There’s just something magical about the holiday season, and for me, that magic absolutely involves baking homemade Christmas cookies! The aroma of fresh cookies wafting through the house is enough to make anyone feel cozy and festive. I love gathering my family in the kitchen, rolling out dough, cutting out shapes, and then decorating them with sprinkles and icing. It’s a tradition that warms my heart and fills my home with laughter and joy. Trust me, once you start making these delicious homemade Christmas cookies, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one! They’re perfect for sharing with friends, leaving out for Santa, or simply indulging in with a cup of hot cocoa. So, let’s get baking and create some sweet memories together!
Ingredients for Homemade Christmas Cookies
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming!)
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg (large is best for this recipe)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon almond extract (this adds a lovely depth of flavor)
- 2 1/2 cups chocolate chips (feel free to use semisweet or milk chocolate, depending on your preference!)
How to Prepare Homemade Christmas Cookies
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. While the oven is heating up, you can jump right into the next steps!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Just whisk them together until they’re evenly mixed. This will help your cookies rise and give them that delightful fluffy texture!
Cream Butter and Sugar
Now, grab another bowl and cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar. You’ll want to mix until it’s smooth and creamy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Trust me, this step is where the magic starts to happen!
Add Egg and Extracts
Next, beat in 1 large egg, along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 3/4 teaspoon of almond extract. The combination of these extracts adds such a lovely flavor—it’s like a warm hug in cookie form!
Combine Mixtures
Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. I like to do this in batches, stirring just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix! Just a gentle fold, and you’re good to go.
Stir in Chocolate Chips
Now comes the best part: fold in a whopping 2 1/2 cups of chocolate chips! I can hardly contain my excitement here. Make sure every bite will be chocolatey goodness!
Bake the Cookies
Using a teaspoon, drop dollops of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, leaving some space between them. Bake these beauties for about 8 to 10 minutes until they’re golden. You’ll know they’re ready when the kitchen starts to smell heavenly!
Cool on Wire Racks
Once baked, let the cookies cool on wire racks for a few minutes before transferring them. This helps them set and ensures they’re soft and chewy. Just try to resist the urge to eat them all right away!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, these homemade Christmas cookies come together in a snap, leaving you with more time to enjoy the festivities!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery goodness, vanilla, and almond extracts creates a flavor that’s simply irresistible. Plus, the chocolate chips add a rich, melty surprise in every bite!
- Festive Appeal: These cookies are not only tasty but also perfect for holiday gatherings. They look beautiful on any dessert table, especially when you use fun cookie cutters or festive sprinkles!
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins—think nuts, dried fruit, or even different types of chocolate. The options are endless!
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re bringing them to a holiday party, gifting them to friends, or leaving them out for Santa, these cookies are sure to spread cheer and joy.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to bake these delightful homemade Christmas cookies, let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This helps them mix together smoothly, creating a better texture in your cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies! We want them soft and chewy, not like a rock!
- Chill the Dough: If you have the time, chill your cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This not only helps the cookies hold their shape but also enhances the flavors!
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to play around with different mix-ins! You can use white chocolate chips, toffee bits, or even some chopped nuts for added crunch. It’s a fun way to make the recipe your own!
- Storage Tips: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them! Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper and pop them in a freezer bag.
- Make Them Festive: Use festive cookie cutters to create fun shapes, or decorate them with icing and sprinkles for that extra holiday cheer. Trust me, they taste even better when they look this cute!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re sure to impress your family and friends with your homemade Christmas cookies. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying these delicious homemade Christmas cookies, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Keep in mind that the following nutritional values are estimates, but they’ll give you a nice idea of what’s in each cookie. Here’s the breakdown:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
So, while these cookies are a bit of a treat, they’re also perfect for sharing (or indulging in a couple yourself!). Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to make some magical memories while you’re at it!
FAQ Section
Can I freeze homemade Christmas cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze really well. Just let them cool completely, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to three months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature.
What’s the best way to store homemade Christmas cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’ve decorated them with frosting, it’s a good idea to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They should stay delicious for about a week!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but I recommend using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for the best texture. Whole wheat can make the cookies a bit denser, but they’ll still taste great!
How can I make my cookies softer?
If you prefer softer cookies, try not to bake them for too long. Pull them out of the oven just as they turn golden around the edges, and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Also, chilling the dough beforehand can help achieve that soft texture!
What can I substitute for the almond extract?
If you’re not a fan of almond extract or just don’t have any on hand, you can leave it out entirely or substitute it with an extra splash of vanilla extract. You could also try using coconut extract for a fun twist!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to bake these homemade Christmas cookies as I am! There’s nothing quite like the joy that comes from creating something delicious and sharing it with loved ones. I’d love to hear how your cookies turn out! Do you have a special twist you added or a fun story about your baking adventures? Please share your experiences or any variations you tried in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other to make this holiday season even sweeter!
Print
Homemade Christmas Cookies: 5 Steps to Heartwarming Bliss
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious homemade Christmas cookies perfect for the holiday season.
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
- 3/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups chocolate chips
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.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden.
- Let cool on wire racks.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use festive cookie cutters for fun shapes.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate chips.
- 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: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: homemade christmas cookies
