulging during the festive season. Enjoy every bite, knowing that they’re made with love and a sprinkle of holiday cheer!

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of flour for these cookies?
Absolutely! While all-purpose flour gives the best texture, you can try using gluten-free flour blends if needed. Just be aware that the texture might vary a bit!

How can I make the icing for decorating?
You can make a simple icing by mixing powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla extract until you reach your desired consistency. For colored icing, add food coloring, and remember to adjust the amount of liquid to keep it smooth!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the dough a day or two in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a bit before rolling it out.

What’s the best way to store decorated cookies?
Store your decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’ve used a lot of icing, it’s best to layer them with parchment paper to avoid smudging those beautiful designs!

How long will these cookies stay fresh?
If stored properly in an airtight container, your Christmas ornament cookies can stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them!

"As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases."

You might also like it

Easy Sweet Potato Casserole: 5 Reasons You’ll Adore It

Mini Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecakes Recipe: 5 Sweet Delights

Thanksgiving Sweet Potato: 5 Ways to Create Comforting Joy

About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.