Christmas Cookie Recipe

Name: Christmas Cookie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups white sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Icing; Colored sprinkles

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Get ready to fill your home with the warm, delightful aroma of freshly baked Christmas cookies! This classic recipe brings together soft, buttery dough and festive spices, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire. Decorate these treats with colorful icing and sprinkles for a joyful touch that captures the spirit of the season. A perfect activity for families and friends, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and sweet memories.

Created by

Lydia Barrett

Last updated on 2025-12-14T09:46:48.992Z

Christmas cookies have a special place in our hearts, filled with nostalgia and joy. Each bite takes us back to holiday traditions, reminding us of the love shared over festive treats.

The Joy of Baking Together

Baking Christmas cookies is more than just a culinary activity; it's a cherished tradition that brings families and friends together during the holiday season. Gather your loved ones in the kitchen, share stories, and create lasting memories while measuring, mixing, and decorating the dough. This shared experience fosters creativity and collaboration, making the process as delightful as the results.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice, this cookie recipe is straightforward and offers ample opportunity for everyone to participate. Kids can help with mixing the dough and decorating the finished cookies, while adults can manage the baking process. The laughter and joy that fill the kitchen add to the festive spirit, creating a special ambiance that you'll treasure long after the cookies are gone.

Customizable Fun

One of the best aspects of Christmas cookies is their versatility. While this recipe offers a delightful base of buttery goodness and warm spices, feel free to get creative with your decorations. Using different colored icing and sprinkles, you can tailor each cookie to reflect your personal style or holiday theme, making them visually stunning and uniquely yours.

Additionally, consider incorporating mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts into the dough for an even richer flavor profile. This flexibility allows you to experiment and find the perfect combination that suits your taste and those of your family and friends. The only limit is your imagination!

The Ultimate Holiday Treat

These Christmas cookies are not just delightful to eat, but they also make for wonderful gifts. Package a selection of beautifully decorated cookies in festive boxes or tins to share with neighbors, coworkers, or family members. It's a thoughtful gesture that spreads holiday cheer and showcases your baking talents, making others feel appreciated and loved during the season of giving.

Storing the cookies properly is important to maintain their freshness. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal taste, or freeze them for longer storage. This way, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor well into the New Year or pull out a batch whenever you need a sweet treat to brighten your day.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients for a delightful baking experience.

Dry Ingredients

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Decorations

Icing
Colored sprinkles

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your perfect Christmas cookies.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.

Scoop Cookies

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake

Bake in preheated oven for 12 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool on wire racks.

Decorate

Once cooled, decorate your cookies with icing and sprinkles as desired.

Enjoy your delicious Christmas cookies!

Baking Tips for Perfection

To ensure your Christmas cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow a few essential baking tips. First, make sure your butter is properly softened before creaming it with sugar; this creates a light, fluffy texture in the dough. Avoid microwaving butter to soften it, as this can lead to uneven melting and affect the final product.

When measuring flour, use the spoon-and-level method. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup without packing it down, then level it off with a knife. This prevents adding too much flour, which can result in dry and crumbly cookies rather than the desired soft and chewy texture.

Storing Your Cookies

Once your cookies are baked and decorated, proper storage is key to retaining their freshness. Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you plan to keep them for an extended period, consider freezing them. Simply freeze the unbaked dough or the fully baked cookies for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy homemade treats anytime.

For those who love variety, consider baking a few cookies, then freeze the remaining dough. This simple step allows you to whip up fresh cookies quickly for unexpected guests or last-minute celebrations without the need for a full baking session.

Pairing Suggestions

These Christmas cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of warm beverages. Consider serving them alongside a cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream or a classic spiced eggnog. The warm drinks enhance the festive flavors of the cookies, making for a cozy and inviting holiday experience.

For a twist, try pairing your cookies with a glass of mulled wine or a spiced chai latte. The rich spices in both the cookies and these beverages complement each other beautifully, creating a delightful contrast that elevates your holiday gatherings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

→ What should I do if the dough is too sticky?

You can add a little more flour until you achieve a workable dough consistency.