Traditional Christmas Cookies Recipe
There is something truly magical about baking a Traditional Christmas Cookies Recipe that instantly brings warmth and joy to the holiday season. These classic sugar cookies, with their buttery, tender crumb gently enhanced by a whisper of almond extract, are the perfect canvas for festive decorating. Whether you’re rolling out dough with little helpers or creating your own intricate icing designs, this recipe blends nostalgia with just the right splash of something new to make your Christmas celebrations even sweeter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Traditional Christmas Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s lending structure, flavor, or that perfect texture that melts in your mouth. Gather these wholesome basics to create cookies that smell like Christmas and taste like home.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation providing structure and that satisfying chew.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: A gentle lift to keep the cookies tender and light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and the classic buttery flavor everyone loves.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough, helping with browning and texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional but recommended): Elevates the traditional flavor with a subtle nutty note.
- For Royal Icing: 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons meringue powder or pasteurized egg whites, 4 tablespoons water, and optional food coloring for festive hues.
How to Make Traditional Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This dry mix ensures the right texture and prevents clumps later, setting the stage for tender cookies that hold their shape beautifully.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step’s crucial — it introduces air that makes the cookies tender and gives them that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Step 3: Add Egg and Flavorings
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is fully combined. The almond extract is a little secret that adds a gentle twist while keeping the flavor unmistakably traditional.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can toughen cookies, so gently is the way to go here.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling is a must for these Traditional Christmas Cookies Recipe—it firms up the dough, making it easier to roll and helping the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Get your oven ready at 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking. This ensures your cookies brown just right without sticking.
Step 7: Roll and Cut
Take one chilled dough disk at a time, roll it on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Pick your favorite festive cookie cutters and cut out shapes, then gently transfer them to your prepared sheets.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges show just a hint of golden brown. After removing from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Make and Decorate with Royal Icing
Whisk powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth to create your royal icing. Adjust the consistency if needed and divide into bowls to add different food colors. Use a piping bag or small spatula to decorate cooled cookies with your unique festive designs, letting the icing dry fully before stacking or storing.
How to Serve Traditional Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Add extra sparkle with edible glitter, colored sugar crystals, or tiny festive sprinkles atop your royal icing. These little touches bring your Traditional Christmas Cookies Recipe to life, making each bite as joyful as the season.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a mug of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream or a classic cup of spiced eggnog. The creamy, rich drinks balance out the sweet, buttery cookies for a perfectly cozy holiday treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your decorated cookies on a festive platter lined with holiday-themed napkins or in a clear jar tied with a ribbon for gift-giving. You can even create a cookie tree display by stacking star-shaped cookies of various sizes, adding an extra layer of fun and festivity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Undecorated cookies keep best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps retain their tender texture while keeping that classic flavor fresh for days after baking.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, these cookies freeze beautifully. Wrap dough disks tightly and freeze before rolling or freeze fully baked cookies in airtight containers for up to three months, making your holiday prep stress-free and enjoyable.
Reheating
For a just-baked warmth, pop cookies in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This revives their soft texture and buttery aroma to make each bite taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract if I don’t have it?
Absolutely! While almond extract adds a lovely subtle depth, you can omit it or substitute with an additional half teaspoon of vanilla extract for a classic flavor. The cookies will still turn out delicious and traditional.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling the dough is essential in this recipe. It helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and makes rolling out easier, leading to perfectly crisp edges and tender centers that define the best Traditional Christmas Cookies Recipe.
Can I use store-bought icing instead of making royal icing?
You can, but homemade royal icing gives you that perfect smooth finish and hard-drying texture which is ideal for detailed decorating. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up and lets you customize colors and consistencies.
How long do these cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for about one week at room temperature. Decorating them just a day or two before serving helps keep the icings looking their best.
Can children help with this recipe?
Definitely! Rolling dough, cutting shapes, and decorating are fun activities for kids and adults alike. It’s a fantastic way to create memories and get everyone into the festive spirit while making your Traditional Christmas Cookies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of creating and sharing a batch of these enchanting Traditional Christmas Cookies Recipe during the holidays. Each bite carries a little bit of nostalgia wrapped in the sweet scent of butter, vanilla, and a hint of almond. Gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and let these cookies bring warmth and smiles to your festive celebrations. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your new holiday tradition!
